SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning
Rail Travel (Edinburgh)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve rail travel to Edinburgh. (S2O-2348)
The Executive is committed to a wide range of improvements, including the Edinburgh airport link, the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line, the Airdrie to Bathgate link, the Borders rail line and improvements to Waverley station, such as longer platforms, which, along with the new trains, will dramatically improve the peak-time capacity of services into Edinburgh. That represents the most significant investment in rail services in Scotland's capital city since the original construction of the east coast main line.
The minister will know that, as well as welcoming the improvements to which he has just referred, I have welcomed the proposed improvements to Markinch railway station in my constituency, which have now been on the stocks—or, more accurately, on the sleepers—for some considerable time. I have shared with the minister my concerns that the public inquiry into the compulsory purchase order has been scheduled for 29 July, which is in the middle of the Fife fair fortnight. So that my constituents do not think that the Executive has something to hide, will the minister reassure me that the date of the inquiry will be moved?
I have taken up Christine May's concerns and she will be pleased to hear that, although the decision is not for me to take, the public local inquiry is now likely to take place on 19 or 26 August, depending on the availability of the parties involved. I am pleased that that adjustment has been made as a result of Christine May's representations and that the project, which has been delayed for too long, is now likely to proceed more quickly. I have in front of me a long list of the benefits of the project, which include a new booking office and waiting room, a fully accessible pedestrian bridge, a new 140-space car park, a bus turning circle and taxi rank, and closed-circuit television covering platforms and the car park. I am sure that everyone in the Markinch area who uses the station will warmly welcome those improvements. Let us ensure that we get the project delivered as quickly as possible.
Those improvements are welcome, but they will amount to nothing if there are not enough trains running on the tracks. Is the minister aware of the level of concern about the Perth to Edinburgh rail link? Does he know that there is no Perth to Edinburgh train between 7.10 am and 8.50 am? Can he say, hand on heart, that that level of service is sufficient to encourage people out of their cars and on to the railways? If not, what proposals does he have to improve the service between Perth and Edinburgh?
If a scheduled service is not running, that is clearly a cause for serious concern. One of the most important factors in convincing people to shift from the car to public transport is reliability. We need quality and reliability in our public transport services and that applies very much to rail services. I am happy to investigate any difficulties with the Perth to Edinburgh service, as there should not be such difficulties. We have invested in 29 new trains to increase the capacity of the services into Edinburgh and in other parts of Scotland. There are a range of significant increases in peak-time capacities, all of which are well over 20 per cent, in services such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow service, the Bathgate service, Fife services and the Dunblane service. I will write to Roseanna Cunningham about the problem that she is encountering.
The minister will be aware that there are campaigns for better rail services between Lanark and Edinburgh and between East Lothian, particularly Dunbar, and Edinburgh. I have just been at a meeting—about something completely different—with a lady who asked me also to mention the campaign for a new station at East Linton. How will all the new services—including the Borders railway—be catered for by the minimal Waverley reconstruction that has been forced on the Executive?
The reconstruction at Waverley station will be phased. The first phase, which we have now announced, will cost around £150 million. That is not a minimal improvement in anyone's terms. It will increase the capacity of the station from 24 trains per hour to 28 trains per hour. That increase of four trains per hour will allow us to deliver the significant new improvements that we are planning throughout the Scottish rail network—the new rail lines and the new services that I mentioned in my reply to Christine May. The Airdrie to Bathgate line, the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line, the Waverley line and the Edinburgh rail link will all require that additional capacity at Waverley station. That is why we have got to get moving on the reconstruction now.
The minister knows about the problems that people who live in the Dunbar area are experiencing in getting trains to and from Edinburgh. Does he accept that there is a powerful case for including commuter services to Dunbar in the renewed ScotRail franchise? Will he instruct his officials to work with East Lothian Council in working up that initiative?
I have discussed those issues with John Home Robertson and we had a meeting on the services to Dunbar. The retendering of the franchise is based on the existing rail network. However, we are allowing for improvements to that network and we want those improvements to be delivered. The improvements that are made will automatically be a part of the new franchise. The service that the member mentions will not be part of the core franchise that will be introduced from October, but it is possible that it will become part of the developing franchise as one of the improvements that we will make over the coming years.
Rail Journey Times (Glasgow to Edinburgh)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with ScotRail regarding rail journey times between Glasgow and Edinburgh. (S2O-2347)
As well as introducing trains every 15 minutes between the two cities and increasing peak-time capacity on the route by 37 per cent through introducing new and longer trains, the Executive is willing to discuss practical and deliverable ways of improving journey times on that vital route.
Does the minister agree that another route, the Shotts line, is seen as the Cinderella service and that it is essential that the people of Lanarkshire have a fast service through Lanarkshire to Glasgow and Edinburgh? Does he also agree that there is a need to create transport hubs both in Lanarkshire, at Shotts, and in West Lothian, at Livingston, to allow for a properly integrated rail network and co-ordination with bus services to ensure maximum access?
I would very much like to see the sort of improvements that Karen Whitefield is talking about. We need a fast, efficient and reliable service between Edinburgh and Glasgow. We also need to serve the communities between Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, some of our decisions involve a trade-off, such as new stations requiring new stops, which can slow the journey time between Edinburgh to Glasgow. For example, there will perhaps be difficult decisions concerning the number of communities that are to be served by the Airdrie to Bathgate line. The introduction of Edinburgh Park station, which has been widely welcomed, has involved trains stopping and then starting again as they move away from that station. If that was done in relation to Edinburgh to Glasgow trains, it would lead to a slowing of the journey time, albeit by just a few minutes. I would like us to get the balance right and, over the next 10 years or so, to achieve the ambition of reducing the journey time between Edinburgh and Glasgow from its current 48 minutes. I believe that that would attract more passengers and lead to greater confidence in the service.
Is the minister aware that by 2006 the Dutch will be able to travel the 51 miles between Rotterdam and Amsterdam in only 28 minutes? Will he reconcile the need for a fast link between the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh with the need for commuting opportunities for communities such as those in West Lothian? Does he agree with Karen Whitefield's valid point that more consideration should be given to making the Shotts line into the fast line in order to allow us to open up commuting opportunities for other communities? It is vital that we have fast and regular communications between Glasgow and Edinburgh and the communities in between.
Fiona Hyslop makes the point very well. I assume that the service that she is talking about is a non-stop one. I agree that we should not completely reject that kind of speed for future services, but there are important communities between Edinburgh and Glasgow and one of the key reasons for the service is to serve those communities and to enable commuters to access the two cities. The demand for such services is growing and, during the next 10 years, we will be able to serve more of those communities with good-quality and reliable rail services and to increase significantly the number of passenger journeys in Scotland. As part of that, I undertake to consider issues relating to the Shotts line and to report back to Parliament. Inevitably, those matters will be a medium to longer-term part of the aspiration of reducing the journey time between Edinburgh and Glasgow from 48 minutes.
I direct the minister's attention to another key Glasgow to Edinburgh link—the Airdrie to Bathgate line. I understand that the Executive and West Lothian Council have received the draft engineering feasibility study on the reopening of the line. Will the minister confirm that that is the current position? Does the feasibility study indicate that the reopening of the line is affordable under the Executive's budget? Will he give a clear commitment to making the resources available for further progress on the line? Will he indicate when he expects a private bill to be introduced?
The timing of the private bill is a matter for the project promoter. The Executive believes that the Airdrie to Bathgate line is a sensible and deliverable project that could represent value for money. A full business case will have to be made, but I know of nothing in the draft engineering report or in any other information that has been given to me that suggests that the Airdrie to Bathgate line is anything other than a very good project that the Scottish Executive should continue to support.
Scotch Whisky Industry (Strip Stamps)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the report of the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster last week, it will make further representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that strip stamps are not imposed on the Scotch whisky industry. (S2O-2270)
We will continue to engage with the Treasury and the Scotch whisky industry on the proposed introduction of tax stamps in two years' time.
I am pleased to hear that the minister will take that position. No doubt he is aware that the Scottish Affairs Committee said of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise fraud estimates:
I am sure that Brian Monteith does not expect the Scottish Executive to take the place of the UK Government in making its estimates of the fraud. No one disputes that significant levels of fraud exist in the spirits industry, hence the case for the introduction of tax stamps. The National Audit Office has taken a clear view of the estimates from the whisky industry and HM Customs and Excise. It has said that, although those estimates require further work, they are within the possible range of accuracy. In other words, although the NAO has not dismissed either set of figures, it has said that both are only a snapshot of a wide range and that much more work needs to be done. I recognise the validity of that view. Given that it is not proposed to introduce the stamps until April 2006, there is an opportunity for the NAO and the Treasury to look closely at the figures.
What specific counter-arguments is the Scottish Executive using with the Treasury to defend the interests of the whisky industry and of Scotland in the light of the strip stamp threat?
We are talking to our colleagues in the Treasury about the economic implications of their proposals. As we have described in the chamber in the past, we are making the case that we want the Treasury to talk to the industry about how fraud can be tackled in a way that does not impose undue compliance costs on the industry. There is broad agreement about what the compliance costs might be, although there is a difference at the margins between the two estimates. We are talking to the Treasury about that. We recognise, of course, that it is for the Treasury to make a decision on the stamps, but we believe that, if it proceeds with them, it should use a mechanism that will minimise the impact on the industry. The Treasury should reach agreement with the industry about the most effective way of implementing tax stamps.
The minister will be aware of the significant and consistent representations by my colleague John McFall MP in opposing the introduction of strip stamps. Indeed, John McFall recently facilitated a welcome meeting between the Scotch Whisky Association and the chancellor. Given that the strip stamps are awkward and difficult to work with, what progress has been made with the Treasury in considering alternatives, such as fiscal marks?
It was striking that the Scottish Affairs Committee's summary of the position identified 17 different options suggested by the industry and by people such as John McFall who are advocates for the industry. I am sure that all those suggestions will be on the table at some point in the discussions that are going forward. We will continue to work closely with the industry on those matters. It is worth acknowledging John McFall's efforts to get those arguments across at the highest level in the United Kingdom Government.
Scotch Whisky Industry (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support and encourage the Scotch whisky industry. (S2O-2268)
We support the Scotch whisky industry in a number of ways within the context of the framework document "A Toast to the Future", which we issued in November 2000. When I met the Scotch Whisky Association in March, we agreed that we should revisit that document in the near future.
I wonder whether the minister can be a bit more specific. Through my conversations with the Scotch whisky industry, it is clear that there are difficulties, not the least of which comes from a Government body by the name of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. I do not want any arm of our Government to place perceived impediments in the path of what is a flagship industry. I want more detail on what we can all do to promote what is one of our biggest foreign export earners.
Both the Government and members of the Parliament can do a good many things. Indeed, Jamie Stone's raising of that question is an effective way of drawing to people's attention the significance of the whisky industry, which makes a substantial contribution to gross domestic product and to our export earnings. The industry also gives rise to a significant amount of employment, particularly in constituencies such as Jamie Stone's—I know that he is familiar with the Glenmorangie spirit, for example, which comes from his part of the country, and I am sure that he will continue to promote that product in the way that he has done in the past.
Road-equivalent Tariff Schemes
To ask the Scottish Executive what advantages a road-equivalent tariff scheme has for transport costs to and from Scotland's island communities. (S2O-2330)
A road-equivalent tariff scheme would generate significant additional subsidy costs, which could be funded only by displacing high-priority transport projects. We have no current plans to introduce ferry fares based on road-equivalent tariffs.
The minister will be aware of the success of RET schemes in Norway and Greece in sustaining island communities that have been penalised by high transport costs. He might also know that I recently visited the Western Isles, where I spoke to council representatives who are trying to put together a pilot study to examine the full economic impact of RET schemes. Will he give a commitment to support that study to assess the potential benefits of RET in counteracting outward migration from the islands and in attracting visitors and business investment to help economic development in our island communities?
We certainly want to strengthen and improve ferry services to all parts of Scotland—the northern isles services and the Clyde and Hebrides services. It is far from certain that road-equivalent tariffs would benefit communities such as those in the Western Isles, because the longer ferry routes could well be more expensive as a result of the tariff—one must be very cautious before suggesting that all communities would benefit from RET schemes.
In view of the minister's meeting last week with the European Commission about whether the Scottish Executive is required to tender the CalMac routes, is he now in a position to make an official announcement on whether that tendering will go ahead?
I am not. We had a constructive meeting with the Commission last week and it was agreed that some final technical issues require to be resolved and that we should agree a clear statement, which will be made available to all members of this Parliament. I would like to make members aware of the situation as soon as possible, but I should not raise expectations that there is any prospect of moving away from the tendering process.
Justice and Law Officers
Violence against Transport Workers
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issue of violent attacks on transport workers. (S2O-2365)
A full package of measures will be announced later in the year to address the problem of attacks on public service workers. In the meantime, the Executive is supporting a number of measures to address the problem of attacks on transport workers, including the installation of closed-circuit television cameras in all buses operating in Dundee and a trial CCTV project in Glasgow on buses operated by FirstGroup plc. Train and bus operators have implemented a number of initiatives, often in partnership with local police authorities and the British Transport Police. We strongly welcome those partnership approaches, which are already delivering results.
I am grateful to the minister for that answer and would be interested in contributing to the consultation when it takes place. Is he aware that, in the past 11 months, 11 Stagecoach bus workers in Fife, including workers in my constituency, have been assaulted? I am sure that he will join me in condemning those who perpetrate such assaults. Is he also aware of the British Transport Police's recent announcement on the use of DNA testing for transport workers who have been spat on by those who would assault them and that some of those tests are likely to result in prosecution? Will he agree to convene a meeting between his officials and transport operators to see whether that testing regime can be extended to transport operators other than railway operators?
The Scottish Executive is not directly involved in those initiatives, which are the responsibility of the transport operators. I share Christine May's disgust and concern at the type of incidents that she describes and I very much welcome the work that is being done by ScotRail in issuing swab kits. As she said, that scheme is already beginning to demonstrate some success. The initiative has also been tried out in the west of Scotland by First, where, again, it is proving to be a success. Far too many transport workers, whether on the rail or bus network, are being attacked in such a way. Anything that can be done to ensure the conviction of those responsible is to be welcomed. I encourage other operators to learn from what ScotRail and First are doing in order to see whether they can give the same protection to their employees.
Prisoners (Mental Health)
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of Lord Bonomy's recent judgment, what action is being taken to address any issues of inadequate regimes, overcrowding and slopping out for prisoners who are suffering from a mental health condition. (S2O-2276)
We are considering Lord Bonomy's judgment carefully. The Scottish Prison Service is examining the operational implications of the judgment for the management of all prisoners. The service seeks to address the individual mental health needs of prisoners irrespective of whether they require to slop out.
Is the minister taking steps to ensure that claims will not arise as a result of the triple-vice effect, which I described in my question, on prisoners with mental health problems? Will she further ensure that adequate and appropriate psychiatric and clinical psychological support is given to all prisoners who need it?
On the first point, I have indicated that we are still carefully considering the judgment. As I outlined, we have of course asked the Scottish Prison Service to look at the operational issues. As Mary Scanlon is well aware, many people who end up in our prisons have a range of defined psychiatric disorders or other mental health problems. It is important to stress that those who require psychiatric or psychological care in particular can get that help. It is also important to recognise that, when people are admitted to prison, the Scottish Prison Service undertakes an assessment that focuses on the risk of self-harm and suicide and on whether the person is presenting with mental health problems. That practice will continue.
Environmental Crime
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that environmental crimes are prosecuted in the courts. (S2O-2275)
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has recently established a national network of specialist environmental prosecutors. That will ensure that expertise in environmental law is made available to prosecutors throughout the country and will enhance our robust approach to enforcement.
I am very encouraged by the Solicitor General's answer. Is she satisfied that the prioritisation framework within which procurators fiscal inevitably must operate gives sufficient protection against prosecutions for environmental and wildlife crime—including breach of the planning consent conditions—being squeezed out of the system by other types of crime? How urgently should we be looking at the establishment of environmental courts?
In relation to prioritisation, I can say that the establishment of the network of 17 specialist prosecutors will ensure that appropriate priority and expertise are given to these serious matters so that cases are prosecuted as expeditiously as possible. Some cases are complex and technical, which means that they have to be looked at thoroughly. We also have to take into account what needs to be done before the case comes to court. I am assured that the new network will address the matter.
I welcome the Solicitor General's assurances. However, despite the establishment of a pollution register in Scotland, companies such as SmithKline Beecham plc, which is the most polluting company in Scotland, are allowed to monitor and record their own emissions. How will that improve the situation in respect of bringing prosecutions against companies, such as SmithKline Beecham in my constituency, when they breach the rules?
The prosecution service can deal only with matters that are reported to it, but I am aware that SEPA, with which we are working closely, is enhancing its provision for enforcement and monitoring. When cases are reported to the prosecution service, we will ensure that the facts are rigorously examined and thoroughly investigated and that, where possible, cases are brought to court. That is the responsibility of the prosecution service in Scotland.
Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place under the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 for people affected by Scotland's growing level of debt. (S2O-2352)
The 2002 act did two things. First, it replaced poindings with the new diligence of attachment. Secondly, it set up the framework for the debt arrangement scheme, which is a new mechanism to help people to repay multiple debts while they are protected from enforcement.
The minister will be aware that organisations such as citizens advice bureaux are concerned about the scope of the debt arrangement scheme. They are concerned that it will not be sufficient to cover many people who have serious debts and little disposable income, and that not providing for the freezing of interest in the draft debt arrangement scheme regulations may further reduce the number of people who are able to benefit from the scheme. Does the minister agree to monitor the implementation of the debt arrangement scheme and, if necessary, take steps to improve its coverage?
The new scheme is a significant step forward in protecting those who are most vulnerable because of excessive debt. We want to examine the effectiveness of the new arrangements, so we will monitor closely how they work. After a year we intend to carry out research through the central research unit to see whether any arrangements need to be improved. We will seek information from all people who have direct experience. We will liaise closely with the Accountant in Bankruptcy to ensure that we have that relevant information. We will seek to engage with parliamentary committees on the progress and effectiveness of the scheme.
I refer the minister to a recent report from central Borders citizens advice bureau, which states that 1,000 Borderers owe more than £4 million. That is in an area with the lowest wages in Scotland, being as they are £80 per week less than in the rest of Scotland. The minister will also be aware of advertisements on afternoon television by consolidated loan companies. What representations have been made by this Government to the Westminster Government with regard to those advertisements which, by using a soft sell, conceal the hard fact that many debtors would be taking on even more interest? If it appears to be too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
Our colleagues at Westminster are aware of the situation that Christine Grahame describes, and they are concerned about it. We had discussions with our colleagues at Westminster when we were considering the scheme that we wanted to put into effect. General concerns about access to loans have been raised in this chamber before. I know that, as a member, the Deputy Presiding Officer Trish Godman has raised the issue of irresponsible lending. We will continue to feed any information that we have to our colleagues at Westminster, but much of the matter is, as Christine Grahame indicated, reserved.
Draft European Constitution
To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications would be for the Scottish justice system if the draft European constitution were to be implemented as proposed. (S2O-2240)
We welcome provisions in the draft constitution that will ensure more effective enforcement of judicial and extra-judicial decisions throughout the European Union and more effective action against cross-border and serious crime, but we also share the view of the UK Government that the development of EU-wide law must proceed in a way that is compatible with our own domestic legal systems within the UK. That is particularly important to us, given the separate status of Scots law, both civil and criminal, and my role in relation to the investigation and prosecution of crime.
Could the Lord Advocate describe for me his interpretation of article 3.2 of the constitution, which states:
I brought the draft treaty on the constitution with me, in case I was asked a searching question about it.
I welcome the Lord Advocate's comments. Does he agree that the European arrest warrant enables us to tackle cross-border crime more effectively and efficiently, thereby improving the security and safety of Europe's citizens? I would have thought that Mr Gallie would have wanted us to sign up to that.
The European arrest warrant is a valuable development that allows for the speedy extradition between EU states of people who are accused of serious offences or who are fugitives from justice. It represents a significant step forward in the fight against serious international crime.
Prisoners (Education and Training)
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that as many prisoners as possible benefit, while in prison and after release, from effective educational and training for work programmes. (S2O-2266)
The Scottish Prison Service delivers a wide range of core work and life skills programmes using SPS staff and through partnerships with four learning providers and a range of specialist agencies. The range of vocational skills delivered includes hairdressing, joinery, bricklaying, painting and decorating and industrial cleaning.
What research is done to establish whether programmes achieve effective results, whether they are educational programmes or programmes that try to change people's behaviour or offer training for work? Currently, many prisoners do not take up the good opportunities that are offered. What support is given to external, voluntary organisations, which seem to have some success in interesting more prisoners in education?
Donald Gorrie raises a number of points, some of which were covered in last week's debate on reducing reoffending. Basic literacy and communication skills are important for people who serve custodial sentences as well as for those who attend alternatives to custody programmes. It is important that we continue to invest in education and vocational training and that we assess the effectiveness of programmes. Work is going on in the Scottish Prison Service to examine some of the skills and educational programmes that are provided and there is obviously additional work to assess the effectiveness of such programmes. Effectiveness must be assessed in terms of outcomes. As I have said many times in the Parliament, we must consider outcomes in terms of the likelihood that reoffending will be reduced and in terms of people's ability to make the transition from being an offender in custody back into local communities. That is why it is important that we work with the voluntary sector.
Where such prisoners are the victims of substance abuse, to what extent do the measures include rehabilitation, both inside and outside prison?
My answer links back to my earlier reply to Mary Scanlon. A high proportion of the prison population has been involved in substance abuse, either prior to coming to prison or, in some instances, while in prison. It is important that services are provided in prison and that, on release, people are linked into local health services and other facilities in their areas to try to tackle the problem. I do not underestimate the difficulty of trying to cut out the supply of drugs in prisons. However, many prisoners want to get away from that kind of lifestyle; they want support to come off drugs and to get back into their communities to live law-abiding and substance misuse-free lives. We ought to focus our efforts on that.
General Questions
Question 1 has been withdrawn.
Ambulance Services (Advanced Care Teams)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service with regard to the possible introduction of advanced care teams. (S2O-2324)
Officials from the Scottish Executive Health Department met recently with the chairman and chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service to discuss their plans for future service development, including those that cover the possible introduction of advanced care teams. It was agreed during those discussions that such proposals need to be developed in collaboration with the service's national health service partners and with the public before they can be introduced in Scotland.
Does the minister agree that the recently introduced community first responder units provide a valuable service and that the Scottish Ambulance Service should ensure that everyone who volunteers for the service is given the opportunity to contribute? At present, if insufficient numbers of volunteers apply in a given area, they are not used. That is a particular problem in the Lanarkshire area.
I agree that that service has considerable potential. I assure the member that the Scottish Ambulance Service, subject to my previous comment, is committed to the introduction of community first responders at four sites in Lanarkshire—Carluke, Lanark, Larkhall and Shotts. Unfortunately, the service's efforts to attract community first responders produced only three applicants. At that time, the service felt that the number was insufficient to justify setting up training. Another publicity campaign will start in the next few weeks, after which decisions will be taken about how to proceed with training for responders.
Climate Change and Biodiversity
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, in light of recent research results on the early arrival of spring. (S2O-2259)
The Executive, together with the United Kingdom Government, statutory nature conservation agencies and others, is engaged in on-going research on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in the UK and its surrounding waters. The forthcoming Scottish biodiversity strategy recognises that climate change will alter Scotland's habitats and affect the distribution of species. It provides a framework to conserve and enhance biodiversity in that context.
Is the minister aware of the concerns of many wildlife and nature conservation groups, particularly the Woodland Trust, that some natural habitats are being lost through climate change and that we need urgent action, which I hope will happen through the biodiversity strategy? Can the minister assure me that the new biodiversity strategy will be published at an early opportunity so that nature conservation groups, local councils and a range of other organisations can start the battle to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity?
I acknowledge Sarah Boyack's interest in the environment, and particularly in the impact of climate change. She rightly refers to a number of research projects that have indicated the potential for serious changes. We hope that, when we publish the Scottish biodiversity strategy, it will establish a framework that will work to protect and conserve biodiversity in Scotland during the next 25 years. We are taking a long-term view. I am confident that we will publish the biodiversity strategy before the end of this month.
The minister will no doubt be aware that a collapse of the north Atlantic thermohaline circulation has been described as plausible in a recent report by the Pentagon. The theory is the subject of on-going United Kingdom Government research, and it is supported by modelling work carried out by many highly reputable scientific establishments. Does the minister accept that to consider such a scenario is neither extreme nor hyperbolic, as he suggested last week? Is he prepared to take full account of the potentially grave social and environmental implications of such an event?
I hope that I did not give the impression last week that I thought such a collapse was implausible. It is a question of how we prioritise the work that is being done. It is not for me to comment on whether the phrases "plausible" and "the Pentagon" can necessarily be run together. The report to which Mark Ruskell refers is potentially very serious, but he will be aware of many other pieces of work that are being done in that field, all of which indicate that we have to take much more seriously the impact of climate change. I can only assure the member that, in the review of our adaptation programme and in the publication of the biodiversity strategy, the Executive is taking the issue seriously. We recognise that all our policies—not just environmental but throughout the Executive, as part of the adaptation programme—have to be adjusted to take account not just of the report to which the member refers, but the other studies that have raised the profile of the issue.
I thank the minister for that last answer in particular, because I was going to ask him whether he would undertake to ensure that, at all times, the most up-to-date information is taken into account. My experience as a farmer in the north-east of Scotland is that trends may have been for earlier springs in the past, but in the last two years it has been freezing.
We know how recently Alex Johnstone has been farming. The information that he gives the chamber, therefore, may be a little out of date. I take his point, though. Never mind the slight variation in the member's experience, I am much more concerned about the kind of report that was drawn to my attention earlier by Sarah Boyack. Such reports are important because they point to a body of evidence that suggests that there is a long-term change, to which we must adapt. Throughout the Executive, we will have to make changes in our policy delivery to take account of that.
Property Market (First-time Buyers)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to assist first-time buyers looking to access the property market in their local area. (S2O-2258)
In the current year, the Executive will provide funding of £17.6 million to support a range of low-cost home ownership schemes. That is a 9 per cent funding increase over 2003-04. In addition, as part of our current affordable housing review, we are looking closely at the level of support provided for low-cost home ownership schemes. As part of that work, we are giving careful consideration to the particular needs of first-time buyers.
Does the minister accept that people are entitled to buy their own home, as well as to rent affordable houses, if that is what they want to do? Is she aware, from a survey carried out by the Scottish Council for Single Homeless, that there is a chronic shortfall in the Government's plans?
There are a number of comments I could make in response to that, because Richard Lochhead covered quite a bit of ground. I am sure that I can reassure him with some degree of confidence about the work that the Executive is undertaking in our review of affordable housing. We are well aware of the evidence that is emerging in Scotland of concerns about the lack of affordable housing. There are concerns about quality as well, and we will remain focused on quality, and continue our policies on that. I refer the member to the criteria for the Executive's affordable housing review, which I am sure will give him the reassurance that he requires. When that is concluded, I am sure that we will discuss that further.
As the minister will be well aware, the City of Edinburgh Council this morning announced plans to sell off its entire council housing stock. Can the minister tell me why the £2 billion bribe to City of Edinburgh Council tenants to leave local authority control is money that cannot be made available to build publicly-owned, affordable, high-quality rented accommodation that would help address the severe housing crisis in Edinburgh, a crisis that, as the minister knows, has priced local people out of the city and that offers little hope to future generations who will need affordable housing here?
I am grateful for Colin Fox's question, because it gives me an opportunity to demonstrate the clear difference between the policies of the Labour-Liberal Democrat Executive and the absurd policies of the Scottish Socialist Party. In his question, Colin Fox reveals his view of the social rented sector in Scotland. When he talks about a bribe to sell off council housing, he insults all the housing associations in Scotland.
It takes an insult to know an insult.
He completely misunderstands their role and completely misunderstands what the social rented sector is. When people move from local authority accommodation into the housing association sector, they are not moving to the private sector. That is still social rented accommodation, and Colin Fox should pay more respect to the many community activists who are successfully running housing associations throughout Scotland, and—[Interruption.]
Do not call out from a sedentary position, Mr Fox.
It is revealing that Mr Fox will not listen to what I have to say, and that he has been constantly interrupting me. If he listened to the substance of the arguments from those of us who support community ownership, he might appreciate the fact that ours is a very progressive policy, which meets the needs of ordinary working people throughout Scotland.
As the minister is well aware, there is a particular problem with the shortage of affordable housing in rural areas. As a result of the consultation that is being carried out on changes to the planning system, planning is now one of the fundamental barriers to the market being able to respond to the needs of first-time buyers and buyers in rural Scotland in general. Will the minister pledge today that the planning review will take into account the desperate need for more affordable rural housing?
I recognise the arguments that planning is a barrier to development, and we will of course consider that in our review. We need to balance that argument, however, as the planning system can protect people's rights and can ensure that land is appropriately used. Developers need to take into account various factors when planning their developments, as George Lyon will acknowledge.
I welcome Margaret Curran's response and I look forward to her support for a new framework for planning. We have a framework in Edinburgh, and it is working, with the involvement of the City of Edinburgh Council. The supply side—the public subsidy to which the minister has referred—is also important. Will the minister and her department work with the City of Edinburgh Council to tackle a problem that bedevils every MSP's surgery: that local people cannot afford to buy new houses, and that those who are in the rented sector cannot get a trade with other rented sector accommodation, because there is simply not enough affordable accommodation available? I welcome the commitment that the minister has already made today and I ask her to go further in future.
I recognise the arguments that Sarah Boyack and the City of Edinburgh Council have put to me and to the Development Department on many occasions about the need to develop housing options for people in Edinburgh. It is a matter of great concern that people are being priced out of their housing aspirations. The proposals from the City of Edinburgh Council give us a menu of options and attempt to meet the challenges that are faced by Edinburgh and other cities. The strategy is a reasonable one, which offers people real opportunities and answers, rather than the outdated slogans of the past, which should properly remain in the past. The Executive looks forward to working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council to give people real options for the real circumstances that they face today.
Primary Care Services
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is improving primary care services. (S2O-2315)
There have already been significant advances such as infrastructure development, more practice nurses and reduced waiting times to see the appropriate health care professional. There will be new resources and expanded services in primary care over the next few years, particularly through the development of community health partnerships and the introduction of the new general medical services contract, which will improve the quality of care and the management of chronic disease in primary care.
There is a need to invest in the facilities where we provide primary care services. Does the minister agree that, if we are to tackle the health inequalities that have been highlighted in recent documents, particularly in relation to Glasgow, the Executive should commit additional resources to dealing with the situation? I stress that the health statistics are extremely challenging in the Glasgow Springburn constituency.
Paul Martin emphasised the importance of premises and infrastructure. For the past three years or so, there has been a primary care modernisation fund. In fact, a few weeks ago, we announced streams of money for joint initiatives between health and social care in primary care, such as the excellent Dalmellington centre in the constituency of the Minister for Justice. Further, we announced a new stream of money for community health service centres, which were flagged up in the partnership agreement, and combined diagnosis and treatment. A lot of money is being invested in infrastructure.
Freshwater Fishing
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with its review of freshwater fishing. (S2O-2234)
An initial review of the system of protection orders was undertaken last year. A freshwater fisheries forum will help the Executive in developing proposals. The first meeting will take place on 23 June. In the green paper, "Scotland's freshwater fish and fisheries: Securing their future", a commitment was given to review the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976 with a view to repealing it and replacing it with a system of Scotland-wide protection designed to balance the needs of anglers and riparian owners. The review was undertaken to inform decisions on the future of the protection order system.
In view of the commitment to repeal the 1976 act, how can the Executive possibly justify using such socially exclusive legislation to grant a protection order to the Assynt estates, especially when the original application was, rightly, rejected and the subsequent application was sneaked through without the knowledge of some anglers who regularly fish in that area? The Scottish Executive did not announce the subsequent application on its website or inform me of it, despite my previous expression of interest in the original application.
I acknowledge Dennis Canavan's longstanding involvement in the issue. I know, from Hansard, that his interest goes back to the 1970s.