- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 21 June 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Wendy Alexander on 6 July 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive what policy it intends to operate towards providing official sites for travelling people in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland, whether it intends to provide grant assistance to establish such sites, and whether it intends to provide information as to the approximate number of unofficial sites in Scotland used by travelling people.
Answer
Since 1971, the Scottish Office has made grants available to enable local authorities to provide official sites for Travelling People. Councils, including Edinburgh, were advised early in 1997 that the grant scheme was being wound up, having been successful in providing over 30 local authority sites throughout Scotland. Councils had until the end of 1998 to apply for grant. Information on the number of privately owned and unauthorised sites is available from a twice-yearly count. Reference copies of "Travelling People in Scotland: Report on Seasonal Count", July 1998 and January 1999 have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.
- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 25 June 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 2 July 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh moves to Little France, more than doubling the distance from north and west Edinburgh and Leith.
Answer
The configuration of accident and emergency services in Edinburgh is a matter for Lothian Health Board. Ministers have received reassurances that the provision is appropriate. Accessibility of accident and emergency services will be an ongoing priority for Lothian Health Board.
- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 24 June 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 2 July 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh moves to Little France, more than doubling the distance from north and west Edinburgh and Leith.
Answer
The configuration of accident and emergency services in Edinburgh is a matter for Lothian Health Board. Ministers have received reassurances that the provision is appropriate. Accessibility of accident and emergency services will be an ongoing priority for Lothian Health Board.
- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 10 June 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 17 June 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoying an independent and fulfilled life.
Answer
The Government set up a Disability Rights Task Force in 1997 to report on how to secure comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. Their report is expected later this year. One of their early recommendations was to set up a Disability Rights Commission to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promote equality of opportunity and good practice, and to advise the Government on the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The proposal is for a Commission for Great Britain with an office in Scotland. A Bill is presently before Parliament at Westminster.
- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 08 June 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 16 June 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoying an independent and fulfilled life
Answer
The Government set up a Disability Rights Task Force in 1997 to report on how to secure comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. Their report is expected later this year. One of their early recommendations was to set up a Disability Rights Commission to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promote equality of opportunity and good practice, and to advise the Government on the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The proposal is for a Commission for Great Britain with an office in Scotland. A Bill is presently before Parliament at Westminster.
- Asked by: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 25 May 1999
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Current Status:
Answered by Donald Dewar on 9 June 1999
To ask the Scottish Executive how and when will the legislative programme be laid out.
Answer
I shall announce the Scottish Executive's legislative programme on Wednesday 16 June.
