Plenary, 04 Sep 2008

Meeting date: Thursday, September 4, 2008

Official Report 738KB pdf

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Question Time

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Rural Affairs and the Environment

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New Entrants Scheme

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the new entrants scheme for farmers. (S3O-3980)

As I am sure we all agree, Scotland needs a positive farming future, which in turn needs new entrants. Interest rate relief of up to £27,395 is available to participants under the new Scotland rural development programme. However, let no one pretend that there is a simple or easy answer to removing the barriers to new entrants.

Will the cabinet secretary clarify a detail? The Scottish National Party's election manifesto—a dodgy dossier with which he and his colleagues appear to be increasingly unfamiliar—said clearly on page 68 that the SNP's proposed new entrants scheme would receive

"annual funding of £10 million."

However, the cabinet secretary's answer of 5 August to a parliamentary question that my colleague Nanette Milne lodged says that £10 million will be spent on new entrants over the entire six years of the rural development programme. By my calculations, that amounts to annual funding of less than £1.7 million, rather than £10 million. Will he explain the discrepancy?

Given the importance of attracting new blood to the agricultural sector, we have committed an initial £10 million to the Scotland rural development programme. Of course, it remains open to us to reprofile the expenditure under the SRDP in line with demand for that scheme.

I contrast the £10 million that the SNP Government committed to and delivered to help attract new entrants with the £5 million that the Conservatives promised in their manifesto. The SNP Government's commitment is in black and white. The issue is complex and challenging, but we will do all that we can to help attract life-blood into many of our rural and remote communities to work in the agricultural sector in the years ahead.

A dh'fhaighneachd do Riaghaltas na h-Alba dè thathar a' dèanamh gus daoine ùra a tharraing a-steach gu croitearachd.

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage new entrants into crofting.

As Alasdair Allan knows, we take the issue seriously. The theme of attracting young people and new entrants into crofting is central to the Shucksmith report, which was issued recently. It was debated in the Parliament and received a generally warm welcome. The report contains many suggestions for encouraging new entrants into crofting, which we are taking seriously.

The Highlands and Islands croft entrant scheme, which assists new entrants and encourages inactive crofters to release crofts to young people through financial incentives, is successful. As we consider our response to the Shucksmith report, which will be published in the coming weeks, we will continue to progress the debate.

David McLetchie is correct to say that the £10 million seems to be for six years rather than one year.

Tenant farming has long been known as the best scheme for new entrants into farming. The tenant farming union recommended that the best way to help new entrants was to give them access to the single farm payment scheme. Has the cabinet secretary pursued that or is he ignoring a most important sector of the industry?

I thank the member for making an important point. Tenant farming is extremely important to the viability of many agricultural and remote communities. I asked the tenant farming forum, on which the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association is represented, to give me its input on how we can break down the barriers to new entrants to agriculture. As the forum's report—which I am sure the member has read from cover to cover—shows, the subject is complex and difficult. The forum continues to do good work on issues that it identified in its report "Barriers to New Entrants to Scottish Farming".

If a simple solution to access to the single farm payment scheme existed, I am sure that the previous Administration would have found it, as the scheme was adopted a few years ago. We continue to investigate how we can make the scheme more appropriate to today's circumstances. That is part of the debate about the health check of the common agricultural policy. Our consultation document asks questions about that point and I look forward to Jim Hume's response.

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Carbon Footprints

To ask the Scottish Executive what lead ministers are giving the public on reducing their individual carbon footprints. (S3O-4046)

The Scottish ministers, like everyone in Scotland, need to take decisions on transport, energy use, purchases and waste that contribute to lower carbon lifestyles. Our greener Scotland campaign shows people how simple steps can improve the environment.

Indeed, but is the cabinet secretary aware that the average person's carbon emission is 5.5 tonnes per year? I have used the National Energy Foundation's carbon calculator to do some calculations on the First Minister's carbon footprint. On travel alone—without taking account of any of his household emissions—his footprint is over six times that amount. Since he became First Minister, Alex Salmond has travelled by train only once and takes regular trips by limousine from Bute house to Holyrood. Should he not also set an example or, as is usual with the First Minister, is it another example of, "Do as I say and not as I do"?

Sometimes I think that the best way to help to tackle global warming would be for the member to reduce the amount of hot air that he produces in the chamber.

Unlike many others who have to travel to the Parliament from far and wide around Scotland in their everyday business as ministers and members of the Scottish Parliament, the member does not have far to travel from his constituency office and home. If we had not inherited such a neglected public transport system from previous Administrations, perhaps the situation would have been different.

Like other members of the Government and members across the chamber, the First Minister is showing leadership by supporting some ambitious environmental legislation to protect the planet and our precious environment here in Scotland. He announced that yesterday as part of his statement on the legislative programme. In particular, we have Scotland's first climate change bill. That is leadership of the best quality. The First Minister is in the lead.

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Seagull Task Force

To ask the Scottish Executive what the composition and remit of the seagull task force are and what resources the Executive has committed to the pilot project in Dumfries. (S3O-4067)

A task force is being set up by the Scottish Government in conjunction with Dumfries and Galloway Council. The group, which consists of representatives from the local authority, the Scottish Government and experts from Scottish Natural Heritage and Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, will assess the urban gull problem in Dumfries. Its remit will be to agree a non-lethal approach to urban gull control to be implemented prior to next spring in an attempt to disrupt gull breeding success in the town. Expertise from the private sector will be sought on specific aspects of gull control as the need arises.

In addition to thanking the cabinet secretary for his reply, I thank his colleague Michael Russell for the flock of replies that I received this morning to the written questions that I submitted on 28 July.

Is the cabinet secretary aware that, on the advice of one of Mr Russell's predecessors, Allan Wilson MSP, I wrote to Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council in 2002—at which time Mr Russell was a list member for the South of Scotland constituency—seeking information on the councils' good practice on seagull control? Six years ago almost to the day, I provided that information to Dumfries and Galloway Council. Is the cabinet secretary aware that that council's inability to identify a budget for seagull control measures has hampered its efforts ever since? Will he commit to providing funding next year to Dumfries and Galloway Council to implement the task force's recommendations? Furthermore—

Briefly please.

Does the cabinet secretary agree that curtailing food supply for gulls is necessary and that existing anti-littering legislation should be enforced to reduce the available food supply?

The issue is a serious one that affects many members' constituents. I am surprised that the member is adopting such a sour note in response to the summit, given that I understand that 65 delegates attended it. The meeting was very successful. All the relevant bodies that were represented want to work closely together to address this social nuisance in Dumfries and elsewhere in Scotland.

I contrast the member's approach to that of Jack Groom, the provost of Dumfries, who was quoted in the Dumfries Courier of 22 August as saying:

"I am delighted the task force will be set up, to remove nests and break up the Gull colonies."

The initiative has been warmly welcomed. It is important that we all work together closely to try to find a solution to this social menace.

I call Nanette Milne, but ask her to bear it in mind that the question relates to Dumfries.

In her supplementary question, the member referred to my home city of Aberdeen. Perhaps you will indulge me if I mention that city, Presiding Officer.

The task force has been set up in Dumfries, but I know that the cabinet secretary is well aware of the gull situation in Aberdeen. Will the task force seek information from other councils such as Aberdeen City Council, which has used various methods over many years to control the gull population—not altogether successfully—to ensure that the outcome of the task force's deliberations reflects best practice that is already in place?

I assure Nanette Milne that I am aware of the seagull problems in Aberdeen and elsewhere in Scotland. I made specific reference to the fact that the task force is the first of its kind in a long while. I hope that it will come up with solutions that can be implemented throughout Scotland to address what we all accept is a major social nuisance.

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National Park Review (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the national park review will consider possible improvements to the mechanism by which Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park discharges its planning function. (S3O-4035)

Yes.

I like brevity, Presiding Officer, as do you. However, the cabinet secretary may not be aware of an interesting article in the Scottish Planning and Environmental Law Journal that I am happy to share with him. The article relates to the need for significant improvement in the discharge of the national park planning functions. Some in the chamber would argue that the system is slow and inconsistent and that it lacks accountability. Does the cabinet secretary consider that the planning functions of the national park authorities are properly accountable? Does he believe that only elected members should take planning decisions? What changes does he believe are required to ensure that consistent, robust and accountable planning decisions are taken in national parks?

The member may be surprised to learn that I am not particularly familiar with the publication to which she refers. However, I will be delighted to read the article in question if she sends it to me. I am not in a position to pre-empt the review of national parks that is taking place at the moment. Hopefully, stage 1 of the review will conclude in a few weeks' time; stage 2 will look at the planning functions of national parks. I do not want to pre-empt that consultation process, to which the member and others will be able to input. I am aware that in its forthcoming draft national park local plan, which is due for publication in November this year, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will review some of the issues that the member raises. Hopefully, some of the members' concerns will be addressed in the draft plan.

Will the Scottish Government consider upgrading Scotland's three regional parks to national park status? If so, when might the matter be progressed?

The member highlights the fact that there are three regional parks in Scotland, designated by local authorities with the support of Scottish Natural Heritage. They are spectacular places that all of us treasure. The application process for designation of national parks will be addressed in the current national park review. I urge the member to input to that consultation, to ensure that the issue of how regional parks can be upgraded to national park status is addressed properly.

Under the national park review, will the minister consider extending the boundaries of the Cairngorms national park to include Dava moor, which, as the minister is aware, is one of the most scenic, environmentally sensitive and iconic areas in the Highlands and Islands?

I am aware of the area to which the member refers, as it borders my constituency of Moray. It is a spectacular area. The work that is under way to extend the boundaries of the Cairngorms national park is not complete. SNH is taking forward the Government's commitment to support the extension of the park to Highland Perthshire, which has already been announced. We must await the outcome of that process. I urge the member to ensure that he inputs his views to it.

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Environmental Management

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve environmental management in the business community. (S3O-3997)

Among other measures, we are funding the Carbon Trust in Scotland, the energy saving Scotland advice network and Envirowise in Scotland. All provide free or subsidised support.

The minister will be aware of the success of a national student competition run by the Business Environment Partnership, the final of which will be held in the Parliament on Friday. Competitors from Edinburgh alone have identified possible environmental savings by the business community of more than 1,300 tonnes of carbon emissions and 1,600 tonnes of waste to landfill. In light of the students' success, will the minister commit himself to examining measures to implement their ideas, thereby making significant environmental savings and raising awareness in the business community of what can be done to reduce its environmental impact?

I am happy to give that commitment and to learn more about the students' initiatives that will be discussed in the Parliament on Friday. We are always open to new ideas for promoting energy efficiency in Scotland. Given the current economic climate, it is in the interests of the business community to seek energy efficiency, not only to protect the environment by lowering our carbon footprint, but to save cash. I am therefore very interested in the subject and look forward to learning more about the students' initiatives.

Question 6 is Helen Eadie's, but she does not appear to be in the chamber.

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Locally Produced Food

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the provision of locally produced food in the public sector. (S3O-4004)

Public procurement plays an important role in the development of the national food and drink policy. On 19 June, I announced how the Scottish Government would take forward the development of that policy. I have asked Robin Gourlay, head of facilities management at East Ayrshire Council, to chair a working group—reporting to the food and drink leadership forum—that will produce guidance for Scotland's public sector on becoming an exemplar for sustainable economic growth in Scotland.

There is widespread and cross-party consensus that moving to more healthily produced, local produce can have immense benefits for our health and the economy. More than a year ago, in a debate led by the Liberal Democrats, the Minister for Environment agreed that improved public sector procurement was necessary to encourage the purchase of local, healthy, high-quality food. The Government has announced that in March 2009 it will introduce a new catering contract. Will the new contract include a requirement for the use of fresh food and will it favour locally sourced and produced meals? When will the new contract be rolled out throughout the public sector? When can we look forward to the provision of quality, healthy, local produce in every school and hospital in Scotland?

The member raises an important point. The promotion of local food throughout Scotland's communities attracts cross-party support in the Parliament. The Scottish Government's catering contract will go out to tender and must be in place by March 2009. We are working on the use of that contract as an exemplar to the rest of the public sector in Scotland and we are pushing the boundaries as far as we can within the current procurement rules in Scotland. I hope that we will make substantial progress in doing that.

I support the member's comments about promoting local food in Scotland's schools, in our hospitals, and in the wider national health service. I was delighted to read that Western Isles Council is this week undertaking a two-week pilot, using local produce in school meals in selected schools. Shetland Islands Council and other local authorities throughout Scotland are considering similar initiatives. In the past few months, I have written to the NHS, local authorities throughout Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service to promote the concept of having more local produce on their menus to help support Scotland's primary producers and, at the same time, our health and environment record.

Does the minister share the view of organisations such as RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society and indeed the Conservatives that a renewed emphasis on local food and localised supply chains is an important element in addressing the challenge of food security in Scotland? Will he outline the specific measures that he will take to address food security concerns within the national food policy?

I support the sentiments of the organisations that the member mentions. It is important that we do what we can to link up local food to supply chains. There are some excellent initiatives in Scotland, such as the Skye and Lochalsh food link group, which links up local produce to local hotels and restaurants. That is a fantastic initiative, and I am keen to see how we can spread such initiatives throughout the rest of Scotland.

The working group that was set up under the food and drink policy has been charged with considering how Scotland can become more food secure. As I am sure the member knows, the debate is not simple. We have to ascertain the extent to which Scotland is self-sufficient at the moment and what more can be done to make it more self-sufficient in the future.

On negotiations over the common agricultural policy and other policies, it is important that we ensure that our farmers are given every support to remain food producers so that, in turn, Scotland remains a food-producing nation. That will support food security.

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Pig Support Package

To ask the Scottish Executive how much of its pig support package, announced on 7 August 2008, had not previously been announced. (S3O-3999)

The £1 million package of measures to support the pig sector that was announced on 7 August includes £100,000 for research into labelling and work to improve animal health. Around £700,000 will be used to support a range of measures and will be allocated in partnership with the industry. The remaining £200,000 will be used to improve the marketing of pig meat products. As the 7 August announcement made clear, this will be drawn from the £1 million already announced in October 2007 for investments to support the resilience of the red meat sector following the outbreak of foot and mouth last year.

The National Farmers Union Scotland says that the minister has ignored the recommendations of his own task force, which was set up to deal with the crisis in the pig industry. The key recommendation was to deliver financial support directly to our pig producers. Does the minister agree with the NFUS when it says that, with Scotland having the lowest number of breeding sows for 25 years, it is regrettable—to say the least—that the Scottish Government has provided no funding at all to meet that main recommendation?

I reiterate to the member that the £1 million to which I referred is new money for the pig sector in Scotland.

The pig sector faces huge pressures. I fully appreciate and understand that pig producers were disappointed that we were unable to support the two headage payment proposals in the task force report. With our limited resources, it is important that we support the long-term sustainability of Scotland's vital pig industry. To do that, we have to promote productivity, health and marketing.

The task force report was extremely valuable and we are building on it and taking forward some of its recommendations. Since I commissioned the report, there have been fundamental developments in the pig sector in Scotland. First and foremost, there was the takeover by Vion of the Grampian Country Food Group. That was a massive development and I hope that it will be positive for the future of the pig sector. It would be remiss of me not to take that development into account, given that the organisation will slaughter 80 per cent of the pigs in Scotland and will have 25 per cent of pig production. If I were not to have Vion working hand-in-hand with the industry in Scotland, we would not have the best outcome. It is in the industry's interest that we use our limited resources to take forward that positive agenda.

I urge everyone in the chamber to support Quality Meat Scotland's current pork campaign.

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Justice and Law Officers

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Police and Fire Service Pensions

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with HM Treasury in relation to police and fire service pensions. (S3O-4002)

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth wrote to HM Treasury on 13 June this year on this matter. He asked for equality of treatment for Scottish police officers and firefighters in relation to meeting the costs of changes to pension commutation factors. He pointed out that Scotland should be provided with funding, as was the Home Office, to meet these costs without having to look for savings elsewhere. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury replied at the end of July refusing the request for equality of funding treatment.

The issue is serious and is of interest not only to serving officers but to our communities. If Mr Swinney cannot persuade London to find the extra cash, and cannot find the cash from existing budgets, will the cabinet secretary accept that a number of retiring officers will not be replaced and that there will be an impact on front-line services? Does he accept that the Government's promise to deliver, by May 2011, an increase of 1,000 police officers above the 2007 level, will prove impossible to keep?

It is regrettable that the Treasury has taken the attitude that it has. It is grossly unfair on our officers and we will continue to fight the case.

The matter is complicated. It involves a variety of organisations and stakeholders, such as the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, police board conveners, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, and representatives from organisations such as the Scottish Police Federation and the Fire Brigades Union. I can assure the member that discussions are going on at the present moment.

This Government is committed to the three Rs—recruitment, retention and redeployment. We have embarked on the recruitment of 1,000 officers, and 150 were delivered before the end of the financial year. That is why we have not simply record recruitment to our police forces, but a record number of police officers. We will continue to support the attempts—especially in Strathclyde, but they are being replicated by chief constables elsewhere—to ensure that officers are appropriately redeployed from back-office facilities. I would be delighted to be advised by the Lord Advocate that our summary justice reforms—so maligned by some members in the chamber—are delivering substantial savings in police time.

It is a complicated matter, but the Government is on the case. We stood up for our police officers over pay last year, and we will again ensure that the numbers of police and firefighters are maintained in our communities.

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Association of Commercial Attorneys

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in processing the application from the Association of Commercial Attorneys for third-party right of audience in Scotland's courts under the provisions of sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990. (S3O-4076)

I acknowledge the attention that David Whitton has given to this issue on behalf of those who are involved, including his constituent. He has submitted previous questions and has engaged in correspondence on the matter.

Mr Whitton will know from the inquiries he has already made that the association recently clarified its status by incorporating itself as a limited company and submitted a revised draft scheme in late June. I have now completed my consideration of the association's application and, as the process requires, I have passed my views to the Lord President. I will ensure that Mr Whitton continues to be kept informed as to progress and the outcome.

As the cabinet secretary said, there has been correspondence between us on the matter. When he wrote to me in June, he commented that the provisions had been in place for a year. It is now over a year since the association made its application. However, there seems to have been a flurry of activity since I lodged my question last week.

Mr MacAskill said to me previously that he would judge the application on its merits, despite his prejudiced published opinion. I now ask him when the decision will be made on the vital matter of third-party representation in Scotland's courts. Can he get in touch with the Lord President's office to persuade it to get a move on as well?

I cannot give a definite date, as it will depend on hearing back from the Lord President's office. I advise Mr Whitton—as I did in my initial answer—that we have submitted our position to the Lord President, who will have to consider matters. I am sure that he will do so expeditiously. I am advised that he is currently on holiday—doubtless taking a well-earned rest—but I am sure that he will deal with the matter promptly on his return.

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Petrol Stations (Alcohol)

To ask the Scottish Executive how many petrol filling stations are licensed to sell alcohol. (S3O-4024)

The latest "Scottish Liquor Licensing Statistics" show that, in 2007, garages accounted for 184 licences, which is approximately 4 per cent of off-sales licences.

The current licensing law places no restriction on filling stations applying for licences. However, Parliament's intention in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 was clear: garages should not be allowed to sell alcohol unless they are the principal source of groceries in their areas. We are working hard with licensing boards and others to ensure the successful implementation of the act.

I recognise that there has been some concern about boards' ability to deal with applications from garages as Parliament intended, and I have now made an order that will remove any lingering doubt on the matter. Garages are excluded premises under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which means that a licensing board can grant a garage a premises licence only if it serves a wider community need. The applicant must be able to demonstrate to the board that they are serving a wider community need by being the principal source of fuel or groceries in their area. It is for the licensing board to consider each case and decide whether to grant a premises licence.

I am grateful to the cabinet secretary for answering not only my question, but part of my supplementary question. As he knows, "Changing Scotland's relationship with alcohol: a discussion paper on our strategic approach" emphasised the fact that drink driving undermines efforts to make Scottish roads and communities safer. It is totally scandalous that some filling stations are still openly serving alcohol. Will the cabinet secretary do his best to ensure that, in a short time, it will be impossible to buy alcohol in an ordinary filling station in Scotland?

Those are matters for individual licensing boards. Parliament's intention was to differentiate between the urban and rural environments. We are aware that, because of changes to post offices, libraries and other amenities, there are areas of Scotland where the garage performs a function that involves more than simply providing fuel. A licensing board may view the purpose of an individual outlet as being principally to serve food, including alcohol.

I have to say, though, that I share the concerns of not only the member but many licensing boards. For example, the city of Edinburgh licensing board has refused applications for licences because there are numerous other such outlets in the area in which a licence was sought. Although we must tackle the scourge of drink driving, we must also ensure that in remote and rural areas of Scotland we provide the facility for licensing boards to use not only their discretion but their common sense.

Is the cabinet secretary aware of the number of instances when someone has been arrested and subsequently convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol when the drink consumed has been purchased at one of those garages?

I am not aware that those statistics are collated; if Mr Aitken has that information, I will be glad to consider it. In my experience that information is collected neither by the police nor by the procurator fiscal. The Government recognises that we have a problem with alcohol and its abuse in this country and that we have a problem with driving under the influence of alcohol. It is for those reasons that we are taking a variety of measures. We are aware, in our drive to tackle alcohol abuse, that the manner in which alcohol is displayed is important. Difficulties follow if there is irresponsible promotion and irresponsible pricing. There are good reasons why, in some areas, it would be irresponsible to have alcohol displayed where there are vehicles.

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Fire Statistics

To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics exist on the (a) incidence, (b) severity and (c) causes of fires in (i) domestic properties, (ii) hotels and (iii) bed-and-breakfast premises. (S3O-3984)

The latest statistics on fires in Scotland are available in the annual publication "Fire Statistics Scotland, 2006", which is available in the Scottish Parliament information centre—Bib number 45584. The publication includes statistics on the number and causes of fires by property type, along with data on fire casualties.

Property types in the publication include domestic dwellings and commercially run establishments providing sleeping accommodation. Statistics on fires in hotels and bed-and-breakfast premises are not available separately.

The minister will be aware of concern among bed-and-breakfast operators in Dumfries and Galloway about fire safety guidance for the sector. They feel that the imposition of the guidance and the way in which it is being applied has the potential to drive many marginal concerns out of business without providing any meaningful increase in the level of fire safety. Will the Government consider reviewing the guidance to strike a better balance between improving fire safety where it is necessary and appropriate to do so, and ensuring that many marginal businesses in areas where tourist accommodation is limited are not driven out of business? Clearly, the intention is not to do so.

First, bed-and-breakfast providers contribute well to the Scottish economy and we are extremely supportive of their work. Secondly, there are guidelines and in preparation for the question I recently took the opportunity to read them. They point out the blindingly obvious: when people are asleep, whether in a hotel, a B and B or another establishment, they are vulnerable to fire, and whether they are in a B and B, a hotel or another establishment they are entitled to have appropriate protection against fire. I imagine that all members would take that to be self-evident.

The guidance, which I can share with the member if he wishes, often seems to be no more than common sense, if rather lengthy common sense. I believe that it was prepared following the introduction of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005—I believe with cross-party support—and the subsequent Scottish statutory instrument in 2006; it is intended to ensure that proportionate steps are taken.

The member will probably also be aware that if any B and B provider is dissatisfied with the indication of requirements by the enforcement officer, there is an appeals procedure. Thus far, as I understand it, that procedure has not been triggered. I assure the member and others who have written to me that we take the matter very seriously. A reasonable question is being asked, but I hope that we all recognise the overriding requirement and duty on us all to provide adequate and appropriate protection against fire, which, as we well know, causes a great many deaths in our country.

Does the minister agree that many of the small bed-and-breakfast establishments, which operate for only a portion of the year, are basically family homes with perhaps one or two letting bedrooms, and that that is one of their attractions to visitors? Does he accept that we should certainly not seek to impose on them regulations that would require alterations to their home, such as the installation of self-closing fire doors, which effectively turn those family homes into hotels? Will the minister indicate that his mind is still open to the possibility that, if fire brigades recommend, for example, that fire doors be installed in three-bedroom houses, we can amend the guidance so that the common sense of the fire brigade coincides with the common sense of the people who normally live in the house?

In accepting a number of the points that the member makes, I assure him that my mind is rarely padlocked shut. However, I am confident that the guidance was prepared with the benefit of consultation with 15 tourism industry representatives, including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers, Scotland's Best B&Bs and Scottish Independent Hostels. The industry was certainly consulted about these matters.

I am sure that the member will agree that, if one dies in a fire, it makes no difference whether that fire was in a bed-and-breakfast establishment with two rooms or a hotel with 250 rooms, and that, therefore, the fundamental principle of the policy is correct. We are, however, extremely aware of the need to ensure that the practical measures that enforcement officers believe are necessary should be proportionate, not disproportionate, and we hope that these matters can be resolved at a local level, by agreement, as appears to be the case in most cases at the present time.

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Police (Custody Management)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with stakeholders, particularly in Grampian, on the need to act on deficiencies in the facilities and arrangements for police force custody management. (S3O-4005)

Police force custody management is entirely a matter for the police. I and other ministers meet regularly with police and stakeholders and discuss a range of issues.

In the minister's regular discussions with police forces, has it been drawn to his attention that there are serious problems in the north-east? It has certainly been drawn to my attention by the Police Federation that, currently, the facilities that are available are inadequate and that people who are in police custody are being moved around the area at considerable expense and inconvenience, taking considerable amounts of police time. In his discussions with the police forces, will the minister raise that issue with them?

I will be happy to raise the matter with the chief constable of Grampian Police when I next meet him. However, I reiterate that it is an operational matter for the police. We have a tripartite arrangement in policing, which involves police boards. It seems to me that, on this matter, the police board should be seeking to interact with the chief constable if it is felt that there are particular problems. Obviously, you can rest assured that it is the Government's intention that the amount of police time that is taken up by moving prisoners around should be minimised and that, therefore, we will support anything that can be done to ensure that our police are appropriately and adequately deployed.

Does the cabinet secretary recognise that he is being given an opportunity to address two important issues at once? Following his decision to close Aberdeen prison, will he now consider the establishment in Aberdeen of a remand unit for prisoners awaiting trial, and will he talk to Grampian Police and the police board about the possibility of combining such a unit with facilities for housing some of those detained in police custody in the city?

I can only reiterate what I said to Mr Adam: the fact is that those are operational matters for the police. If the member asks for remand facilities to be built, we will ask him what part of the justice budget he wishes to be cut back, given the significant investment that the Government is making as a result of the fact that we inherited a prison estate that was not fit for purpose. We have, thankfully, taken the decision to commit to three new prisons. Having signed off Addiewell, we are now committing ourselves to a new prison in Bishopbriggs, which will, thankfully, be within the public sector—I am grateful for Mr Whitton's appreciation of that fact—and another prison in the north-east.

We worry about police time being wasted in having to ferry people about but, as I said, we are talking principally about operational matters that are best dealt with by the chief constable or challenged by the police board if the situation is felt inappropriate.

We have some time available so I will allow question 6.

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Domestic Abuse Courts

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the provision of domestic abuse courts to rural areas. (S3O-4006)

We are committed to mobilising the resources of the justice system to deal with the perpetrators of domestic abuse quickly and to support their victims sensitively.

On 23 June, the same day that we announced the expansion of the Glasgow domestic abuse court, we published a toolkit for local criminal justice boards and others across Scotland who are interested in developing innovative and effective responses to domestic abuse within the criminal justice system. It builds on best practice developed in Glasgow and experience elsewhere to give practitioners practical help on handling cases of domestic abuse. However, it also recognises that one model does not fit all situations and provides options equally applicable to our rural areas and to our cities.

Does the cabinet secretary agree that people reporting domestic abuse in rural communities face particular problems, not least the perceived difficulty in reporting crimes anonymously?

Absolutely. As a Government, we recognise that domestic abuse is an all-Scotland problem—in not only urban but rural areas. Mr Allan is correct that there are additional issues with peripherality and a lack of population, and it is therefore appropriate to ensure that the identity of witnesses is not disclosed.

We acknowledge that the needs of Glasgow are different from those of Lochmaddy, but I assure the member that we recognise that domestic abuse affects rural Scotland as much as it does urban Scotland. We have been delighted to expand the Glasgow court, and we are seeking to ensure that every area in Scotland is covered in tackling this dreadful problem.