Plenary, 04 Mar 2004

Meeting date: Thursday, March 4, 2004

Official Report 638KB pdf

---

Question Time

---

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

---

National Health Service (Overseas Workers)

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure a fair rate of pay for overseas workers employed in the national health service. (S2O-1423)

Rates of pay for all NHS Scotland staff, regardless of origin, are set nationally by the appropriate functional Whitley council.

Will the minister investigate the recent Sunday Mail reports about a recruitment agency called Bankvale Associates Ltd, which charges Filipino nurses £400 for job interviews? The agency gets £800 from the NHS for every nurse recruited, but the nurses are left with only £8 per day, after deductions for loan repayments and rental charges that are up to three times the norm. Will the minister take urgent action to stop such gang masters exploiting overseas workers, which is making a mockery of the Scottish Executive's fresh talent initiative?

There is an issue for the NHS, and in particular for South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, about which agency, if any, it uses for recruitment purposes overseas. That apart, however, all the other issues to which Dennis Canavan referred are not the responsibility of the health service. I know that there is an issue about how much rent was charged and I understand that a tribunal is forthcoming about that, but the rent levels were not set by the NHS. Equally, any loans that the nurses took out in the Philippines are nothing to do with the NHS. However, as I said, I accept that there is an issue for the NHS about which agency, if any, is used. I know that this afternoon South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust is meeting the agency that Dennis Canavan referred to. I have asked the trust to present me with a report promptly after that meeting, so I will look further into the particular issues that are the concern of the NHS.

Is the minister aware that, according to the Royal College of Nursing, the number of nurses who are joining the NHS from abroad may be starting to decline, yet the number of nurses who are leaving Scotland is very much on the increase, which, together, means fewer nurses for the Scottish NHS? Does he accept that in a global nursing market we will continue to lose experienced staff to other countries if we do not give them appropriate terms and conditions to retain them here in Scotland?

First, nurses from overseas get exactly the same terms and conditions as any other nurses, as I indicated in my first answer. Secondly, Shona Robison's arithmetic hardly reflects the record increase in the number of qualified nurses in the work force. As last week's statistics showed, there were more than 1,000 extra qualified nurses in the work force last year. I have looked back to 1984 and can tell the member that that was the biggest increase by far in all that time.

There are issues, of course. Because we are expanding the work force and improving the health service, we want still more nurses. International recruitment is part of that, but it has to be done within an ethical framework, so that we attract people only from countries that can afford to lose nurses. We in Scotland have been observing that practice pretty strictly. However, within those parameters, I accept that it is legitimate and important to recruit from overseas.

What packages is the minister offering to health boards to attract people such as foreign-registered dentists to come to Scotland and serve an introductory period for registration to work in the health service?

David Davidson asked that question of Tom McCabe and my answer will be no different. We are looking at the whole issue in relation to the current consultation on the dental work force. David Davidson knows that there are no special packages at the moment, but the matter will be considered within the broader picture.

---

Fisheries

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in seeking to address "unintended consequences" of the December European Union fisheries negotiations. (S2O-1414)

We expect the Commission to propose significant improvements to the haddock special permit arrangements this month.

There has been no timescale for some time now, so will the minister say exactly when the decisions will be made? Does he appreciate that this is a difficult time for Scotland's fishing communities, whose livelihoods depend on substantial changes being made to the discriminatory and draconian deal that was signed in Brussels? Is he seeking to scrap the haddock permit system and to take the traditional haddock grounds out of the cod protection area? Is he seeking to take more days at sea per month for the fleet and, if not, given that the fleet will be in a worse position than it was last year, will he introduce an aid package?

The fleet is not in a worse position than it was last year, because we secured a 49 per cent increase in its haddock quota. I cannot tell Richard Lochhead precisely when the Commission will announce its proposals, because that is a matter for the Commission, not for me. The regime is not draconian or discriminatory. We are trying, with some success to date, to secure necessary amendments to the cod protection area boundaries; significant adjustments to the ratio of United Kingdom haddock quota that can be taken inside and outside the cod protection area; a mid-year review of the special management arrangements, in conjunction with the Norwegians; pragmatic accounting arrangements to deal with all haddock catches; and a pragmatic approach with national discretion to take into account small bycatches of haddock taken in other fisheries, especially the nephrops fishery.

What progress has been made in resolving the absurd anomaly that I raised in the chamber nearly two months ago whereby 30 skippers from the Fife Fish Producers Organisation had already exhausted their haddock quota from the cod protection zone? They are mainly prawn fishermen but, without permits, whatever haddock they take as bycatch anywhere in the North sea are judged automatically to be from the protection zone. Will the minister tell us how long those fishermen will be denied unrestricted access to fish for prawns in their traditional grounds? Will he further tell us what contribution to conservation is made by allowing the prawners access to the protection zone only if they dump any haddock that they take as a bycatch, given that the whole point of the zone is to protect cod stocks?

One of the reasons why we might amend the boundaries of the cod protection zone is to take into account the fact that fishermen such as the ones to which Ted Brocklebank referred can catch haddock more easily in other areas and could, of course, apply for haddock permits to fish in those areas. As the member knows, part of what we are doing is about redirecting the effort of our fishermen away from areas where cod will be taken as a bycatch, whether by nephrops fishermen or white-fish fishermen. That effort redirection regime was vital to securing the increased haddock quota to which I referred. Without that redirection of effort, there would be no decoupling and the North sea would have been closed.

Because of the way in which questions run, I call Ted Brocklebank again to ask question 3.

---

Broadcasting (Content and Regulation)

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place between it and the Office of Communications regarding broadcasting content and regulation under the new communications regime. (S2O-1426)

Ofcom has initiated a series of discussions and consultation meetings, which have included discussions with Scottish Executive officials. Ofcom has been made aware of the issues relating to broadcasting in Scotland and wishes to establish a good, practical working relationship with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive within the bounds of the constitutional settlement.

Does the minister believe that the Parliament should have a clear view on the content of television and radio programmes that are broadcast in Scotland, particularly in relation to regionality and originality? Is the Executive happy that Scottish Television and Grampian Television could be taken over by an international media conglomerate with its own agenda on increasing audience share and the kind of programming required to do so? Does the minister share my view that, despite the fact that broadcasting is a reserved matter, it is of the utmost importance that the Parliament gets into a dialogue with the new Scottish office of Ofcom, which is to be based in Glasgow, to make its views crystal clear on the importance of broadcasters maintaining quality, plurality, diversity and regionality in relation to Scottish broadcasting, no matter who their ultimate owners happen to be?

I thought that that was a broadcast to the nation, but I thank Ted Brocklebank for it. I assure him that, when I meet the chief executive of Ofcom shortly, along with political representatives from the United Kingdom Parliament, including Anne McGuire, many of the issues that he raised in his lengthy and detailed but important question will be reflected on.

---

Rail Capacity

To ask the Scottish Executive how it will contribute to addressing projected shortages in rail capacity between Scotland and London by 2015. (S2O-1398)

The Scottish Executive is always prepared to engage with the Strategic Rail Authority, Network Rail and the Department for Transport to contribute to improvements to the rail network between Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom.

I am sure that the minister is aware of the Commission for Integrated Transport's February report that predicted that the inter-rail capacity between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland will be full by 2015. Does he agree that that will have a considerable impact on the Scottish economy in terms of the fares for passengers and freight? Does he also agree that rail speeds approaching those in Europe and Japan, which would cut journey times between Scotland and London to around three hours, would have a major impact in reducing air traffic between Scotland and London? In that context, will he have discussions with the UK Government on the possibility of advancing high-speed rail links between Scotland and London?

I will discuss that matter with Alistair Darling when I next meet him. I can see considerable benefits for Scotland if a high-speed rail link were developed. Clearly, however, that is a long-term project, as the delivery of such a line would involve the investment of tens of billions of pounds. In the meantime, my priority is to deliver the package of rail projects that the Scottish Executive is committed to. Over the next 10 years or so, we will continue to contribute significant amounts of money to new rail projects.

The projections on which the Commission for Integrated Transport has based its analysis relate to an expansion of the rail network with more passengers than ever before wanting to make use of the rail services between Scotland and London. It is vital that, in order to achieve that goal, we continue to improve and upgrade the quality of the service over the next 10 to 15 years.

What impact would capacity constraints on the east coast main line have on the modest financial requirement for the upgrade that is required between Aberdeen and Edinburgh to allow full freight facilities to be used on that part of the line?

That question falls into the category of issues that are currently being considered and are part of the Scottish Executive's priorities for the next few years. I am confident that we can find a solution to the problem that presents itself. The funding partners for the project have yet to be agreed but, because of its scale, the project can achieve a great deal for a few million pounds of investment. I am determined to ensure that funding partners are found in the coming months. It might take a little longer to get to the construction phase, of course, but confirming the project and the funding and giving confidence to people in the north-east that we can move ahead are vital.

How will the constraints that have been mentioned affect the sleeper services between London and Scotland, particularly the service to Fort William? Is the minister aware of that service's ticketing problems and, if so, has he spoken to ScotRail about them?

I am concerned that, too often, politicians wake up in the morning and hear the reports on "Good Morning Scotland" that the sleeper service is once more an hour or two late. That quality of service is simply not good enough if we want to expand the number of passengers making use of the sleeper. I am committed to retaining the sleeper service and to finding ways of improving its quality. Obviously, those efforts include work on the ticketing problems and the integrated ticketing that can be made available for services into the Highlands.

---

Transport Planning (Edinburgh)

To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the City of Edinburgh Council to co-ordinate future transport planning with neighbouring local authorities. (S2O-1407)

The Scottish Executive supports all Scotland's regional transport co-operatives to plan and co-ordinate transport issues better between neighbouring authorities. Along with nine other local authorities, the City of Edinburgh Council is a member of the south-east Scotland transport partnership. At the SESTRAN conference at the end of last year, I announced the investment of £4.5 million to enable local authorities jointly to fund activities in a co-ordinated way in the SESTRAN area.

Given that the recently announced proposal for a park-and-ride site at Straiton had to go to the Scottish Executive on appeal before it was approved, will the minister confirm that future proposals for park-and-ride sites that are vital to relieving traffic congestion in south Edinburgh will be dealt with speedily? Will he encourage neighbouring authorities to work with Edinburgh in relieving traffic congestion, which would help all commuters from Lothian, the Borders and Fife?

It is fair to say that problems such as those that Mike Pringle has identified have been part of the reason for developing proposals for stronger regional transport partnerships. We hope to produce a white paper in the next few weeks that will set out our proposals in more detail.

In and around Edinburgh, there are ambitious plans for park-and-ride developments at Newcraighall, Ferry Toll, Straiton, Todhills and Hermiston. However, they have not been progressing as quickly as I would like. We need to ensure that the considerable resources that the Scottish Executive has committed to those projects are spent on them as soon as possible so that those facilities are available for the travelling public.

---

Small Units Initiative

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made under the small units initiative in identifying units within the Executive that are suitable for relocation from Edinburgh to rural Scotland. (S2O-1402)

In March 2003, the Executive identified approximately 80 posts for relocation from Edinburgh to rural Scotland under the small units initiative. Since then, progress has been made in identifying locations for those posts.

I am sure that the minister would agree that the small units review offers two benefits—the economic benefit to the area that is gaining the jobs and better government. For example, would it not be better if the Parliament's Gaelic service was based in an area that contains many Gaelic speakers? To that end, I request that the minister considers moving that unit to Skye, which will soon be readily accessible across a toll-free bridge.

Presiding Officer, the Parliament's Gaelic service might be a matter for you, rather than for me, but I am sure that you heard Mr Farquhar Munro's comments on the subject.

I agree with the member's initial point about the benefits that the small units initiative can bring to rural, island and peripheral areas of Scotland and their local economies. Three, four or five jobs in such localities can make a significant difference.

What steps is the Executive taking to update relocation strategies, such as the small units initiative, by increasing the targets for the number of relocated jobs in the light of the enabling new technologies and the experience that points to increased levels of staff retention in rural areas?

Mr Mather will know that the Scottish Executive has recently announced further work on refining and proceeding with the relocation policy. The Finance Committee on which the member serves is also conducting an inquiry, so there is a considerable focus on this area of policy. The enabling technology that the member mentioned is one of the central and considerable benefits that can be brought to bear, as it can assist in the process of the relocations that we want to happen.

The minister will be aware of the bid for the crofter housing grants administration unit to be relocated to Tiree, which is one of the most fragile island environments on the west coast of Scotland. Given that the grant scheme applies only to the Highlands and Islands, surely it makes sense to locate the unit in the area. Will the minister assure me that he understands how important the decision is to the island community of Tiree? Will he guarantee that a final decision will be taken as quickly as possible? I would prefer it if he did not reply by saying, "Shortly".

We will take the decision as quickly as we can, consistent with good decision making. I am sure that my colleague Allan Wilson will have considered carefully Mr Lyon's points about Tiree.

---

Airdrie to Bathgate Rail Link

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the reopening of the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link. (S2O-1384)

The first stages of public consultation have now started and an engineering feasibility study will be completed this month. The project steering group will then consider the next stages of the design and consultation work that is needed to keep the project on track for completion in 2008.

Does the minister agree that the reopening of the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line must benefit the communities of Plains and Caldercruix in my constituency and those of Armadale and Blackridge in the constituency of my colleague Mary Mulligan? Does he agree that that necessitates the construction of new railway stations in those villages to ensure that local residents will have full access to this additional public transport route?

Yes. Karen Whitefield has raised concerns about the breadth of the public consultation exercise that is under way and about the location of some of its public meetings. As the Scottish Executive is likely to be a significant funder of the Airdrie to Bathgate line, I assure her that I will use all my efforts to encourage further public consultation meetings. We have only just started the consultation process, which is likely to take place over 12 to 18 months, but the sooner that we can hold meetings in Caldercruix, Plains and the other towns that she identified, the better. It is important that we get the support of all local residents and communities for this important new rail line, which we all want to see delivered.

Bristow Muldoon's question will be on the Bathgate to Airdrie rail link.

I am encouraged by the minister's commitment to try to achieve the timetable to reopen the line for 2008. Given that the Bathgate to Airdrie rail link was identified as the most significant public transport project in the central Scotland corridor study, does he recognise that the link is essential to the Executive's aim of reducing congestion across the central belt? With that in mind, will he give a firm commitment that he will try to ensure that, unlike the Highland sleepers, the Bathgate to Airdrie trains will arrive ahead of timetable?

I am happy to give a commitment that I will do everything in my power to achieve that. In the context of the central Scotland corridor study, it is important that we ensure that we invest in the major public transport projects and try, if at all possible, to deliver them quicker than is currently timetabled.

It is easy to invest in established road improvement schemes because we have a department that is geared up to doing that and has been doing that for a number of years. However, many of our public transport schemes are of a type that we have not seen for a long time. For example, as I mentioned at last week's question time, we have just started work on the Larkhall to Milngavie line, which is the first branch line to be reopened for 25 years. Many of the skills that are required to deliver such projects are no longer easily available in Scotland. Part of the challenge both for politicians and for the engineers and operational people in the rail industry will be to ensure that, as a team, we can deliver these projects on time and on budget.

The minister will be aware that the specification to the consultants from Babtie Group Ltd is based on a state-of-the-art scheme that includes full electrification. Although that is laudable, such a specification is likely to make the scheme substantially more expensive than it would be if it were of a more basic and utilitarian nature. Will he ensure that the decision on the scheme is based not simply on the costings of the state-of-the-art scheme but on alternative costings for a more utilitarian scheme, which might in fact be more deliverable?

I welcome Kenny MacAskill's call for frugality—the first time that he has called for that in the Parliament. When Kenny MacAskill encourages me to take a more utilitarian and less expensive approach, I am delighted to take him up on the offer. However, we want high-quality rail projects with, if possible, higher speeds and better times. If we are to succeed in getting people to transfer out of their cars and on to the rail network, we need to be as ambitious as we can be for public transport in Scotland.

---

Teacher Numbers

To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the rate of retirement of teachers will have for its ability to ensure that there are sufficient teacher numbers to meet its targets. (S2O-1399)

Teacher age profiles are taken into account in calculating the estimated numbers of teachers required to meet our targets.

The minister will be aware that, for some time now, the SNP has highlighted the need to double or even triple the number of new recruits into teacher training colleges. Bearing in mind the facts that there was an 11 per cent increase last year in the number of teachers retiring, that that trend is likely to continue, and that we will need 1,500 teachers on average each year just to replace those who are retiring, what measures will the minister take to try to bring more people into the teaching profession?

As the Parliament is aware, we have an historic commitment to increase teacher numbers to 53,000 overall. That is a significant challenge, but the Executive is rising to it. We have detailed ways of calculating the number of teachers we will require that take account of the current number of teachers and their age profile, how many teachers we expect to recruit from outside Scotland, how many we expect to leave the profession and how many we expect to join the profession. That is all factored together and then we make progress on that basis. We recently notified the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council of the number of teachers that we will require in future to meet our targets, and we are increasing the supply of teacher training places by 400 so that we can meet our target for primary 1 by 2007. The other figures—for secondary 1 and secondary 2 maths and English—have recently been put into the public domain and we are confident that we will meet those targets.

Does the minister agree that, as well as the total number of teachers, the balance between different specialities within the teaching profession is important? Following the debate in Parliament last night on science, does he agree that it is important to ensure that among the opportunities offered by maintaining the number of teachers despite the falling school roll is the opportunity to increase the number of science teachers and other specialist teachers to meet the Executive's objectives?

As I indicated, we have detailed ways of looking at teacher supply. We look at shortages that are emerging in the teaching profession and make that information part of the instructions that we give to SHEFC about the supply of teachers that we require. We are constantly reviewing the system as a whole, looking for science teachers, physical education teachers, music teachers or whatever other specialist teachers are required, to ensure that our schools have the type of teachers that we require to meet our curriculum demands.

---

Gershon Review

To ask the Scottish Executive what implications Sir Peter Gershon's Government efficiency review will have for the delivery of public services in Scotland. (S2O-1390)

The Scottish Executive is committed to value for money and customer-focused public services. In continuing to develop our approach, we will give due cognisance to the Gershon review of UK Government departments.

I hope that the UK Government has shared a copy of Sir Peter's interim report with the minister and that he has had sight of that. Can the minister assure us that the Executive will give serious consideration to the proposed reforms, not least in relation to procurement and the streamlining of regulation, which could save up to between £10 billion and £15 billion nationwide? That money is badly needed in the current spending review and could be redeployed in front-line services, not least education and health.

If I may be so bold, I can let Mr Raffan know that the Gershon review may learn from the Scottish Executive in relation to its funding and support for projects such as e-procurement. To cite a good example, it is projected that the Highland Council will save £3 million by its inclusion in our e-procurement system. All across the public services here in Scotland, we are working in partnership to ensure that we get value for money for our services. Every public pound wasted is a public pound lost in terms of opportunity to deliver much better public services.

---

Primary School Closures (Midlothian)

To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the representations of parents at Temple and Borthwick primary schools in Midlothian, currently facing possible closure. (S2O-1432)

The proposals are Midlothian Council's and it is for the council to consult on them and to have regard to the representations made to it before reaching a decision.

Is the minister aware of what Ross Finnie said to the Rural Affairs Committee on 20 June 2000? Mr Finnie said:

"The only school closures that are automatically examined by ministers are closures of rural schools … The whole reason why rural schools are treated differently is the recognition of the importance that a rural school has, not just in its educational provision but in its place in the community."—[Official Report, Rural Affairs Committee, 20 June 2000; c 1037.]

Is the minister aware that Midlothian Council proposes to close five schools in rural areas? Will he say whether he agrees with Mr Finnie's principled stand against the mass closure of rural schools?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton makes one interpretation of what Ross Finnie said, but the Executive is committed to ensuring that we have an adequate network of schools across Scotland. It is a statutory duty of a local authority to ensure that it provides adequate and efficient education in its area, but school closure proposals are essentially local matters and it is far better for them to be determined locally. Democratically elected local politicians are accountable for their actions. They have to take account of the very local circumstances in their areas, and it would be wrong for us to second-guess those proposals from the centre.

On the point about what matters are referred to ministers, a proposed rural primary school closure would be referred to ministers only if the school was 5 miles away from the school that it was proposed that the pupils should move to. For a secondary school, a proposal would be referred if the school was 10 miles away. There is also an 80 per cent occupancy level threshold at which ministers may be asked to examine specific proposals. It is not clear to me at the moment whether any of the schools in Midlothian would be referred to ministers, because they may not meet any of those criteria.

Can the minister assure me that the Education (Publication and Consultation Etc) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 require local authorities adequately to carry out consultation of parents and school boards and that local authorities have to take account of any representations made within the statutory consultation period?

Yes. The regulations make it clear that there is a statutory duty on local authorities to consult school boards, parents and the community. Local authorities must take those representations into account before they come to a decision. I stress again that these are local matters, but it is clear that we expect local authorities to consult. The statute requires that and we expect local authorities to have regard to the consultation before they arrive at their judgments.

---

Children's Panels (Recruitment)

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage people to apply to become members of children's panels. (S2O-1397)

Local authorities are responsible for recruitment, while the Scottish Executive funds and manages the national campaign that supports and supplements local activities.

Does the minister agree that one of the benefits of the children's panel system is the diversity of panel members? Will he ensure that there is no limit for panel members and that, as part of the national promotion, the Executive encourages those in their 20s to seek membership of children's panels and endeavours to ensure that there are no limits on those aged over 60 applying for membership of panels?

I agree with the member's general point. The current lower age limit is 18 and the upper age limit is currently 60 for a new appointment and 65 for retirement. However, the matter will be examined in the forthcoming review of the system and comments on the issue will be welcome. We must also bear in mind the European employment directive that addresses upper age limits. The review will have to bear the directive in mind in producing an outcome. There is a significant difference in that the employment directive covers those in paid employment, while panel members are volunteers. Nevertheless, due regard will have to be paid to that piece of European legislation.

Would the minister be concerned to learn, as I did recently, that some panel members feel that they lack stature in the eyes of the agencies with which they have to interface? If that is the case, it seems regrettable. How would the minister propose to address that issue, which is a vital consideration when we are seeking to recruit people to increase our panel membership?

I am aware of that view, which I believe is a minority view. The recent recruitment campaign was able to find more than 600 new members of children's panels, which shows that there is continuing interest in becoming a panel member. The hearings review will cover that issue. We welcome comments from serving members, past members and those who have an interest in the future health of the system.

The minister will be aware of the members' business debate that we had in October on children's panel membership. Does he agree that one of the biggest inhibitors to people becoming panel members and the most common reason given by panel members who give up is the difficulty that those in paid employment have in getting time off work? Will he ensure that all employers, in both the public and the private sectors, are encouraged to see the benefits of having employees who are involved in this valuable public service and that no panel member is prevented from carrying out their important duties by being denied adequate time off work?

I agree with those important points. The Scottish Executive has addressed the issue with employers and it will continue to do so. It is important that employers understand the importance of releasing their employees for children's panel work, which is vital for society. It is also important for employers to understand that there are benefits for them in that their employees will have broader experience and greater understanding of the world outside their employment and will bring to their employment skills and experience that they would not otherwise have.

Question 12 is withdrawn.

---

Erskine Bridge (Tolls)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to allow for the suspension of tolls on the Erskine bridge during the period when the Clyde tunnel is under repair. (S2O-1394)

There are no current plans to suspend tolls on the Erskine bridge.

I thank the minister, but his answer was less than helpful. I remind him that, from day one of the Parliament, Des McNulty and I have been asking for the tolls to be lifted. Other members, including Jackie Baillie, have done the same. What has the ministers' response been? There will be no lifting of the tolls despite the fact that the bridge has paid for itself. There will be no financial support for Glasgow City Council when it has to upgrade the Clyde tunnel. When does the minister expect to receive the report of the group that is reviewing tolls on bridges all over Scotland? An answer of, "Some time soon," will not be acceptable.

I hope to receive the report quicker than that—it will be later this year. I realise the importance of the wider review to all the toll bridges in Scotland. We will make early progress on the review and that is a clear commitment from the partnership agreement.

With regard to the points that Trish Godman raises, the works that are being carried out are related to new safety regulations and to the fire that took place in the Mont Blanc tunnel.

It is important that the work goes ahead as soon as possible. It will start on 19 April, last approximately 57 weeks and end in mid-May 2005. At no stage will the tunnel be shut completely and all the works will be carried out overnight from 7 pm until 6 am. During that night-time period, a contraflow system will be in operation in the other section of the tunnel. The work will not affect daytime traffic.

Tolls on the Erskine bridge have been suspended on previous occasions. There were three such occasions, but that was when the Kingston bridge was closed fully for periods of greater than 24 hours. That is the justification for the current position. If there were to be any change to that position, powers would require to be taken through some temporary suspension of tolls order. We have no such order in place at present.

The minister has said repeatedly that dealing with congestion is at the top of his agenda of priorities. Does he understand the frustration that people in the west of Scotland feel, given that the Kingston bridge and the Clyde tunnel are the major congestion pinch points with which we have to deal? Removing the tolls from the Erskine bridge would present a third option to people who have to cross the river. In the context of an almost 60 per cent increase in investment in transport since 1999, it makes absolute sense to stop penalising the people in the west of Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire by continuing to impose those tolls when we could improve economic infrastructure, reduce congestion and deal with what is seen as a great annoyance at a stroke.

I accept fully the importance of the matter and the fact that it is of regional significance. That is why we are setting up the Scottish transport agency and why we intend to give greater powers and statutory strength to regional transport partnerships so that we are better able to tackle major public transport, roads and bridges issues of regional or strategic significance in Scotland. We will produce a white paper on that subject soon. We are progressing with the tolls review. We are doing a lot of work to address the problems that members have raised today. I give them a final commitment that we will make progress on those problems in the coming months.

---

Women in Business

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage women into business. (S2O-1421)

Responsibility for directly assisting women into business falls to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Through the enterprise networks, there is a range of support services to encourage more women to consider the option of running their own business. Co-ordination of that support is now undertaken through a national unit for women's enterprise. The unit is currently carrying out a detailed strategic review of support measures.

Will the minister join me in welcoming the launch this week of the European Commission's action plan on entrepreneurship, which cites as one of its key priorities the promotion of women entrepreneurs? Will he also give an assurance that he will work with the enterprise networks to ensure that Scottish women have the appropriate information to enable them to benefit from and participate in that important initiative?

I certainly welcome the entrepreneurship action plan, which has recently been published. Indeed the Executive provided direct input into the original green paper.

It is also fair to say that we are already adopting a number of innovative approaches in the entrepreneurship field, including "Determined to Succeed: A review of enterprise in education" and assisting women into business. We are already doing much of what the Commission is proposing and the national unit for women's enterprise, to which I referred, is considering the development and market testing of new support mechanisms. We can therefore give a considerably greater impetus to trying to attract women into the world of enterprise to set up their own businesses.