SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Rural Affairs and the Environment
Animal Welfare
To ask the Scottish Executive to list the initiatives that it has or plans to put in place to improve the welfare of animals. (S3O-7260)
Regulations were made on 31 March requiring those who deal in puppies and kittens to be licensed and imposing a number of conditions to secure those animals' welfare.
I thank the minister for his announcement that regulations on snaring are finally coming forward. He will be aware that, in the face of overwhelming public support for a ban, the Government has gone down the road of introducing secondary legislation and, in the interim, there have been at least 20 incidents in the past 15 months involving badgers, which the minister is aware are a protected species.
Can we come to a question, please?
The Government gave a commitment to land management. Will the minister say what discussions have taken place with animal welfare organisations in order to promote the land management accreditation scheme? Does he agree that it is vital to move from lists to action in this area?
The member did not actually mention which piece of legislation she was referring to. However, from her other comments, I take it that it was that on snaring. As the member will be aware, a sub-group is in place that has members from various organisations, including many of those to which the member alluded and others such as Grampian Police. The sub-group is considering a specification for the design of snares, where snares may be set, how snares will be identifiable and how we can ensure that other practices are prohibited in relation to snaring. Action is therefore being taken, but the issues are complex. The Government took its decision and laid out the reasons for the decision. We had to strike a balance between land management and animal welfare. We firmly believe that we have struck that balance.
Sheep and Cattle (South of Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate and long-term measures it will take to address the decline in sheep and cattle numbers in the south of Scotland. (S3O-7271)
The Scottish Government is aware of the concerns of the livestock sector over the loss of cattle and sheep numbers from the hills. As the member will be aware, we are considering the scope to refine the support made available to the livestock sector through the Scotland rural development programme, including the less favoured area support scheme. In addition, we are considering the use of the new options provided by article 68 of the common agricultural policy health check. I intend to make an announcement to Parliament on 10 June on future support arrangements.
I remind members that this question is about the south of Scotland. I call John Scott.
I have a supplementary question, Presiding Officer.
My apologies, Mr Hume.
Apologies accepted, Presiding Officer.
I will not pre-empt next Wednesday's ministerial statement, despite the temptation following that question.
Does the cabinet secretary share my concern about the decline in numbers not only of sheep and cattle but of people employed in agriculture, which is resulting in a reducing skills base in many areas, particularly in South Ayrshire? Given the decline in critical mass of animals and of people involved in animal husbandry, will he introduce any further proposals to alter the SRDP to address that lack of new entrants and the reducing rural skills base, which is an issue in the south of Scotland in particular and in the whole of Scotland more generally?
John Scott raises some important issues about the future of agriculture in Scotland. Clearly, the existing new entrants scheme within the SRDP is not attracting as many applicants as we would like because interest payments, which are subsidised under the scheme, have fallen so much over the past few months. That issue needs to be reviewed.
Plastic Bags (Recycling)
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the two-week a bag for life trial at a leading supermarket, what is being done in addition to encourage people to reuse plastic carrier bags. (S3O-7213)
The Scottish Government has a voluntary agreement with retailers to reduce the use of carrier bags by 50 per cent. To support that approach, we ran a campaign in partnership with retailers that was designed to encourage people to reuse bags. We continue to work with smaller shops on a commitment that will help them also to reduce unnecessary use of carrier bags.
During the trial, I visited the Asda in Bishopbriggs where I learned more about the excellent a bag for life scheme. As the cabinet secretary will be well aware, in September 2007 Audit Scotland published the report "Sustainable waste management" on reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Does he agree that one way to increase the reuse of carrier bags would be to have a longer, more concerted campaign across all the major retailers in Scotland, in conjunction with more educational resources?
Yes, I generally agree with the member's comments. I think that all members will welcome the action that has been taken—not just by the big retailers but by smaller retailers throughout Scotland—to reduce carrier bag use and to encourage the reuse of bags for life. As we will all have noticed when visiting our local shops and supermarkets in our communities, the public are on board and are changing their behaviour, with more and more taking bags for life with them to the supermarket. Our recent campaign was aimed at ensuring that people remember to bring their bag for life, because many people own such bags but forget to take them with them to the shops. We hope that the statistics on the recent successful campaign will show that further improvement has been made.
Question 4 has been withdrawn.
Food and Drink Industry (New Markets)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote new markets in the food and drink industry. (S3O-7245)
Through our marketing grant schemes, the establishment of Scotland Food and Drink, and the work of the enterprise agencies and Scottish Development International, the Scottish Government provides active support to businesses in identifying and exploiting market opportunities. I have also been able to lend my personal support through attendance at a number of international trade events.
The minister will be aware of the importance of the Vion plant in Cambuslang in my constituency to the supply chain of the food and drink industry in Scotland. Will he join me in welcoming the tripartite discussions that took place on Monday among Vion, the trade union Unite and Scottish Government and agency representatives on building a sustainable operation at the plant? Will he give a commitment that the Scottish Government will look favourably at regional selective assistance grants for Vion in Cambuslang, which would contribute to economic growth not just in Cambuslang but throughout the food and drink industry in Scotland?
Yes, I can certainly respond positively to the member's points. I am aware that the meeting that took place was productive. I welcome that and have asked to be kept up to date with the various discussions that are taking place, not just among those who attended the tripartite meeting but between Government officials and Vion. Regular meetings take place between Vion and the Scottish Government and its agencies.
The minister will be aware that I have been a strong supporter of the Government's action on food and drink and that I have been pursuing some ideas of my own on how to incentivise the purchase of quality local produce. Will he join me in welcoming the launch, in the headquarters of South Lanarkshire Council on 15 June, of a new guide to food and drink in the Clyde valley, which the Scottish Government has supported through the LEADER programme? Does he agree that, in tough economic times, local producers need all the help that they can get?
I welcome the publication to which the member referred. It is great to hear about all the good work that is taking place in various parts of Scotland, including the member's region. There is a growing demand for local food in Scotland, and there is a growing appetite for local businesses and public agencies to work together to ensure that there is joined-up thinking on food and drink in our local communities.
Recycled Waste (Commercial Exploitation)
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration is being given to increasing the commercial exploitation of recycled waste products. (S3O-7195)
The Scottish Government recognises that to achieve a zero waste Scotland it is essential that sustainable markets for recycled products be developed and supported, in tandem with the drive for increased collection, reuse and recycling of materials. That is why the Scottish Government funds programmes that are designed to exploit the commercial potential of recycled materials and products in Scotland. A recent example is the £5 million plastics capital grant scheme that I announced earlier this year.
I was pleased to join the cabinet secretary on a recent visit to Kilmarnock to open a major new composting unit that can divert 10,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year. However, I have heard concerns that centralised purchasing arrangements can sometimes discriminate against local organic producers. Will the cabinet secretary raise that issue in future discussions with our major retailers?
I welcomed the invitation that I received to visit Billy Bowie Tankers in the member's constituency. It is a first-class company with an outstanding track record that has grown substantially in recent years and which is certainly in the vanguard of waste management in Scotland. I enjoyed my visit to a company that is making a significant contribution to the meeting of our environmental targets.
Will the minister and his colleagues consider supporting my amendment to the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill to enable ministers to introduce selective landfill and incineration bans, which would encourage commercial and other recycling and reuse of waste?
I am sure that ministers will respond to the amendment in due course. We will have a debate in Parliament next week on the national waste plan, because we will shortly be going to consultation. It will be a good opportunity to hear Parliament's views before we launch the consultation document so that we can be sure to incorporate some of Parliament's concerns.
Waste Management
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in achieving its targets on waste management. (S3O-7257)
I am delighted to announce that the latest figures confirm that we achieved Scotland's share of the United Kingdom 2009-10 landfill directive target 18 months early, at the end of December 2008, and that local authorities recycled and composted a record level of 33.5 per cent of municipal waste. I offer my congratulations to local authorities and the public for that performance, as we continue to work together to deliver the 2013 targets.
There were indications last week that some local authorities, which have not received substantial amounts of funding under the waste management fund, are falling behind in taking forward the targets that apply to them. That was particularly the case in areas such as West Dunbartonshire and the older urban areas of Glasgow. What support is the minister prepared to give to those authorities to take forward waste management initiatives that will bring them into line with the overall standards for Scotland?
Given the record levels of funding that have been given to local authorities, I am disappointed to hear that some local authorities feel that the reason why they cannot meet the national targets is a lack of funding. I remind the member that eight local authorities have so far broken or achieved the 40 per cent target for recycling in Scotland. I am not sure whether the member is suggesting that they have had greater funding towards that objective than other councils. Each local authority must prioritise what it sees as the most important issues facing its communities. I believe that genuine progress towards the targets is being made throughout Scotland's local authorities. It is really up to each local authority to determine its priorities, but I hope that all of them make Scotland's environment a priority.
Despite the success and achievement of many local authorities, the cabinet secretary will be aware of the situation in some authorities, such as Aberdeen City Council, which has recycled 23 per cent of waste compared with the Scottish average of 33 per cent. He will also know that Aberdeen City Council receives the lowest level of funding per head of population from central Government. Is he having discussions with local authorities such as Aberdeen about how they can achieve the targets? What steps does he advise them to take in order to do so?
I am aware that a number of challenges face some of Scotland's cities, including Aberdeen, which is starting from a low level. I am also aware, from our regular discussions with those local authorities, that they are considering new initiatives to improve their recycling rates and meet other environment targets. It is important that we continue to have that close dialogue.
Peatland Restoration
To ask the Scottish Government how it intends to restore peatlands and what environmental impact this will have. (S3O-7212)
The Government recently published the Scottish soil framework, which will co-ordinate the activities of Government and partner organisations in that area. Scottish Natural Heritage funds a number of projects to restore peatlands, and Forestry Commission Scotland has issued guidance on peatland restoration. Peatlands are important for their habitat value and carbon stocks.
Will the minister tell us whether targets are being set for the area covered by the restoration programme and what measures are being put in place to protect our peatlands in future?
There are currently no overall targets for peatland restoration. There are, however, very specific localised targets for the improvement of the condition of peatland within sites that are designated for nature conservation purposes. Funding is available through the Scotland rural development programme, and advice on best practice in the management and restoration of peatlands has been developed for landowners.
Will the minister ensure that, when such research is carried out, it focuses on the potential benefits of peatland restoration to our greenhouse gas emission targets? Does she accept that the restoration of peatlands would deliver early and significant results in meeting the Government's climate change targets? She may want to consider the potential extension of environmental liability to sites of special scientific interest, which could play a positive role in that regard.
I agree with Sarah Boyack on the importance of peatland in dealing with greenhouse gas emissions. That is what we will try to establish with a greater degree of certainty through the workshops that take place over the summer. The importance of peatland is well recognised.
Justice and Law Officers
Question 1 was not lodged.
Fine Defaulters (Jail Sentences)
To ask the Scottish Government how many individuals serving sentences of less than six months are doing so for defaulting on fines resulting from offences that would not normally result in jail sentences. (S3O-7221)
In September 2007, the Government rolled out to all courts the mandatory use of supervised attendance orders when a custodial sentence might otherwise have been imposed for default on fines of £500 or less. That move is considered to have been largely responsible for a significant drop in the number of fine defaulters who have ended up in custody. In 2007-08, fine defaulters represented 29 of the average daily prison population—a reduction from 46 in the previous year. Similarly, the number of fine defaulter receptions declined from 5,963 in 2006-07 to 3,610 in 2007-08. We expect a further decrease in 2008-09, reflecting full-year operation of the mandatory SAO provisions.
Can the cabinet secretary tell me how many individuals who are serving sentences of six months or less have been the victims of physical or sexual abuse?
I do not have the figures to hand, but many have been. Certainly, many offenders in the women's prison at Cornton Vale have been offended against in the past—sometimes, tragically, with the result that they have acquired psychological and addiction problems that can be traced back to the sexual abuse that they suffered as a child.
With the latest prison statistics showing that fine defaulters make up less than half a per cent of the prison population, does the cabinet secretary agree that, although there should be effective alternative disposals for fine defaulters, ending custodial sentences for them will not solve the problem of prison overcrowding, and that the proposals for scrapping sentences of less than six months generally involve much more serious crimes?
The member is mixing up two entirely distinct matters. The pursuing of fines is legitimate and was introduced in legislation that was created by my predecessor from the Labour Party. As with so many things on Mr Baker's watch, it appears that he says one thing in administration and another thing in opposition. We believe that the action that is being taken to roll out fines enforcement officers and the powers that go with that are good things.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that it is hardly surprising that the number of people in custody for fine default has fallen, seeing as how the supervised attendance centre system is the biggest get-out-of-jail-free card that has ever been introduced? Would he care to comment on how many of those who have been ordered to attend supervised attendance centres have actually done so satisfactorily and how many fines are eventually remitted by courts in recognition of the fact that it is an exercise in futility?
The statistics show that approximately 13 per cent of SAO breach applications result in the revocation of the order and the imposition of a custodial term. That is a good result, as it means that 87 per cent of people do not breach and are therefore back on track.
Question 3 has been withdrawn.
Domestic Abuse
To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of domestic abuse were reported in the wake of the old firm match on 9 May 2009. (S3O-7251)
The Scottish Government does not currently hold information on the number of domestic abuse incidents that were recorded by the police after the old firm match on 9 May 2009. However, Strathclyde Police analysis shows that domestic abuse rises by more than 40 per cent on the day of an old firm match.
Of course, it is no great revelation that there is a correlation between those matches and increased levels of domestic violence. What specific and concrete actions are being taken and will be taken to ensure that we reduce those instances of domestic violence and remove from our society a scourge that has existed for far too long?
The member's point is quite right. The Government is seeking to build on legislation and initiatives that were put in place by Cathy Jamieson, on the watch of the Administration that Mr McCabe was part of, and by the Lord Advocate, under both the previous Labour and Liberal Democrat Administration and the current Scottish National Party Administration. Where there are legislative requirements, they will be delivered.
This week, the Scottish Government launched a blueprint to tackle violence against women. What measures are contained in the blueprint not only to tackle domestic violence but to raise awareness of this heinous crime?
As I said previously, these problems occur across the board. As Mr McCabe said, Scotland faces a particular problem with domestic abuse, which is why I am delighted to do what I can, as part of this Administration, to work with the chief constable of Strathclyde Police, who has recognised that the problem not only involves the denigration of women and the damage that is done to them but contributes to our culture of violence because, if a child grows up in a household in which mum is routinely belted by her boyfriend or husband, the child will deal with problems at school and—tragically—nursery by striking out.
Antisocial Behaviour
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to combat antisocial behaviour in our communities. (S3O-7183)
Antisocial behaviour in our communities should not be tolerated. However, to provide long-term solutions, we need to address its causes, such as drink, drugs and deprivation, not just its symptoms. Our new framework, which is set out in "Promoting Positive Outcomes: Working Together to Prevent Antisocial Behaviour in Scotland", sets out how we will do that by focusing on prevention and early and effective intervention; ensuring that bad behaviour is punished appropriately; and spreading good practice from successful projects, such as street base and operation youth advantage.
I thank the minister for that answer, but I find, like many members in the chamber, that I am receiving an increasing number of contacts about incidents of antisocial behaviour in communities. Most recently, those have come from towns in the north-east such as Stonehaven and Banchory, where one would not expect that type of activity to be going on.
Yes. I am happy to agree with the member, and I am grateful for the support that we received from his party in approving the framework for tackling antisocial behaviour. He is right to stress that such behaviour is a blight on many communities and that agencies need to work closely together to target it.
The minister will be aware that significant sums of money go towards programmes to treat those who suffer as a result of drugs, which will undoubtedly reduce antisocial behaviour. I am conscious that this question crosses portfolios, but can the minister assure me that he will encourage those who are responsible for drugs rehabilitation programmes to ensure that their success or otherwise is assessed mathematically?
I certainly will. Evaluation is important, and excellent projects are being undertaken. Every £1 that is invested in drugs treatment saves the public purse £9.50; the problem of drug addiction costs our nation more than £2,000 million a year; and each problem drug user costs society more than £50,000. Drug abuse is one of the most serious problems affecting Scotland. Our new drugs strategy, "The Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland's Drug Problem", has received cross-party support in tackling the scourge of drug addiction, which—as the member rightly highlights—has a direct impact in creating some antisocial behaviour.
A key element in tackling antisocial behaviour is ensuring that when members of the public contact the police, they receive a good service from the contact centre. I have received a large number of complaints from constituents who are concerned about the very poor service that they receive when they contact Strathclyde Police. Will the minister join me in calling for a top-to-bottom review of the contact centre that is currently in place at Strathclyde Police?
No, I will not join the member in that at all. Plainly, when any MSP receives individual complaints from constituents, the correct approach is to write in with details of those complaints. To come to the chamber to cast a slur on Strathclyde Police is, in my opinion, unworthy of any MSP. I am an unstinting, unswerving supporter of the excellent work that the police do. It is difficult work, unlike our job: we are not under threat and our physical safety is not at risk. I find it quite appalling to hear such an attack on Strathclyde Police by a member from the Strathclyde area.
Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (Rehabilitation)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a nationwide rehabilitation programme available for offenders convicted under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003. (S3O-7232)
No nationwide rehabilitation programme is available for offenders who are convicted under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003. However, offenders who are convicted of such an offence and are subject to statutory supervision in the community will receive an individualised intervention to target their related risks and needs.
The minister will be aware that statistics that I obtained recently from the Scottish Government show that more than 500 people were convicted of religiously aggravated offences under section 74 between April 2006 and March 2008 and that there were convictions in all 11 procurator fiscal areas. How many of those individuals have received rehabilitation programmes to date? Can the minister assure me that the resource pack that was piloted at Polmont will be adapted and rolled out to prisons nationwide? Finally, can he assure me that each and every person in Scotland who is convicted of offences under section 74 will be put through a customised rehabilitation programme?
To answer the first question, the fact that there is such a successful rate of prosecution in the area is perhaps because the Lord Advocate issued guidelines to the police and prosecutors on reporting and prosecuting alleged offences to ensure that any element of religious motivation or hatred is fully recorded in the procurator fiscal's report and dealt with appropriately. The guidelines have been acted upon because of the information to which the member alluded, and the fact that the system is working is a tribute to those who work in the prosecution service throughout Scotland.
Community Sentences (Lanarkshire)
To ask the Scottish Executive how many community sentence placements it has made provision for in Lanarkshire. (S3O-7234)
Community sentence disposals include probation orders, drug testing and treatment orders, restriction of liberty orders and community service orders. I assume that the question relates to community service orders.
I am sure that the cabinet secretary is aware of the work that the Justice Committee is doing in scrutinising the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill. It is clear from the evidence that the committee has heard on community sentencing and the proposed payback orders that the Government will need to commit substantial resources if the proposals in the bill are to work. How much funding does the cabinet secretary anticipate will be required to deliver swift and effective community payback orders?
The member is right to say that additional resources will be required. That is why the Government has put in an additional £2 million. The matter has been raised by Robert Brown, and we will address it, so Cathie Craigie should watch this space.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice next intends to meet the chief constable of Fife Constabulary. (S3O-7207)
I have regular meetings with all eight chief constables. My next planned meeting with Chief Constable Norma Graham will take place in the autumn, although I met her last Thursday at the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland dinner. It was a great pleasure to approve her appointment as Scotland's first ever female chief constable.
When the cabinet secretary next meets Norma Graham, will he pass on the congratulations of Fife's communities to her, her predecessor Peter Wilson and all her officers on achieving a 16 per cent drop in recorded crime—the largest drop in Scotland—together with a 30 per cent increase in conviction rates? Will he join me in deploring Claire Baker MSP's false claims to local press that crime in Fife has risen when the official figures tell us that it is at a 25-year low, police numbers are rising and the police in Fife are doing a magnificent job in protecting our communities?
I am more than happy to congratulate the chief constable and, indeed, every individual serving officer of whatever rank in Fife and elsewhere, including Strathclyde. Unlike the Labour Party, the Government believes that our police officers and prison officers do a difficult, dangerous and demanding job. We will not tarnish or impugn them, and we most certainly will not undermine them. We are grateful for the service that they give and that many have given.
Tricia Marwick seems to be much more vexed about me than about the day-to-day crime and antisocial behaviour that is faced by the communities that she is meant to represent. Does the cabinet secretary recognise that there are areas in Fife where violent crime is increasing, including the Levenmouth area, where it increased by 24 per cent last year according to Fife Constabulary's own figures? Is it not complacent to use the relatively low crime rates in parts of Fife to hide the reality of living with violent crime in other areas?
I hope that Ms Baker read the papers today, as she should have read the information and statistics. Violent crime is the reason why I established the first ever serious organised crime task force and why this Government—together with the Lord Advocate, the Scottish Prison Service, HM Revenue and Customs, the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency—will take on and take down serious organised crime. That was not dealt with before, but Claire Baker can have an absolute assurance that we recognise the problems of serious organised crime. We have faith in our police and we will properly resource and provide for them to ensure that serious organised crime is tackled.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I seek your guidance on whether it is in order for a member to use the epithet "false" of an accusation. Members can, of course, be mistaken, but should a member use the epithet "false"?
It is the duty of all members to be respectful to one another, and I will certainly rule if I judge them not to have been so.