Plenary, 06 Apr 2000

Meeting date: Thursday, April 6, 2000

Official Report 676KB pdf

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Question Time

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Thalidomide

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government concerning Scotland's surviving thalidomide victims. (S1O-1506)

The Scottish Executive has not been involved in any discussions about thalidomide victims.

I realise that the minister and the Executive are not responsible, but would she agree that the production of the drug thalidomide led to the greatest commercially caused child tragedy of the past century?

The successor to the distillers and distributors of the drug—Diageo, a multinational company—made a £1.5 billion profit last year and owns many companies, including Haagen-Dazs, Guinness and Burger King. Does the minister agree that pressure should be put on Diageo to aid the thalidomide victims who are suffering today—people without arms and legs, who are now middle-aged?

All of us in this chamber will agree that what happened to the thalidomide victims was a real tragedy. We all have a responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated in the future.

The Executive has received no approach from the Thalidomide Trust. The matters that Dorothy-Grace Elder raises should be discussed directly between that trust and Diageo. It would be inappropriate for the Government, north or south of the border, to intervene. That is not for a moment to say that we do not recognise the issues that the question raises. We recognise the tragic nature of what happened all those years ago.

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European and Monetary Union

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the Scottish economy of sterling remaining outside the European single currency. (S1O-1498)

The decision on UK membership of the European single currency is a reserved function. No specific assessment has been made by the Scottish Executive, although the parties inside and outside the Executive clearly have distinct views on this issue.

The minister will be aware that the international food exhibition in Glasgow finishes today. I have spent two days there, promoting Shetland and helping Shetland companies sell produce. Is the minister aware that many export companies are concerned about the need for stable exchange rates and a positive entry into the euro zone, given the right conditions?

I accept that monetary policy is a reserved matter, but does the minister recognise the need for the Scottish Executive to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this issue, not least because of the need to have strong political leadership on the euro?

I fully recognise the need to keep Scottish business competitive and to encourage exports, especially to our major export markets in the European Union. There is a particular need to support small and medium businesses in the manner that Tavish Scott has highlighted. Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise are active in that regard, but everyone in this chamber will want us to refocus and increase our efforts to encourage exports. That will be a key element of the review of the enterprise networks.

There is a need to maintain the competitiveness of Scottish exports and industry. What is the minister's view on the existing value of sterling? Is it too high, too low, or just about right?

As the member is aware, those matters are reserved.

But what is the minister's view?

As a Liberal Democrat, I have clear views on the importance of joining the single European currency. As I have said on many occasions in this chamber and elsewhere, having a currency that is low or devalued is not in itself a good thing. Everyone in this country wants a stable currency—

Stable and high, or stable and low?

A stable currency will encourage the development of exports in the way that I described.

Does the minister agree that, for the first time in a long while, options are open, not closed, that the approach is constructive, not destructive and that decisions are based on pragmatism, not on outmoded ideology? The people will decide on entry into the single European currency, because we have confidence in the people to decide that matter in a referendum.

There is a growing view among all parties in this chamber, except the Conservative party, that joining the euro is a good thing. I hope that it will take place in due course. However, no one is suggesting that it will happen soon, nor that it should happen without a referendum. In the meantime, we must try to encourage the development of exports in the way that Irene Oldfather and Tavish Scott described, and in every other way that we possibly can, by using the powers of this Parliament and of this chamber.

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Military Bases (Closure)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of dispersal of services personnel to Scotland, in the light of anticipated or possible closures of military bases in England. (S1O-1500)

I understand that consideration of those matters within the Ministry of Defence is at an early stage. The Scottish Executive will maintain contact with the MOD on those issues and will make representations as soon as appropriate.

I thank the minister for his answer.

Is the minister aware that many army bases exist in the south of England for historical reasons, as they were established there so that there would be a sufficient military presence to repel any possible invasion by Napoleon's army? Does he agree that today, some 200 years later, it is time for a reassessment, so that the merits of the barracks at Bridge of Don in Aberdeen, Fort George and Inverness are properly taken into account?

I was not aware of all those details. However, I am pleased that the chief executive of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency has prepared a document on strategic development, which was submitted to the Army Board on 30 March. It appears that, as a result of that review, there may be a shift northwards in the training element of the army. If that shift were to benefit the barracks at Bridge of Don in Aberdeen or the other barracks to the north, I would be the first to welcome it. If the Executive is able to do anything to encourage such a shift, we will do so and we will keep closely in touch with the issue.

Should the MOD so decide, would the minister be prepared to advocate that Scottish units should be stationed at those barracks, on the basis that they will be closer to home, their travelling expenses will be lower and recruitment and retention rates will improve if families are kept close to those bases?

I have not read every page of that document, but I understand that it follows the logic that Colin Campbell just described. There is a desire to match training and recruitment facilities with the areas from which recruits come. If that logical approach progresses, it will clearly mean good news for Scotland. We would like to encourage that approach.

Given the minister's supportive comments on the dispersal of service personnel, will he exhort his colleagues in the Executive to support me, by dispersing the battalions of civil servants to areas such as Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross?

That question is not in order.

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Ayr College

To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has allocated, committed or underwritten in respect of the extension to Ayr College and the proposed school of music and recording technology (SMART) at Dam Park, Ayr. (S1O-1512)

The Scottish Executive does not fund further education colleges directly. Since 1 July 1999, that has been the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. I understand that neither the council nor, in the period prior to last July, the Scottish Office allocated funds specifically to either of those projects. However, one of those projects is currently under way, and that is encouraging.

Given the positive response from the Strathclyde European partnership to the possibility of funding for that project, which is a key development in my constituency, will the minister indicate when he expects the overall transition funding scheme for objective 3 to be in place?

There are two distinct projects. The extension is a £9.18 million project, which is proceeding, as John Scott said, with a significant commitment of funding from the European regional development fund, from the college itself and from bank borrowing. The SMART project, which is believed to be a £10 million to £14 million project, has not yet been agreed. However, both are significant and exciting projects that show the momentum at Ayr College.

In 1999-2000, Ayr College received an extra 17.5 per cent in funding, which represented, in hard cash, an additional £1 million. This year, there will be a further expansion of funding to FE colleges. Henry McLeish announced an increase across Scotland of more than 7 per cent, and I anticipate that Ayr College will get at least its share of that money.

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Social Exclusion

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered undertaking an assessment of the contribution that arts and sports can make to tackling social exclusion. (S1O-1509)

The Scottish Executive's social inclusion strategy identifies the important role that the arts and sport can play in promoting social inclusion. That will be reinforced by the national cultural strategy, which will be published this summer. The Scottish Executive, in collaboration with the Scottish Arts Council and sportscotland, has commissioned consultants to carry out a study on the role of the arts and sport in regeneration in Scotland. Those reports are nearing completion and will be published in the near future.

Will the minister assure me that, in developing social inclusion partnerships, full account will be taken of the important contribution that the arts and sport can make?

I can give Scott Barrie that assurance. We recognise the importance of arts and sport in the development of social inclusion partnerships. The Scottish Arts Council has developed a new arts and social inclusion national lottery scheme, under which some awards have already been announced. The scheme is targeted at the 47 designated social inclusion partnerships and will study the role that arts can play. Over the next three years, sportscotland will also be targeting each of the social inclusion partnerships to ensure that sport plays its full role in the process.

Does the minister accept that more access to the countryside would give opportunities to socially excluded people to participate in outdoor sport and artistic pursuits? In view of the current concern about the ownership of the Cuillin and Ben Nevis, will the Scottish Executive take action to ensure that Scotland's natural heritage is recognised as the property of all the people of Scotland, rather than as a playground for a few privileged landowners and their rich pals?

Only part of that question falls within my area of ministerial responsibility. It is important for everybody to have access to sport and recreation. We know how important that is for people's health and enjoyment.

Does the minister agree that, for many young people who experience disadvantage, schools can provide the first and best opportunity to experience and participate in sport and the arts? Is it not therefore a matter of concern that, because of local authority budget cuts, many education departments are saving money by reducing or cutting out all together from the curriculum subjects such as arts and sport? How does the minister feel that that addresses or tackles social exclusion?

I am satisfied that this Executive is committed to promoting physical activity and sport in schools. In fact, the member will be aware of the school sports co-ordinators programmes that already are in 200 secondary schools, and we have a pilot project in primary schools. As part of the development of the national cultural strategy we are looking closely at the importance of education in the arts and culture for our young people.

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Kinlochleven Aluminium Smelter

To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the closure of Kinlochleven aluminium smelter in June, what plans it has to ensure that workers who have lost or will lose their jobs will receive all the help possible to achieve employment in the future. (S1O-1496)

The work force numbers 55, and the current estimate is that 30 to 35 employees will be without work when the factory closes. A number of agencies, led by Lochaber Ltd, and including the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service, have been providing support and advice. Highland Council, Lochaber College and the citizens advice bureau have also been closely involved.

Will the minister agree to help those local agencies to market the facilities of the business units which are ready for occupation in Kinlochleven, thus ensuring that new businesses move into the area prior to June? That would go some way toward alleviating the economic hardship that will face the area when the smelter closes.

The Scottish Executive would be prepared to assist in any practical way that it can. The lead is obviously being taken by Lochaber Ltd, but I agree that in the short term action is required, and also measures to secure employment opportunities in the area in the medium to long term.

Is the minister aware that opinion in Kinlochleven is at best divided on the question of whether the millions of pounds that have already been expended in Kinlochleven have been wisely spent? Does he accept that it is essential that the local people in Kinlochleven are fully involved in any regeneration proposals, which are otherwise likely to be imperfect at best? Does he accept that Kinlochleven needs and deserves a major employer to be brought in? That should have been the Government's focus for the past three years, and that must be the focus from now on.

I am not sure that I would agree with that as an approach to rural regeneration. Involving the local community on one hand, while saying on the other that what is needed is a single major employer to come into an area is inconsistent. The environmental and economic regeneration of the village, as with many other areas, is crucially important, and work is being undertaken by Kinlochleven Land Development Trust. I firmly believe in the involvement of local people in those initiatives. There is no single solution. Encouraging enterprise at the local level and involving local people should always be a crucial element of any such programme.

In view of the extensive and excellent work previously undertaken and supported by the Kinlochleven project, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Lochaber Ltd and Highland Council, will the minister ensure that that support continues through the Scottish Executive?

As I have indicated, we are determined that that support should continue. The number of jobs involved is significant in a small community. The range of agencies that I have described can make a properly resourced and properly focused impact. If the Scottish Executive can play a greater role, I would be happy to hear from the local MSPs their suggestions for support, and I will undertake to carry that forward.

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Transport (Lanarkshire)

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on developing multi-modal transport initiatives in Lanarkshire. (S1O-1507)

On 30 March we appointed the MVA Consultancy Group Ltd, experienced international consultants, to undertake the preliminary stage of the studies for the A8 and A80. We expect their report by the end of July.

Is the minister aware of a proposed development at the Mossend rail freight terminal in my constituency, which is aimed at expanding further the road-to-rail initiative that she recently supported at the Safeway depot in Bellshill? Is she aware of any obstacles to that development which might be the result of a restrictive interpretation of plans for the neighbouring Eurocentral site? Surely the development of both sites is possible and should have the support of ministers. Continued progress will assist in the growth of the manufacturing and service sectors in Lanarkshire.

Michael McMahon has correctly pointed out that we need to ensure that when major investment decisions are made, linkages are also made and that our approach to transport should be integrated. We must examine the joint opportunities that can come from development. That is the point of our multi-modal studies.

I note that the report is expected at the end of July. Will the minister give a definite date for completion and publication of the report, and will she tell members the target dates for commencement of work on the M74 extension and the Larkhall rail link?

The purpose of the review is to produce a scoping study from which we can take forward the main multi-modal work that will examine those corridors. That is a huge and complex piece of work. The purpose of the strategic roads review, which I announced in November, is to allow us to move ahead on five key roads and to ensure that we get our decisions right in the long run. We must examine all the options in road and rail and the use of those networks to ensure that future investment is properly justified and maximises opportunities in central Scotland.

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Genetically Modified Organisms (Test Sites)

To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it can give that pollen from GM test sites will not be allowed to contaminate the wider environment. (S1O-1532)

The independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment—or ACRE—considers the effects of pollen transfer from all GM test sites. Its scientific advice is that pollen transfer does not give rise to any unacceptable environmental safety issues.

This is a matter that causes some concern. Will the minister insist that the test sites are subject to the same requirements as other activities such as driving a car or running a medical, legal or dental practice? Such pursuits must have mandatory public liability insurance. If there is a claim for compensation against a GM test site, what guarantee can neighbouring farmers and others have that they will receive recompense?

Mr MacAskill is well aware that that issue is currently under consideration in terms of the European directive. He must accept that although there is a clear case for mandatory public liability, there must be a link with environmental regulations. The UK Government is not opposed to Mr MacAskill's suggestion, and neither am I, but we must wait for the outcome of discussions, which are at quite an advanced stage.

I do not wish to undermine the seriousness of the GM debate, but I have considerable concerns about the environmental impact of the overuse of pesticides in Scotland. Can the minister outline the measures that are in place to ensure that the use of pesticides does not contaminate the wider environment?

Questions must be about GM test sites.

Will the minister enlighten members regarding what he considers to be acceptable and unacceptable risks in respect of pollen transfer?

I am advised by independent scientists. The scientific representatives on ACRE are all experts and have an interest in the area with which they are concerned. Scientific risk, as Robin Harper will be aware, is not an absolute. There must be balance. The scientists are not in the business of destroying the areas in which they operate. They assemble all the evidence from all the tests and they base their conclusions on that. They are experts, and unless there is clear evidence that suggests that they are misguided, we are entitled to accept their judgment.

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NHS Fraud

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to tackle fraud in the NHS in Scotland by introducing a body with a remit similar to that of the directorate of counter fraud services. (S1O-1499)

A fraud investigation unit is being established within the Common Services Agency of the NHS in Scotland to tackle fraud by patients and by family health service practitioners.

I am pleased to hear that we are tackling the problem of fraud and are sending a clear message that fraud against the NHS is socially unacceptable.

Has the Scottish Executive analysed whether the phased introduction of redesigned prescription forms has decreased the incidence of prescription-based forgery and theft in the NHS in Scotland?

Margaret Smith's question rightly indicates that a range of measures must be taken if we are going to tackle fraud effectively. We must tackle it effectively because it is wrong that significant sums of money do not go into patient care, as they should do, because of abuse of the system. I hope that all members agree that we are right to come down hard on those practices when they occur.

Different controls have come into place in relation to the dispensing of prescription. Evidence shows that those changes are having a positive impact. I hope that the new unit that has been established will inform our work in this area. It will have a role to deter, to detect and to investigate fraud. We will use its work to ensure that those who can and should pay do so and that, although only a small number is involved, any practitioner within the service who seeks to abuse the service will be stopped at the earliest possible stage.

Will the minister say what effects the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill will have on fraud in the NHS?

Mr Gallie's line of questioning is, as ever, interesting and unusual. I will be happy to come back to Mr Gallie with a precise answer to his question. I assure him that we work hard to ensure that the wider regulatory regime within which we operate, which includes data protection regulation—also an area of great change—is used effectively so that when we develop policies and practices within the NHS it is as part of that wider regulatory arrangement.

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Public Services (Community Participation)

To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage effective and genuine public and community participation in decision making at local and national level with regard to the provision of public services. (S1O-1517)

The Executive is committed to civic participation. The public can make a real contribution to better policies at both local and national level. We are encouraging that contribution through our support for the Scottish Civic Forum, through the £3 million listening to communities programme, through the £10 million working for communities programme and through increasing use of the possibilities offered by the internet.

Within the past few weeks, I have had letters from five or six community councils—Peebles, Selkirk and some in Midlothian—which feel that they are not able to influence decisions that affect their communities. How is the Executive progressing in making moves to democratise quangos? What moves is it making in the directions recommended by the McIntosh commission to strengthen the role of community councils? Can we look forward to the implementation of proportional representation in local government elections?

Like Gaul, that question is in three parts.

Mr Jenkins will recall that, during the run-up to the Parliament, the consultative steering group went round the country trying to encourage participation in producing ideas for this Parliament. I remember being in Galashiels, in the member's constituency, as part of the CSG, when the contribution from the community councils was strong. We want to hear views from community councils. Opportunities now arise through the internet, on the many issues on which the Executive is consulting, for people to make their contribution.

I welcome the fact that the McIntosh commission wanted community councils to be strengthened. They are an important way in which people can contribute to their local communities. Mr McConnell has announced consultation on public appointments and Wendy Alexander has introduced proposals for reform of Scottish Homes, which will make it more accountable.

As I said recently, I believe that making progress with regard to the electoral system for PR, as agreed in the partnership agreement, is one of the ways in which we can strengthen local government. I look forward to the report of the Kerley committee, which will be produced soon. That will give us the basis on which we can make further progress on this issue.

I appreciate the Minister for Justice's acknowledgement of the importance of community councils. Will he confirm the current level of financial support offered by the Executive to the Association of Scottish Community Councils, of which I was founding chairman, compared to that given by Michael Forsyth as Secretary of State for Scotland?

I do not have the amount to hand. In recent months I have met representatives of the Association of Scottish Community Councils and had a useful exchange of views. I repeat that the Executive very much supports the work that community councils do and finds them a very useful channel for local views. I encourage community councils to make use of the consultation processes that we are encouraging.

On the democratisation of decision making in relation to young people, does the minister agree that the Executive should consider a youth committee to work with the youth parliament?

Setting up committees is a matter for Parliament, not the Executive. I attended a meeting of the youth parliament last summer. Another meeting is planned, and I think that we ought to be encouraging young people. That is why I welcome Sam Galbraith's seeking the views of young people and school pupils in the consultation process on the education bill. We also sought the views of young people in the consultation paper that I issued on smacking.

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Sellafield

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any environmental concerns relating to pollution caused by Sellafield. (S1O-1514)

The Scottish Executive is concerned about any instances of environmental pollution in Scotland. A comprehensive programme of routine monitoring of environmental radioactivity in Scotland is carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. It can detect radioactive discharges from Sellafield. The monitoring results show that doses to the most exposed members of the public in Scotland are well below the internationally recommended dose limit of 1 mSv.

Full details of the monitoring and assessment of radioactive pollution around the Scottish coast are published annually in the "Radioactivity in Food and the Environment" report. A copy of the current report is in the Scottish Parliament information centre.

Does the minister agree that any increased radioactivity in, for example, shellfish and seaweed, as is found around the coast of the Solway, is a matter for concern? Will she join the Norwegian, Icelandic and Irish Governments in asking for all liquid discharges and reprocessing at Sellafield to be stopped?

That is why we are committed to effective monitoring of the environment to give clear information about radioactivity. SEPA concentrates on looking at the marine and coastal environment, as Alasdair Morgan suggests, to determine the impact of liquid radioactive discharges from Sellafield on the Scottish environment. Following a recent review, SEPA has expanded that activity beyond Dumfries and Galloway to the entire west coast of Scotland, so that we have more accurate information on the levels in the environment. That is very important.

Does the minister agree that it would be unfortunate if difficulties at Sellafield were to reflect on the Chapelcross nuclear power station at Annan, which is an important employer in lower Annandale and has the support of the local community?

Order. That has nothing to do with Sellafield.

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M8 (Multi-modal Study)

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made to date with its multi-modal study of the M8. (S1O-1535)

I refer Mr Paterson to my answer a few minutes ago to Michael McMahon.

The study is not on the fast track. Is the minister aware that John Prescott has announced the completion of the Carlisle to Gretna stretch of the M6, which I am sure that most people in the chamber will welcome? Will the minister make an announcement about the completion of the M8 study?

The initial scoping study will be completed by this summer. In the autumn, we will appoint consultants to carry out the main study, which we anticipate will take around 18 months to complete.

On the multi-modal study of the M8, does the minister agree that there are particular concerns about the safety record of the Shawhead junction in my constituency? Can she give any indication of the steps that might be taken to reduce the number of accidents and to tackle the excessive congestion at that junction?

We can in a variety of ways tackle the problems that Elaine Smith mentions. We can do so through our road safety targets, which seek to reduce the number of accidents on our roads, and by ensuring that when we carry out routine maintenance work, as in the £440 million investment programme announced last week, we examine what safety improvements can be made. On congestion, traffic corridors will allow us to maximise the opportunities for public transport and to manage our public roads infrastructure more effectively. A combined approach is needed to tackle the problems that have been described.

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Film Commission (North-east Scotland)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a film commission in the north-east of Scotland. (S1O-1502)

I understand that the local authorities and Grampian Enterprise will be discussing with Scottish Screen a proposal to establish a film commission for the north-east of Scotland.

I am delighted to hear that, at long last, there is movement, as I have been asking those bodies to do that for months. I welcome the launch on Tuesday of "Film Location: Scotland", which I understand the minister will be attending. That document is very worth while and will be read by film producers around the country. It will contain a list of regional film offices throughout Scotland, but the north-east of Scotland will be absent from that list because there is no film initiative in the area. The north-east of Scotland contains an array of attractions, so will the minister write to local agencies to ask them to introduce such an initiative as soon as possible?

It is clear that film commissions play an important role in the film industry in Scotland. As the member knows, film commissions are currently funded by local authorities, in partnership with local enterprise companies. Scottish Screen is keen for us to have film commissions that cover the whole of Scotland, and we support that.

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Planning (Glasgow)

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take regarding the planning permission granted by Glasgow City Council in respect of 7 and 8 Alfred Terrace, Hillhead, Glasgow. (S1O-1527)

None. This is a local planning matter.

I cannot say that I thank the minister for her reply. This is a matter for the whole Parliament. Ian Jenkins made a similar point with regard to community councils, and my supplementary will make it clear that the issue that I am raising is a matter for communities and this Parliament. If the minister is not aware of the point that I made in my first question, she will not be aware of the fact that petitions from Hillhead Community Council and Hillhead Primary School board have been lodged—[Interruption.] Please let me finish.

Let us have a question.

I imagine that Wendy Alexander would be better placed to answer this question.

Is the minister aware that petitions on this issue have been lodged with the Parliament, and will she today make a commitment to examine the matter and take appropriate action in response to the serious allegations that have been made about breaches of Glasgow City Council and national planning policies and guidelines? Further to that—

No—that is enough.

I am happy to answer that question. It is important that we get the balance right. I am well aware of the issues regarding 7 and 8 Alfred Terrace. Pauline McNeill has already raised them with me and I have answered her questions.

The representations that were made by the local community were considered by Scottish Executive officials in coming to a recommendation on whether the matter should be called in for decision at national level. We have to take a view on whether such cases raise national planning issues. On this occasion, the representations that were made were considered carefully.

Will the minister address the wider concerns about a planning decision that affects the west end of Glasgow and involves private housing developers making large profits from overdevelopment of the area as a result of the inflated housing market? Does the minister agree that the needs of the existing community must be balanced against the need for reasonable development?

These matters need to be considered carefully. The best place to do that is in the local plan discussions that each local council conducts when weighing ideas about how the area should progress against the views of people in that area. I encourage members to take an interest in planning issues in their areas and to consider them in the course of the democratic process that has been decided by local councils, in the light of their development plans.