SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Children's Diet (Fruit)
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage local authorities to provide free fruit to pre-school and primary school pupils, in line with the initiative recently introduced to a number of schools by Glasgow City Council. (S1O-2865)
The Executive's recent provision of resources from its £100 million health improvement fund to all health boards prioritises work with their local partners, including local authorities, to support the provision of fruit for infants in pre-school settings and fruit and salad bars and breakfast clubs in schools.
Will the minister join me in congratulating Glasgow City Council on the initiative, which follows a previous initiative to provide children with breakfast at 9 am, before the primary school day starts. If successful, the pilot scheme will be rolled out to approximately 60,500 primary and pre-school children in Glasgow. Will the minister say what proposals the Executive has to develop that kind of initiative in the rest of Scotland?
It is for health boards and local authorities in each area to determine how to use the resources in their area. One of the best aspects of the Glasgow initiative is that both health board and local authority resources are behind it. In St Cuthbert's Primary School in the member's constituency and in many schools throughout Scotland, a considerable difference is being made not just to children's health but to their educational attainment by breakfast clubs and other healthy eating initiatives, which are to be welcomed and encouraged throughout Scotland.
Will the minister join me in endorsing the SNP policy commitment to provide free fruit for every primary school child in Scotland?
I would be delighted if Ms Robison would occasionally praise the local authorities and health boards throughout Scotland that are already undertaking such initiatives. If the SNP could find a way to fund some of its promises, I would be happy to welcome it on board.
I congratulate the minister, local authorities and, particularly, the private sector on such pilot schemes with fruit. Will the minister agree that the humble Scotch pie should remain part of the nutritional balanced diet in Scottish schools, along with chips—which the SNP wants to ban.
Who ate all the pies, Brian?
Maybe Mr Monteith enjoys a pie on a Saturday afternoon at Easter Road. Although we can have some banter on the subject of pies, I stress that, in a country that has one of the worst health records in Europe and in which people's lifestyles must change, it is very important to encourage healthy eating among young people. They can enjoy traditional foods, but fruit and vegetables should be central to everyone's diet. I hope that the message that goes out today is that all schools should become involved in such initiatives.
Schools (Violence)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce violence in schools. (S1O-2893)
Any violence or abuse in Scotland's schools is unacceptable. Earlier this month, I set up a discipline task group to address indiscipline in schools. It will look at existing policies and consider how best to build on the good work that is already being carried out in this area. The task group is due to report by mid-June. It will consider violence and abuse against teachers as a specific issue.
Parents have an important role in tackling the problem. Will the minister outline what steps the Executive is taking to involve parents?
There are a number of initiatives through the support for parents scheme, among others, to extend the involvement of parents in schools. We cannot stress enough the importance of the involvement not just of teachers, pupils, Government and local authorities, but of parents in initiatives to counter indiscipline, bullying and violence in schools. In particular, it is absolutely critical that parents set standards for their children at an early age to prevent such behaviour from developing. That issue will be part of the work of our task group.
Does the minister accept that demanding a reduction of a third in the number of exclusions from school could expose teachers to more violence?
I certainly hope that that would not be the case. One of the clearly stated reasons for setting up the task group is to try to ensure that there is no contradiction between different policy initiatives. Yes, we want to reduce the number of exclusions from schools—children should be in school, learning, rather than on the streets. At the same time, that policy should not create further problems in the classroom.
East of Scotland Water
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take following the personal letter issued by East of Scotland Water authority to every employee regarding reductions in the number of staff over the next five years and what staff reductions there will be over the next three years and five years. (S1O-2869)
None. It is the responsibility of the water authorities to take the action necessary to improve their efficiency and to provide value for money for customers.
I am disappointed by the minister's reply. My question asked for action from the Executive. The workers who deliver our water and sewerage services believe that the industry is in severe danger. Those workers deserve action from the Executive, rather than just words. They deserve action to protect jobs, to ensure public safety and to prevent the privatisation of our water. Unison believes that 2,000 jobs are under threat. Does the minister agree that competition in our water and sewerage industry threatens jobs, public safety and the public ownership of the industry? Will he use his powers to approach the Secretary of State for Scotland to argue for the exclusion of Scotland's public water and sewerage services from competition regulations?
Once again, Mr Sheridan has no idea what he is talking about. It is true that the water industry is experiencing some problems, but those will be even greater if it does not achieve the necessary efficiencies. It would be helpful if, rather than always taking the view of vested interests and prattling on using outdated ideological dogma, Mr Sheridan considered the service and the people who have to use that service.
Is the minister aware of any comparable plans to cut jobs in the West of Scotland Water authority?
As I said, those are matters for the water authorities. If the member would like to speak to WSW, I am sure that the authority would be more than happy to deal with his inquiry.
Perhaps I should declare an interest as a member of Unison, the largest trade union involved in the water industry. Does the minister agree that the most important issue is the retention of our water industry in public ownership and that the current huge investment in Scotland's water and sewerage infrastructure is vital if we are to ensure that the public sector can compete effectively with the private sector?
Yes. I have said repeatedly that there is no possibility whatever of the Government privatising Scottish water. However, the industry must become more efficient. I pay tribute to all those workers in the industry who have played their part in improving its efficiency. Let us remember that we must deliver services to individuals within society. We should concern ourselves with the service and its quality, rather than get hung up on vested interests and outdated political ideology.
Drug Misuse
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in encouraging local authorities to provide three-year funding packages for drug misuse organisations and projects and in promoting the availability of social inclusion partnership money for such purposes where it is available. (S1O-2874)
Decisions on the funding of drugs work at local level rest with local authorities and other key bodies such as health boards and social inclusion partnerships. In general, the Scottish Executive is committed to three-year funding for voluntary organisations, and we are keen to work with other funders to provide a stable funding environment for the sector. Those principles were set out in the Scottish compact good practice guides, which were published last June.
Does the minister agree that it is unacceptable that organisations such as the Drug and Alcohol Project Levenmouth—which the chairman of the Fife drugs action team said was superb and doing a valuable job—have to do their job not knowing whether they will receive core funding from one year to another? Can the minister explain why, when the Executive is increasing resources to tackle drugs misuse, so many drugs organisations and projects like the one that I have mentioned are facing either cuts or a standstill budget? Why is the money not feeding through?
Three-year funding for voluntary organisations, such as the Levenmouth project that Keith Raffan referred to, is desirable; I repeat that it is our wish to provide such funding. That is precisely why over next year and the following two years we not only have provided unprecedented resources for that kind of work in drugs treatment, prevention and rehabilitation, but have done so over the three years so that drugs action teams can take the kinds of decisions that will allow organisations such as DAPL to know what their future is. I hope that that will happen in the three years to come.
Would the minister care to comment on the fact that in Aberdeenshire, which is run by the Liberal Democrats, the greatly respected anti-drugs group Grampian Addiction Problem Services has had its local authority funding cut completely, never mind having its funding rolled forward in a three-year programme? How does the minister feel about that? Will he condemn Aberdeenshire Council for doing that, when we need support for our voluntary organisations in this field?
It is the responsibility of the drugs action team in Aberdeenshire to take decisions on how it invests in the voluntary sector to deliver our drugs strategy and we expect the DAT to explain to us how it plans to do that. However, the decisions that are taken on where funding goes are properly taken locally and on the ground, where people know and understand the organisations and the problems that they face.
Can the minister give some detail on the programme for drugs education for school pupils and assure the Parliament that all schools will provide drugs education to every pupil by the target date of 2002, as indicated in the programme for government?
It is only a week since my colleague Nicol Stephen launched the schools drug safety team report, which will play a significant role in improving the quality of educational and preventive drug strategies in schools. I am confident, as is the First Minister—a point that he made in the debate this morning—that we will soon achieve, certainly by 2002, proper and appropriate drugs education for every one of our children, who are the future of this country. Indeed, in the next few days, when we announce the allocations from the £100 million over the next three years for this kind of work, members can be assured that there will be resources to make sure that that happens.
Sustainable Development (Ministerial Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Executive when the ministerial group on sustainable Scotland was last convened and what was discussed. (S1O-2895)
The ministerial group on sustainable Scotland last met on 7 November 2000. At that meeting, we discussed the promotion of renewable energy and the proposed changes to the Scottish building standards on the conservation of fuel and power.
Does the minister intend the group to carry out or initiate an audit of the programme for government in relation to environmentally sustainable development?
No, we do not have that in our current programme. However, given the member's representation, I will consider it.
Waste Water Treatment
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that there are adequate systems in place so that there is an effective response to any emergencies that arise at new waste water treatment plants once they are operational. (S1O-2886)
Under the Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage Authorities) (Scotland) Direction 1998, water authorities have the responsibility to plan for emergencies at existing and new works.
Is the minister aware that the new waste water plants in the north-east of Scotland are being built and will be operated by Yorkshire Water under the guise of Aberdeen Environmental Services? Safety at those plants will therefore be in the hands of private water companies based in the south of England. Will he now confirm that, contrary to his comments this afternoon, Scotland's water industry is being privatised by the new Labour Government?
I do not know what the Opposition's problem is and how many times I have to say that the Scottish water industry will not be privatised. The nationalists should be privatised—they seem to think that the water industry should remain in aspic and not change or move forward. They are luddites. It is no wonder that they were opposed to computers in schools. This is just another example of their luddite attitudes.
Railways
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to prevent trespassing and vandalism on rail embankments and lines. (S1O-2900)
The prevention of vandalism and trespassing on the railway is the responsibility of the railway industry and the British Transport Police. However, the Executive is committed to working in partnership with the rail industry and the British Transport Police to support the initiatives and campaigns that are being promoted.
I welcome the minister's partnership approach. Is she aware that it is all too easy in several places in the city of Aberdeen for children and adults to obtain access to the railway line, particularly where it runs between the communities of Tillydrone and Fersands in my constituency? Will she give a commitment to visit that rail embankment when she next comes to Aberdeen, to see for herself the work that needs to be done to make that area safe for the people who live there and for those who travel and work on the trains?
I am happy to tell the member that I intend to visit Aberdeen shortly, when I will meet representatives of the north-east of Scotland economic development partnership. I will be happy to take the member up on his offer, to ensure that we examine the partnership work on railway safety that is being carried out throughout Scotland, and particularly in his constituency.
I point out to the minister that vandalism is not restricted to the railway lines. Many stations that are unmanned of an evening, such as Stonehaven station, are regularly targeted. What initiative is the minister prepared to take on that, especially as Stonehaven station received central funding for its recent upgrade?
I am well aware that personal safety, as much as safety on the rails, is a critical issue for passengers and train drivers. The Executive is committed to working with the industry so that closed-circuit television is spread throughout the country. Many stations that do not have staff at night now have CCTV. People who use the railways can be assured that staff are monitoring those stations with CCTV at all times. Help buttons are also available. We want to extend such provision throughout Scotland. That is work in progress.
Scottish Prison Service (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last met the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service. (S1O-2868)
I meet the chief executive or his senior staff frequently. The most recent meeting was on Friday 26 January.
Is the Minister for Justice aware of the way in which the Scottish Prison Service has tried to mislead the public and politicians about the true cost per prisoner of the private prison at Kilmarnock? The service tells us that the cost is £11,000 per prisoner. A parliamentary answer from the Minister for Justice says that the cost is £21,000. Now we have a leaked document from the Scottish Prison Service that says that the cost is £26,000. As the minister who is responsible for justice and for freedom of information, will Mr Wallace ensure that the proper information on the costs of Kilmarnock prison is placed in the public domain, so that the public can decide whether private prisons are appropriate?
The figure of £11,000 per annum per prisoner place at Kilmarnock prison is explained by the fact that that is the net present value of the contract for design, construction, finance and operation of the prison over 25 years. I accept Mr Matheson's point that it is important that the basis of that calculation is made clear. That is why it is part of the estates review, which, when published, will include the options for proper public debate.
The minister may be aware that I wrote to him this week about changes in prison officers' conditions of service. I wonder whether the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service has made the Executive aware of changes in absence management that have been introduced retrospectively over 12 months. They penalise workers disproportionately for short periods of absence. Does the minister share my concern that that may constitute sexual discrimination, as, statistically, women are absent from work more frequently than men?
I have not yet seen Dr Murray's letter. The matters that she raises are operational matters for the Scottish Prison Service. However, when I met the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service on Friday, other senior officials and the trade union side of the service were also at the meeting. A number of issues were thoroughly debated in my presence.
Is the minister aware that morale among prison officers is very low because of the autocratic attitude of the chief executive, who is trying to impose unilateral changes such as staff cuts, a reduction in the number of promoted posts and new attendance patterns? Will the minister tell the chief executive that such deplorable industrial relations will not be tolerated and that he must enter into genuine negotiations with the Prison Officers Association?
Attendance patterns were discussed at the meeting that I referred to. I encouraged discussion to take place between management and the trade union side in a spirit of partnership—that principle was accepted by both sides. I accept that there is some uncertainty because of the estates review. Uncertainty does not help morale, which is why we wish to make progress on the issue. Members will agree that there are important decisions to be made and that it is important that the Parliament, especially the justice committees, have an opportunity to discuss all the issues—that is why we want to present the options as soon as possible.
Abercorn Primary School
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make public immediately the contents of the recent Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools report on Abercorn Primary School in West Lothian. (S1O-2880)
As Lord James will be aware from his experience in these matters, it is normal practice for ministers to seek the views of Her Majesty's inspectors when we are required to consider a local authority request for a school closure. That is the case in relation to Abercorn Primary School. The views of HMI do not constitute a formal report in these situations. The information provided to ministers by HMI has not historically been made public.
Is the minister aware that not only is Abercorn school an extremely popular school, with high standards, but it is strongly supported by the parents and the local community? Will he bear it in mind that those people would very much welcome the assessment being made publicly available, because they believe that that would be in the public interest?
I am aware of the views of parents and others; indeed, Lord James had a worthwhile members' debate in the chamber on 13 December, when many issues relating to the proposed closure were properly discussed. It would be wholly wrong and inappropriate for me to comment on the merits of the proposal at this stage. Suffice it to say that, in due course and as early as possible, a decision will be announced by the Scottish Executive. With that decision, we will summarise the main points that were considered in arriving at the decision—whatever that decision is.
I welcome some other West Lothian children to the gallery, from Inveralmond High School. Will the minister congratulate West Lothian Council on building a brand-new school at Bridgend—a school that will cater for the children of Abercorn and will give them increased educational opportunities? Will he comment on how many new schools he thinks we are likely to build if the Parliament and local authorities have to take their share of the Tories' £16 billion cuts?
The last bit of the question is not in order, but the first bit is.
I am pleased to congratulate any local authority that is investing in the expansion and modernisation of education facilities, but I do not want to get drawn into the detail of the issues surrounding Abercorn Primary School, as that would be inappropriate while the matter is formally before ministers for consideration.
Chhokar Inquiries
I welcome to the Parliament the new Minister of State in the Scotland Office, George Foulkes, and his parliamentary private secretary, who are in the gallery.
The answer is no. The Scottish Executive remains of the view that those independent inquiries are the best way to proceed.
Is it the case that there are now no outstanding matters sub judice in the Chhokar case? Given the words of ministers this morning with respect to openness, is not it time to recognise that a full and open public inquiry should be established in this case?
As both inquiries commenced before Christmas, surely Mr Gallie will agree that they should be allowed to proceed to ascertain the facts underlying the difficult situation for the Chhokar family.
Trunk Roads (Maintenance)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in place for the maintenance of trunk roads from April 2001. (S1O-2876)
I announced the successful bidders to the tendering process last week and I made it clear in the debate in the chamber last Thursday that, before awarding the contracts for the work, Scottish ministers would consider the audit report that I commissioned last week in response to the widespread concerns that had been raised. I expect to receive the audit report shortly.
I am sure that we all want to achieve the best possible value for taxpayers' money, but does Sarah Boyack accept that there are extremely serious doubts as to whether her officials have made fair comparisons in their assessment of those tenders? [Applause.] Does she accept that the review that she has rightly initiated must take account of all relevant factors, including the experience of rural areas such as East Lothian and the issue of responsibility for local roads? Will the Executive accept the unanimous view of the Parliament, which was made abundantly clear last Thursday? I remind the minister that she is not under any legal obligation to accept any of the tenders that have been tabled. [Applause.]
I reiterate once again how disappointed I am, particularly as a Labour minister, that there was such a huge gap between the winning and losing bids. I am fully aware of the implications of that for local authorities and I note that there are many local authority representatives in the public gallery this afternoon, who have been meeting members. As Minister for Transport, I have the responsibility to ensure that all the tenderers are treated fairly and properly. We have audited the majority of the process that we have been through thus far and, before we move forward to contracts, we will look at the last part of the audit, which I spoke about in the chamber last week.
Order. Before I call any more members to ask questions, I remind people in the public gallery that, although they are welcome to be here, they may not express approval or disapproval. I call Bruce Crawford.
I thank councillors and council leaders from all over Scotland for being here today to lobby the Parliament. Last week, during the SNP-initiated debate, Sarah Boyack said that it would be a breach of European Union rules for the tendering process to be suspended. Will she tell us why her view is superior to that of local authority solicitors, who are absolutely clear in their opinion that there is no such requirement? Does not the minister agree that her legal reasons are just an excuse for the lack of political will to ensure that justice and fairness are brought to the flawed tendering process? Even at this late hour, will not she see sense and stop the signing of the contracts pending the outcome of the Transport and the Environment Committee inquiry? This is this lady's chance to show that she is for turning.
As a minister, I have to receive and consider the legal advice that I get and I then have to act within it, as do all Scottish ministers.
After audit, if the contracts are placed with the contractors who have, provisionally, been successful, does the Executive intend to share the savings that it believes can be made with local authorities through a resource transfer? That would allow those authorities to be compensated for any consequent redundancy payments, for the costs of redundant or superfluous vehicles, equipment and plant, and for the additional operating costs of providing maintenance, particularly winter maintenance, on those stretches of road that hitherto have been maintained on an integrated basis. It would also ensure that local authorities can continue to provide services economically in the future.
I point out to Murray Tosh that this year's local government settlement included an additional £70 million for local authority roads and maintenance, in particular for roads and bridges. Local authority direct labour organisations will also be able to tender for work worth £150,000 or more. On his substantive point, any money that we are able to release through the process will be invested in vital services across Scotland.
I am sure that the minister is well aware of the anxiety that has been expressed throughout Scotland by people who fear losing their jobs because of the recent decision. My area of the Highlands is geographically equivalent to Wales. If she were to suggest that a private contractor could look after every piece of road in Wales, people would tell her that her suggestion was absurd. The suggestion that has been made about the roads in Scotland is equally absurd.
I would like you to pose one, too.
I understand that the cost of the Caledonian Roads north-west bid for the five-year period has been reduced by some £7 million to approximately £90 million. Is the minister prepared to reveal the true cost of the preferred bidder and will it provide best value for the Highland public?
I am keen that we should be able to give as much information to members as possible. When the process comes to a conclusion, that is exactly what I intend to do. We are looking to see how much information can be revealed about each bidder, within the commercial confidence procedures that we operate, so that the maximum amount of information is available to members.
Class Sizes (Primary Schools)
To ask the Scottish Executive what average class size in primary schools will be achieved by 2003. (S1O-2871)
We cannot accurately project average class sizes for primary schools in 2003, but we would expect the average class size to remain at just under 25.
I am surprised that the minister cannot project class sizes, as his figures until now have been projected. Does he accept that achievement of the target of under 30 has gone slower than the Executive expected, as indicated in the programme for government? Does he also accept that a great deal of current research shows that there is very little difference between class sizes of 25 and 30? Will he be more ambitious for Scotland's schools, starting by getting more accurate figures, so that we know where he is going?
Mr Russell has misunderstood not only the programme for government, but his own question. His question asks about average class sizes for primary schools. The programme for government refers to maximum class sizes for primary 1, 2 and 3. We will reach the target, which is for primary school class sizes in those years to be under 30 by August 2001. We will also have a pupil-teacher ratio of 15:1 by the middle of 2002. Those are considerable achievements, which have involved a lot of investment and a lot of hard work by primary school teachers across Scotland. Teachers should be given credit for that, rather than being criticised in error.
I would never attempt to teach an education minister how many beans make five—not one who is an ex-maths teacher anyway. I appreciate that there may be a difference of educational opinion on what constitutes a reasonable or the optimum size for a primary school class, but it is agreed across the teaching profession that, although the minister has introduced some hope of an improvement in teaching and employment conditions—conduct and so on—he still has not got it right. Far too much of primary teachers' time will be taken up preparing lessons, rather than being in the classroom. How does the minister mean to reduce that?
I am delighted to reiterate to the chamber that the agreement we reached with the teaching unions and the local authorities last month includes a provision for the class contact time for primary teachers to be reduced to the same level as secondary school teachers. For the first time in the history of the Scottish education system, primary school teachers and secondary school teachers will be treated as equal citizens and human beings.
People's Juries
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are considered when establishing people's juries. (S1O-2890)
The Executive's publication "Using People's Juries in Social Inclusion Partnerships" sets out the main considerations and principles that SIPs should address when deciding to hold a people's jury.
I thank the minister for her answer. Does she accept the findings of her central research unit, which has condemned people's juries as "expensive and time-consuming" and unreliable. Does she further agree with the unit that the findings of people's juries are often worthless and cannot guarantee a representative sample of views? Will she take the opportunity to acknowledge that this initiative of her predecessor has been a costly failure?
Dear, dear. As ever, we have a series of misquotes from the SNP. People's juries are not a failure. The report that was carried out was an assessment of a whole range of tools to test community opinion. Our perspective is about empowering communities and engaging them in shaping and developing policy. We want to bring about real change, which is shaped by local people and creates empowered communities. I regret that the SNP does not know a great deal about that.
Rather than going along with the gloom and doom that has yet again come from the SNP, does the minister agree that the people's juries that have taken place in the pilot projects—including one in my constituency of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley—have given people an opportunity to meet the policy makers and give feedback to their local authorities, MSPs and MP at Westminster? That is a positive development, which should be continued.
I am happy to welcome the experiences in the pilots in East Ayrshire and Aberdeen. In addition, Glasgow carried out a city-wide drugs jury. The information that we gleaned from people that are able to have an in-depth consideration of the issues has been informative in shaping policy for the better for those people in their communities in the future.
Rough Sleepers Initiative
To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the rough sleepers initiative budget for 2000 has been spent rather than allocated. (S1O-2879)
At 26 January, 48 per cent of the rough sleepers initiative funding allocated for the financial year 2000-01 had been drawn down by local authorities and others.
If the minister is saying that less than half of the rough sleepers initiative budget is being drawn down, I think that is a disgrace. If she recognises the problems, especially in Edinburgh, will she take action to ensure that local authorities—especially the Labour ones in Edinburgh—spend the money?
I will deal with the more general part of Fiona Hyslop's question first. The majority of funding through the rough sleepers initiative is revenue based, so it is drawn down after the revenue has been expended. It is not drawn down in advance of need, so Fiona Hyslop will find that a substantial amount is still to be drawn down for the last quarter.
Previous
Lockerbie