SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Question 1 is withdrawn.
Energy Bill (Consultation)
To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it will undertake in respect of the provisions for nuclear waste handling and renewable energy developments in the United Kingdom Energy Bill before it makes any submission to the Parliament's committees regarding the Sewel motion on the bill. (S2O-1032)
Our memorandum on the Energy Bill will lay out the consultation that has been undertaken so far on the major elements of the bill, which includes the Department of Trade and Industry's white paper in 2002, the draft bill that was published last year on nuclear waste, and the white paper proposals on renewable energy, which were published in February last year. We do not intend to duplicate those consultation processes.
Is the minister aware that the bill gives a blank cheque to the nuclear industry to continue to produce nuclear waste regardless of environmental or financial cost? Is he aware that the bill has no overarching environmental objectives, although the Trade and Industry Select Committee in the House of Commons called for such objectives? There have been stakeholder consultation meetings throughout England, but none in Scotland, even though Chapelcross and Dounreay will be at the vanguard of the process. Will there be an opportunity to present Scottish amendments to the bill and how can a Sewel motion possibly be considered adequate for that?
Any bill that is going through the House of Commons is open to amendment in the usual way. I do not recognise Mr Ballance's characterisation of the bill as providing a blank cheque to the nuclear industry. The bill is not concerned with the generation of electricity. Among other things, it is concerned with the safe disposal of waste, the proper provision of security at nuclear installations and matters that relate to renewable energy. The bill is not at all to do with generation from nuclear sources.
I am sure that we all support the Executive's objective of producing 40 per cent of energy from renewable sources, although it is worth mentioning that 47 per cent of Scotland's electricity already comes from non-carbon facilities. Will the minister confirm that, even if the ambitious target on renewable energy is achieved, the remaining 60 per cent of our electricity will still have to come from nuclear and fossil-fuel power stations? Does he accept that, if our kettles, fridges and DVD players are to keep working and if we are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we must start the process of planning the next generation of nuclear power stations on sites in Scotland without further delay?
I simply repeat my reply to Mr Ballance, which is that the Energy Bill is not concerned with the promotion of nuclear energy. I am happy to provide that answer, which applies equally to both sides of the debate on nuclear energy. The Scottish Executive's focus will rightly remain on achieving our targets for renewable energy by 2020. I know that we will have support from members of all parties in that.
To pick up the point about the blank cheque, will the minister confirm that, as the bill stands, the designation of a high-level waste site by the proposed nuclear decommissioning authority will be subject in Scotland to the approval of the Scottish ministers? If that is the case, will he set many people's minds at rest by giving a commitment to rule out the use of underground facilities in Scotland for such a purpose?
This would not be an appropriate time to prejudge what will happen following the passage of the Energy Bill. However, in response to Mr Morgan's first point, I confirm that designations will be subject to approval by the Scottish ministers and that the present regulatory functions of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will be unchanged following the passage of the bill.
Breath Test Equipment
To ask the Scottish Executive whether portable breath testing equipment used by police forces is calibrated to detect 9 micrograms or more of alcohol in 100ml of breath as well as being able to detect 35 micrograms or more in 100ml. (S2O-1045)
There is no current requirement for equipment to have that capability. However, steps are being taken to ensure that equipment is calibrated and test approved in time for the implementation of new United Kingdom legislation later this year.
The minister will be aware of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, which introduces breath testing for pilots. I am sure that she shares my distress that there have been a number of instances where pilots have been unfit for duty because of alcohol. When will the police stationed at Scotland's airports have the necessary equipment to test at 9 micrograms and thus be in a position to enforce the valuable new legislation?
I share the member's concern. I am aware of the provisions of the 2003 act; although it is on a reserved subject, it relates to a number of issues in Scotland. I am told that all our airports, including the smaller rural airfields, will have access to hand-held, portable breath testing equipment. It should be on site and available in time for when the legislation comes into force. That will mean that people will not be required to be taken away from the premises. Were they to fail the test, that would of course have to be followed up. I am sure that the member will also be interested to know that the 2003 act applies to private as well as commercial aviation personnel.
Does the minister share my concern about the increase in drink-driving figures over the Christmas and new year period? I am ashamed to say that the worst part of the country in this regard seems to have been the Northern constabulary area, where the increase was well over 50 per cent. Has she any plans to research why there is a continuing increase in drink-driving cases? Is she considering increasing penalties for drink-driving or employing some other sanction, so that we can stop this worrying upward trend?
Again, I share the member's concern. It is vital that we continue to adopt a very high profile on drink-driving so as to ensure the safety of people in our communities. I am sure that other members will, like me, have received letters from families whose lives have been devastated because of the consequences of drink-driving. I would want to work with the police, the Minister for Transport and others to consider how we make progress on the matter.
Railway Professionals (Training)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered supporting the establishment of a centre of excellence for training railway professionals. (S2O-1024)
Yes, we have, and we continue to take part in discussions on an appropriate sector skills council for the rail industry across the United Kingdom. The lead body in those discussions is the UK Sector Skills Development Agency.
The minister will be aware that one of the biggest problems in delivering rail infrastructure projects in the UK in general—not just in Scotland—is the dire shortage of railway engineers and planners. Given the pressures following the Hatfield accident south of the border and the additional emphasis on rail infrastructure for Scotland's future, and against the background of the setting up of transport Scotland and of our engineering traditions—thinking in particular of Springburn in Glasgow—does he not think that extra impetus should be given to resolving that shortage? Will he undertake to hold further discussions with the Minister for Transport and suitable professionals to ascertain whether that could be advanced?
I will ensure that our officials continue to engage with their UK counterparts and with the Sector Skills Development Agency in order to take that forward. We recognise the importance of engineering and other skills in the rail industry, which is why we welcome and support the continuing discussions. Those discussions involve Skills for Logistics, which is the body that will be delivering sector skills for the freight industry. A further sector skills council is involved with the passenger transport industry. In combining those interests, we are seeking to address the points that Robert Brown raises. I can tell Mr Brown that the first UK centre for the delivery of skills specifically for the rail industry is already set up at Network Rail's office in Glasgow, and is supported by Clackmannan College of Further Education. We will continue to back that initiative.
Primary Schools (Staffing)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on the staffing of primary schools if significant numbers of primary teachers move to secondary schools to teach. (S2O-1030)
There will be no impact on staffing levels at primary schools.
Will the minister agree that, instead of diverting staff across sectors, we should be looking to recruit and retain more teachers in order to reduce class sizes significantly, and that we should be looking at the models in Denmark and Finland, where most class sizes are around 20? That would make a significant difference to our young people. I am not talking about tinkering around the edges; I am talking about across-the-board measures at all stages, in both primary and secondary schools.
We are doing both those things. We are properly looking for extra flexibility to allow primary teachers to teach young people who are in secondary education so that those teachers can use the skills that they already have for dealing with the five-to-14 age group in the school. We are looking to repeal the provisions in the schools code to allow us to get that extra flexibility.
Will the minister confirm that, for the purposes of his party's election promise of 3,000 new teachers primarily for English and maths in S1 and S2, the transfer of primary teachers into secondary is not an addition of new teachers but a transfer? Will he also confirm that there may be some difficulty in primary teachers teaching in both primary and secondary, particularly given the reduction in class-contact time expected after McCrone? Given the other pressures, we have to ensure that primary school pupils are given the benefit of primary school teachers.
Unlike the SNP, we look for opportunities in education rather than problems, which some people like to manufacture. The fact is that we have made a clear commitment to 53,000 teachers by 2007. The SNP never had that idea, yet its members now claim that we have not gone far enough, as they do with everything because they are completely bereft of any policy ideas of their own. While the SNP is pontificating about school standards, we are improving them.
Given that primary teachers are to be allowed to teach S1 and S2, will secondary teachers of S1 and S2 be allowed to move to primary education if there is a considerable demand?
The existing code allows for the transfer of teachers from secondary down into primary, but it does not allow for the corresponding transfer of primary teachers up to secondary. We genuinely seek to get more sensible flexibility around the boundaries of primary and secondary education to meet some of the challenges that we have.
Former Prisoners (Employment)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it assists former prisoners in gaining employment. (S2O-1020)
A number of measures are in place to assist former prisoners. Those include the provision of prison-based employment advisory services in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and other organisations; the funding of throughcare services to help offenders gain employment or employment-related skills on their release; and funding Apex Scotland to deliver employment-related guidance and training for offenders and ex-offenders
The minister will be aware that services are co-ordinated for prisoners who are subject to statutory throughcare and aftercare. What measures can be put in place to assist prisoners who are serving short sentences, for whom there is no statutory aftercare?
As I indicated during this morning's debate on youth justice, we see it as very important to ensure that aftercare is provided to offenders, and to young offenders in particular, who are not subject to statutory aftercare. We have therefore earmarked a further £1.5 million for future years to allow local authorities to provide an improved throughcare service to such prisoners. That will include work on securing employment.
The minister will be aware that a number of organisations work in assisting prisoners to prepare for liberation so that they can gain employment once they leave prison and resettle into the community. However, only Apex Scotland has been successful in securing funding under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 for that type of work. A number of smaller organisations that do a lot of work in the field are struggling to secure core funding. Will she therefore publish the criteria that are applied to applications for section 10 funding? Will she also consider what further assistance she can provide to organisations that work in that field so that they can secure core funding?
I thank the member for repeating the question that he put in a letter, which I received just the other day and to which I will respond in due course.
Does the minister agree that ending automatic early release would give prisoners a much better opportunity of completing the meaningful programmes that are designed to prepare them to gain employment when they complete their sentence?
I do not think that those two things necessarily tie up. The important thing is that the right programmes are in place in our prisons and that suitable opportunities are identified to ensure that, when a person is released—at whatever stage—they have a secure place to go to. They need a home in the community, the right kind of support and employment or training opportunities. The important thing is not the point at which people are released, but for the right provision to be identified early in the prison system and for that provision to be made on a throughcare basis.
Will the minister consider an examination of the different way in which things are done in England, where more realistic work is given to prisoners in order for them to qualify for work outside? In Scotland, the tradition has been that that sort of work should not be encouraged in prisons because of conflicts with commercial organisations outwith the prison system. In this instance, perhaps the English have an idea.
I am always open to looking south of the border and offender services are no different from any other issue. I recently visited Reading prison where I was interested to see the work that was being done in co-operation between Transco and the prison service. A number of initiatives are taking place in our Scottish prisons. They will ensure that prisoners gain skills, particularly in relation to the construction industry. Those are things that I want to continue.
Sustainable Scottish Marine <br />Environment Initiative
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing the sustainable Scottish marine environment initiative. (S2O-1035)
Good progress. This major initiative was launched in October 2002 to look at the special value of Scotland's marine environment and to examine how it can be managed more sustainably. The first phase of the initiative, which has the sustainable development of fragile coastal communities at its heart, has been completed and the second phase is under way at present.
Can the minister tell me where the pilot locations will be for the third phase and whether there will be a moratorium on new aquaculture in those areas? Can he also tell me if and how the local community will be properly consulted about the management of their coastal resources?
I have no plans to introduce a moratorium on new aquaculture development. Given that aquaculture represents 40 per cent of our food exports, I see it as critical to the development of Scotland's economy.
Consultation with local people.
There is a stakeholder forum on which I think Highland Council has direct representation in respect of the Highland interest. There will be full local consultation.
West Edinburgh Planning Framework (Consultation)
To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it will undertake with local communities in its review of the west Edinburgh planning framework. (S2O-1015)
Preparation of the current west Edinburgh planning framework included meetings with community groups and other local interests as well as publication of the framework in draft. I envisage that the review will adopt a similar process in future.
What is the timetable for the consultation exercise? What measures has the Executive put in place to deal with relevant planning applications during the review period?
We intend to commence the review of the framework as soon as possible with a view to publishing a consultation draft at some time during 2004. I will endeavour to ensure that the member is kept fully up to date with that. In the meantime, the local authority will be required to notify the Executive of on-going planning applications. We will take a view on whether the approval of the planning application would prejudice any future development.
Digital Terrestrial Television
To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding digital terrestrial television reception. (S2O-1016)
Officials hold regular meetings with the joint Department for Culture, Media and Sport/Department of Trade and Industry digital television project team, and ministers are kept aware of developments.
The minister knows of my interest in the subject and also the interest of my constituents who are unable to receive digital terrestrial television. My constituents in Penicuik and Midlothian have been told that it will be five years before an antenna will be developed and my constituents in Clovenfords have not even been given an indication. Does the Executive have a view on the UK Government's work on the potential switch-over to digital broadcasting? If not, how will my constituents' fears best be communicated?
As Mr Purvis knows, we are in the process of arranging a meeting with a number of MSPs who raised this matter during the members' business debate on this subject in November. Indeed, I know that he will participate in that meeting. As a result, it would be best to determine matters at that meeting and we can certainly raise with the DCMS any of the issues that members highlight.
On 9 December, I wrote to the BBC's Greg Dyke to ask when the digital TV masts would be fitted in the mid-Argyll area. To date, I have not received even a holding reply to that letter. Has the minister had any more success in getting answers out of the BBC on this subject? Moreover, does he know when digital TV masts will come to Argyll and other remote parts of the Highlands and Islands?
Given that the BBC is a reserved matter, the member will have to raise the issue directly with Greg Dyke. I can say that, as we have not written directly to Mr Dyke, we cannot make a judgment on the quality of response nor on any time scale for the installation of masts.
Schools (Performance Information)
To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback it has received regarding the additional information that it now provides in respect of performance of schools. (S2O-1043)
Responses so far have been very positive indeed. We will listen to what parents, pupils and professionals have to say as we develop that information further.
Although the additional information that is provided on the Executive website is welcome, does the minister accept that the information is still inadequate? Will he ensure that every school has its own website and displays that website address on the Executive's website? Moreover, will the Executive fulfil the First Minister's commitment given on 13 November in reply to my parliamentary question that it would publish added-value information to provide a more accurate assessment of schools' performance in increasing pupils' attainment?
The latter of Dennis Canavan's two points illustrates the difficulty of the previous approach of publishing simplistic league tables that did not put school performance in the context of a school's particular community or social background. In fact, only today, I have been reading international evidence that shows a very strong correlation between social background and school performance. That is partly why we have included all the additional information on the Executive's website, which now provides data such as attendance and absence data; free school meals entitlement data; an indication of the background of the community; and leaver destination data.
Borders Railway
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in assessing the business case for the Borders railway. (S2O-1037)
The initial business case was received on 4 November 2003. Following an initial analysis, further information was requested from the Waverley railway partnership. That information was received on 2 December 2003 and is now being considered.
I thank Mr Stephen's substitute for his response.
I am always happy to reflect on Mr Stephen's comments and certainly will do so in relation to the member's particular point.
The minister may not be aware of this—Mr Stephen certainly is, as he has visited Midlothian—but currently my constituents in Midlothian have no access to rail travel, despite the fact that 55 per cent of the population travels into Edinburgh to work and there is a very low level of car ownership in the area. Does he agree that the development of the Waverley line is essential for the Midlothian economy? Can he reassure me that the line is still on track for completion by 2008?
Rhona Brankin is quite right about the expected time scale for the project. She also makes an entirely sensible point about the importance of the line in securing improved transport links for her constituents. Those matters are being taken care of and thought through carefully during consideration of the business case.
Will the minister speak to the Minister for Transport on his return to follow up the point that Rhona Brankin has made? Will he ask the Minister for Transport's officials to discuss with the officials of the Waverley railway partnership the potential procurement models for the construction of the railway well before the Parliament concludes its consideration of the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Bill?
I would not profess to be an expert on procurement models in relation to major capital projects, but during the next month I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Transport and his officials.
I refer the minister to an e-mail of 24 October 2003, issued by Mr Bruce Rutherford, chair of the Waverley railway working party, which states:
As I indicated in earlier responses to other members, the funding package is being considered in the context of the business case. That is how the matter will be progressed. I am sure that Christine Grahame will make representations to the Tory-controlled Scottish Borders Council on the argument about the local authority contribution. However, I suspect that even if we announced today that we would lay the railway between Edinburgh and Carlisle and make it out of gold, she would still find something to girn about.
Environmental Priorities
To ask the Scottish Executive what its environmental priorities are for 2004. (S2O-1040)
The Executive has set out its priorities for Scotland's environment in the partnership agreement. In 2004 we will proceed with those. Yesterday the stage 1 debate on the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill took place. We will then lay regulations on strategic environmental assessment. In the spring we will consult on new regulations under the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 to improve further Scotland's rivers, lochs and coastal waters. We will implement part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which establishes rights of responsible access to the countryside. We will make further progress on implementing the national waste plan and play our part in the review of the UK sustainable development strategy.
I see that we will be very busy. In the near future Scotland will have to fulfil a number of obligations under European environmental legislation. Does the minister agree that we do not want a car mountain or an electrical goods mountain in the way that we had a fridge mountain, because of inadequate preparation? What work are the Environment and Rural Affairs Department, other Scottish Executive departments and relevant Westminster departments doing in advance of having to comply with the waste electrical and electronic equipment directive?
I am grateful to Nora Radcliffe for the points that she makes. The major problem in respect of fridges was a serious misinterpretation of the requirements under EU legislation. In conjunction with UK departments, the Environment and Rural Affairs Department is making clear that there are no misunderstandings in relation to both the WEEE directive and other directives. The more important point about the WEEE directive is that it places serious obligations on producers. At the UK level, where the Scottish Executive is fully engaged, we are in active discussions with producers to ensure not only that they understand the range and scope of the directive but that measures are being taken to ensure that it is timeously put in place.
The minister will be aware that the quality and standards 3 consultation will begin in the course of the year. I am sure that he is also aware that many local authorities are concerned about development blight on brownfield sites because of difficulties in getting access to water and sewerage systems. Will he please recognise that part of improving the environment means bringing those brownfield sites into effective use and ensuring that there is no barrier to investment, which will lead to real economic returns?
Yes. As Des McNulty will be aware, I asked Scottish Water to reassess completely the provision for underinvestment and development constraints. That report will come before me and will form part of our consideration of how to deal with the development constraint issue, which I recognise is widespread throughout Scotland, is causing concern and, as Des McNulty rightly points out, has quite serious environmental considerations. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on that matter fairly shortly.
Question 13 is withdrawn.
Aid Initiative
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will liaise with the City of Edinburgh Council in support of the initiative of the people of Oxgangs to transport fixtures and fittings from three soon-to-be-demolished tower blocks in the area to Nigeria, where they will be used to help build a village for orphans. (S2O-1029)
The Executive is financially supporting the demolition of the three tower blocks and is maintaining close contact with the City of Edinburgh Council as it takes forward its plans to transport the fixtures and fittings to Nigeria.
Will the minister join me in welcoming the news that work is soon to begin on sending those fixtures to west African orphanages? Will she give her support to the Oxgangs community representatives—some of whom are in the public gallery—who exhibit a true spirit of internationalism and co-operation between the Scottish and African peoples, and ensure that their initiative comes to fruition and perhaps is rolled out across Scotland?
Yes, I am pleased to welcome the community representatives from Oxgangs, whom I presume I have met, because representatives met me to lobby for resources to be given to Oxgangs. I met them in the company of Iain Gray, who was then the MSP for the area. While we are thinking about transporting things out of Oxgangs, perhaps we could think about transporting other people out of Oxgangs, such as the current representative.
I welcome the minister's positive response to the question, which raises the wider issue of the use of construction materials in building. Given the massive programme of investment that she is overseeing, will she examine the issue in a wider context, as part of Executive policy on making better use of materials that otherwise would go to landfill, be of no use to anybody and create an eyesore somewhere else? The project contains some exciting ideas. Will she consider the wider benefits that could be achieved by the Executive taking it on board?
Sarah Boyack makes an excellent point, with which I agree and which should command a greater priority, because a number of demolitions are taking place throughout Scotland as a result of our investment programme and the housing policies that we have developed. I am happy to give a commitment to Sarah Boyack that we will examine the issue as a matter of priority, feed it into our planning in the department, and report regularly to Parliament on how we do that.
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (Transitional Arrangements)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the transitional funding arrangements for organisations previously receiving money from the landfill tax credit scheme. (S2O-1044)
Yes. Entrust is working on behalf of the Scottish Executive to administer the interim funding arrangements for sustainable waste management projects. As the member is aware, I have already announced £5 million of financial support for the community recycling sector over the next two financial years, and today I announced a further £1 million of temporary support for 2004-05 to safeguard existing projects.
Is the minister aware of the impact on some recipient organisations of the transitional arrangements, and the short-term financial situation that those arrangements create? Is he aware that that is hampering the ability of those organisations to plan strategically, to develop and to access funding from other sources and guarantee the continuation of their operations? Will he agree to write to recipient organisations as a matter of urgency, and to their local authorities, to try to identify a solution to the current problems before some of the organisations experience financial crisis?
With respect, it almost has to be the other way round. I am aware of two or three organisations that have suffered cash-flow problems, largely on account of the way in which they were submitting their claims and the way in which those claims were being processed. In the specific circumstances where my department or I have been made aware of that, we have been able to deal with it. If Mr Harvie is aware of organisations that are experiencing specific difficulties I ask him to encourage them to get in touch with the Executive. I cannot deal speculatively with situations or problems of which I am unaware. I am, however, aware of two or three organisations experiencing difficulties and I believe that those problems have been resolved.
The issue that Mr Harvie raises is a problem that faces an organisation in my constituency, the Coach House Trust, which may be one of the organisations to which the minister refers. The trust is experiencing a funding gap that may result in short-term redundancies. I would be grateful if the minister would confirm whether the Coach House Trust is one of the organisations of which he is aware that are seeking contingency arrangements from the Scottish Executive to address the problem. Would he agree that organisations such as the trust, which fulfil a social function as well as an environmental one, are crucial to work relating to the environment?
I am aware of the problems facing that organisation, but it was not one of the organisations to which I referred. Patrick Harvie was referring to organisations that are experiencing difficulties in the way in which their applications for funding are being processed. There is a separate issue of underfunding, and the organisation to which Ms McNeill refers is one of those that led me to announce the additional £1 million today. That organisation will be eligible for support from that fund.
Organic Action Plan
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards meeting the organic targets identified in its "Organic Action Plan". (S2O-1034)
This is more good progress. [Laughter.] The Scottish Executive is working closely with the organic stakeholders group on meeting the targets identified in the organic action plan. I am pleased to confirm that the proposed changes to the organic aid scheme have received a favourable opinion from the European Commission this week. I look forward to laying the necessary regulations before Parliament very soon in order to accelerate the conversion of even more agricultural land to organic produce.
I thank the minister for that jolly answer. It was more of a statement really—that is great. However, even the revised rates are still well below those being offered in other European Union countries. What is he doing to ensure that a strategy for public procurement of organic food is being developed in line with the organic action plan, not only within the Environment and Rural Affairs Department canteen but throughout all departments of the Executive that have a hefty demand for healthy food?
I accept that although much has been done there is still more to do. Our marketing of organic produce is a case in point. We have quadrupled the resources that are available, from about £1 million, which we inherited from the Conservatives, to about £4 million, and we are working with the Soil Association on the "Hungry for Success" campaign, which represents the Scottish Executive's approach to increasing organic produce. We have accepted the "Hungry for Success" report in full in respect of school meals and we are making an additional £63.5 million available over the next three years to help to implement the programme in schools. That will have the beneficial effect of creating extra demand for organic produce in our schools.
Planning (Football Clubs)
To ask the Scottish Executive what role its national planning policy guidelines will play in decisions about the relocation of football clubs. (S2O-1021)
National planning policy guidelines and Scottish planning policies inform development planning and may be material considerations to be taken into account in development control decisions.
The potential relocation of many football clubs throughout Scotland has major implications for supporters and the wider communities involved. NPPG 11 states that the redevelopment of existing ground would be a preferred option to a green-belt stadium. Given that Health and Safety Executive rules are restricting redevelopment of existing sites, such as the site at Tynecastle for Heart of Midlothian Football Club, does the minister agree that anomalies between the Scottish planning guidelines and HSE policy should be examined and that a football club is almost always the centre of the community it occupies?
I have been aware for many years of Mike Pringle's interest in Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Although I can offer him no comfort as far as his team is concerned, it is our intention to review NPPG 11, possibly by 2005. During that process, we will take the opportunity to discuss with the HSE the implications for ground developments.
Wind Farm Developments
To ask the Scottish Executive what information is provided to local communities regarding proposed wind farm developments. (S2O-1027)
Developers must publish a description of the proposed development, details of how to access the environmental statement and details of how to make representations for or against a development. That must be done by way of a public notice in the local and national press, both for applications for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and for applications for planning consent from local authorities.
The minister will know of the considerable concerns that are being expressed by communities throughout Scotland about proposals that are being made, many of which we know are not likely to be approved. He will know also about the difficulties that such communities have in dealing with proposals when all the weight of money and research is on the developers' side and not on the side of the community. Will he consider providing a guidance pack for communities to allow them to find their way through the thicket of regulations so that they can make more appropriate representations in respect of such proposals?
We encourage local authorities to take seriously their responsibility for enabling communities to make representations. Local authorities already consult with community councils as a matter of course, whether on reaching a decision on applications that have been made or on making representations to us on matters that come to ministers for approval.
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