SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
Demographic Change
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to work with employers to address demographic shifts. (S2O-3116)
We have stressed the need to reverse population decline in the refreshed document "The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland", which we published at the beginning of this month. We are taking a range of measures to address demographic trends. The fresh talent programme to encourage managed migration has been widely welcomed by organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and others. In addition, we are investing just under £30 million in child care this year, rising to just over £40 million next year. We also recognise the key role that older people can play and welcome the fact that the United Kingdom Government has committed to supplementing the existing code of practice on age diversity through legislating by October 2006 to prohibit age discrimination in employment and vocational training.
I thank the minister for his comprehensive answer to my question. I am sure that the minister is familiar with the recent report from the Registrar General's office, which confirms the scale of the demographic change that is taking place in Scotland. Does he agree that it is vital that all ministers, all MSPs and, indeed, all those who take decisions that involve planning for Scotland's future look at those data and ensure that the projections and trends are factored into our planning both now and in the future? Does he further agree that employers have a particularly vital role to play in that regard?
I certainly agree that employers have a vital role to play, but as the First Minister indicated in his statement yesterday, whereas people who looked at demographic trends about five or six years ago almost accepted them as inevitable, we now want to try to reverse those trends, to encourage more people to stay and work in Scotland and to recognise that Scotland is a good place in which to do business and to live. To add to what the First Minister said at First Minister's question time earlier today, we must celebrate yesterday's achievements by Franz Ferdinand and by Snow Patrol and Belle and Sebastian. All those groups met at university and show that Scotland is a great place where talent can be created at university. That is important for Scotland's cultural growth and it also demonstrates that Scotland is a place where people can achieve excellence.
English Language Teaching (Immigrants)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide affordable English language courses for immigrants and to address any shortage of English language teachers for immigrants whose first language is not English. (S2O-3016)
Since 2001 we have allocated an extra £5.4 million to the further education sector to ensure that colleges can boost such provision, most of which is free to the learner, depending on the circumstances of the learner and the provider. We are not aware of any shortage of relevant teachers but, in partnership with Communities Scotland, we are currently sponsoring a mapping exercise to determine the extent and quality of public provision in Scotland of English for speakers of other languages.
The minister's response is encouraging and shows that the Executive takes the matter seriously. It is important to provide language teaching for those who have skills to offer Scotland, but who do not have the necessary language skills. Will he encourage the system to take account of people who have perhaps been here for a while and fallen through the net, but who would contribute much better if they had better English?
That is an important point, because people who are here but who have fallen through the net undoubtedly have an important contribution to make to the social, cultural and economic life of Scotland. As I indicated, in responding to the Scottish refugee integration forum's action plan, we said that we intended to develop a national strategy for speakers of other languages who are in Scotland. A number of streams of work are going on in that area and we hope to be able to have the feedback from that work before too long and to respond to it by developing the national strategy that we promised.
Will the minister consult the Minister for Education and Young People on the matter, given that it involves schools? I perceive that people from the new entrants to the European Union who are working in the Highlands and Islands are considering bringing their families to Scotland. That places a burden on schools, not just in relation to the provision of teachers but in relation to costs. I have been told that each dictionary costs £80, that there is a shortage of translators and that some migrants to Scotland are working as unpaid translators. I feel that that is inappropriate and I wonder whether the minister will think about how he will deal with the situation.
I am certainly prepared to draw Maureen Macmillan's comments to the attention of Peter Peacock. We accept that there might be shortages in some parts of the country, although it is difficult to gauge the extent and nature of such shortages at any particular time. Indeed, that is one of the reasons why we commissioned the research that is being undertaken to map the extent and quality of provision of English language courses for speakers of other languages throughout Scotland.
Corporate Social Responsibility
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage corporate social responsibility in businesses. (S2O-3078)
Businesses are encouraged to adopt the principles of corporate social responsibility in a wide variety of ways—I include in that the work of Scottish Business in the Community, which is supported by the Scottish Executive. Scottish Enterprise has established its policy in relation to corporate social responsibility and it is working through an action plan for implementation. Highlands and Islands Enterprise is committed to the key principles of CSR in its interaction with businesses, including its promotion of Investors in People, energy efficiency and the reduction of waste.
I hoped that the Minister for Communities would respond to my question as I understand she has responsibility for the matter, but it is nice to see joined-up working. Will the Executive ensure that organisations that pay taxes and rates and contribute to our social fabric are given the recognition that they deserve for their often unsung contribution to our society?
Yes—I am certainly prepared to do that. People sometimes suggest that Scotland is not performing as well on corporate social responsibility as other parts of the United Kingdom, but the answer to that is that we have a large small and medium-sized business sector and many of those companies do the things that Mary Scanlon refers to. They are flowing with the tide in promoting corporate social responsibility but they are not always badged as such, so I am more than happy to acknowledge the work that they do. It is good to know that organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland and Scottish Business in the Community are involved in the issue and are encouraging small businesses to undertake activities that are relevant to CSR. This is an appropriate occasion on which to recognise that.
In view of the proposed closure of the British Alcan aluminium works at Falkirk, which will mean the loss of 85 jobs, will the minister urge the company to face up to its responsibilities by having genuine consultations with the work force and the wider community about all possible future options? There has been an aluminium industry in Falkirk for many decades and the local community has provided a loyal work force during all those years.
I very much regret the loss of jobs, not least as it is in a place where the industry has a long tradition. As Dennis Canavan rightly says, for generations many people from the community have contributed their skills to the industry. I hope that the company is engaged in trying to ensure that there are arrangements in place to help those who are about to lose their jobs. I am sure that the local enterprise company, through the partnership action for continuing employment—or PACE—initiative will be engaged in that too.
What action will the Executive take to change the decision of the supermarket chain Morrisons to levy a 7.5 per cent surcharge on common items in the smaller Safeway stores that it recently bought? What corporate social responsibility is Morrisons displaying to its customers on islands such as the Orkneys and in other small communities, given that those customers have little or no alternative means to purchase their weekly shopping elsewhere?
I recognise the point that Rob Gibson makes, but before Government intervenes in detail in any corporate enterprise one has to be very careful indeed. I will, of course, consider the particular point that he raises.
Security
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any economic changes resulting from the implementation of Her Majesty's Government's proposals in "Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities." (S2O-3023)
As I am sure Mr Gallie and other members well know, defence is a matter reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament. However, the Scottish Executive is working closely with Ministry of Defence ministers and officials and will work with local agencies, including local authorities and local enterprise companies, to mitigate any economic impact on communities that might be affected by the latest armed forces review.
I am well aware of that, but I asked about the effect on Scotland's economy. The further downsizing of our overburdened armed forces will have an effect on our manufacturing industry, service industry and high-tech industries in particular, because the armed services provide very good training indeed for our young people—training that is used ultimately by those industries. Will the minister undertake to talk to his Westminster colleagues to see what can be done about covering that gap in training?
I acknowledge that Mr Gallie asked the question in the context of economic impact. I assure him that, as and when final decisions are made and it is possible to make some assessment of the economic impact, we stand ready to engage with the community and, ahead of that, to talk to the Ministry of Defence. Indeed, as I have indicated, we work with ministers and officials with regard to the impact on communities. It is worth putting on the record that the estimated value of Ministry of Defence contracts placed with companies in Scotland since 2000 is approximately £2 billion, which I think indicates the importance of the role of the Ministry of Defence in the Scottish economy.
Given the importance of the Ministry of Defence contracts—the minister will be aware that, as well as generic contracts, technical textiles are an important aspect, with the potential that we have for body armour—will he ensure that Scottish Enterprise and Scottish textiles promote the Scottish textile industry in aggressively pursuing MoD contracts?
Given the engagement that I have had with the Scottish textile industry, including at the national textiles conference earlier this year, I think it is an industry that, having had considerable setbacks, is now very much geared up to identifying opportunities for investment and markets. I will certainly ensure that Mr Purvis's comments that here is an opportunity with regard to making provision for the MoD are relayed to Scottish Enterprise's textiles division.
A9
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A9 between Perth and Inverness. (S2O-3056)
We are developing proposals to extend the dual carriageway at Crubenmore by around 2km at a cost of £5.6 million and to provide 4km of additional overtaking opportunities between Kincraig and Dalraddy at a cost of £6.7 million. I expect to publish draft orders for those two schemes early next year. A number of other improvements are planned and a route improvement study has been commissioned that will report in autumn 2005.
I thank the minister for his answer and for the interest that he took in the A9 over the summer, because of the severe weather. As part of the process of upgrading the A9, the former transport minister announced the upgrade of the killer junction at Ballinluig and said that work would be undertaken during the financial years 2003-04 and 2004-05. Earlier this summer it became clear that that work is much more likely to take place in the financial year 2005-06. Will the minister explain why that slippage has taken place? Does he understand the anger and frustration at the delay and will he give me a reassurance that there will be no further slippage in the timescale involved?
I agree that the upgrading of the junction at Ballinluig is a high priority. It is a scheme that the Executive is determined to proceed with. As John Swinney pointed out, over the summer I visited the A9 to look at not only the landslip but the Ballinluig junction—I stopped there specifically. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the project now proceeds as speedily as possible.
I am sure that motorists will be grateful that the recent improvements that the minister mentioned have been carried out on the A9 between Perth and Inverness, but could I remind the minister that the A9 extends beyond Inverness? In fact, it extends to the far north of Scotland, and I am sure that the people in that area would welcome any commitment that the minister can give to improve that section of the A9.
A range of improvement works is taking place on the A9 to the north of Inverness, some of which I visited over the summer months. Significant improvements are under way right along the length of the A9, although I realise that there is always demand for more sooner. Overtaking opportunities are important, given the platooning or gathering together of cars and, in particular, lorries that occurs, which leads to frustration and dangerous and unsafe overtaking manoeuvres. All that work is important and, as I pointed out, more is planned in the coming months and years. We are talking about investing tens of millions of pounds in the A9. I know that a number of members have campaigned over the long term for a full dualling of the road, but the improvements will make a significant difference. In safety terms, the A9 already compares well with other trunk roads in Scotland.
I am one of those who has campaigned and will continue to campaign for the full dualling of the A9 to Inverness. Does the minister accept the case in principle? If so, when will it be delivered? Can he specify the year, decade, century or millennium?
No, I cannot, because as I said in the answer to the previous question, the proposal to dual the A9 has not been approved by the Executive. Our priority is investment in public transport projects. At the same time, we are extending investment in roads projects and we are growing the transport budget to £1 billion per year. However, we are determined to increase the amount of investment in public transport projects, which is why we are investing in new rail and tram schemes.
Does the minister accept that moving from dual carriageway to single carriageway at frequent intervals on the A9 is one of the contributory factors to the relatively high accident rate? Will he keep safety considerations as a top priority in taking forward his plans?
I do not agree. If evidence of the kind to which Lord James referred was drawn to my attention I would ensure that action was taken. If there were identifiable blackspots and particular problem areas I would ensure that schemes were brought forward to address them. Wherever there are serious accidents, deaths and serious injuries on the road network, we prioritise those areas and take steps to ensure that incidents do not happen again. A good example of that is to the north of Inverness on the A9, at North Kessock. Although everyone wants to see the long-term solution of a grade-separated junction, we improved the junction by reducing the speed limit and introducing other safety measures to improve the safety of the road and warn drivers of the dangers of the road at that point.
Road Safety (Sheltered Housing)
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to local authorities on road safety near sheltered housing complexes. (S2O-3066)
No guidance has been issued specifically on road safety near sheltered housing. However, existing guidance includes advice on the needs of elderly and disabled road users.
I am aware—as the minister will be, given that he is a member for Aberdeen—that there are many sheltered housing complexes in the city and that the residents want safe road crossings. However, Aberdeen City Council appears to hide behind the current regulations on road crossings. Will the minister assure me that he will issue appropriate guidance that will allow the installation of crossings near sheltered housing where there is sufficient demand, not just a certain amount of road usage?
If a local road is involved, those matters are for the local council. Given that local councils have significant discretion in this area, it would be unfair of them to pass responsibility to the Scottish Executive. However, I am willing to consider the issue and to find out the extent of the concerns throughout Scotland. If there is a particular issue in Aberdeen and if Brian Adam writes to me to draw the matter to my attention, I will follow it up to see what can be done.
Justice and Law Officers
Aggressive Driving
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent crimes that are associated with aggressive driving. (S2O-3033)
The Executive is determined to improve safety in our communities. We have introduced legislation to give the police powers to stop and seize vehicles that are being used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. We have also put in place a range of measures to combat dangerous and inconsiderate driving, including giving the police national targets to reduce road accidents, supporting safety camera partnerships and introducing a national driver-improvement scheme.
The minister will be aware of the problems in Aberdeen that are caused by cars being raced in some of the city's streets, particularly by young men in vehicles that are altered for the purpose of racing them. In the past, the police have had difficulty securing convictions for such offences. Will she assure me that the Executive is considering further measures to deter that reckless type of car crime, which endangers lives?
I absolutely condemn anyone who knowingly drives recklessly or dangerously. Of course, young people can enjoy driving and can use their driving licence to get out and about or to access a range of employment and training initiatives. However, they must be able to drive responsibly. As I outlined, we legislated on the matter in the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 and further measures will come into force later this year. Regulations are to be laid after consultation with the appropriate stakeholders. I assure members that the Executive takes the matter seriously and will continue to keep it under review.
There are many problems in the Scottish Borders, and Scotland-wide, with boy and girl racers. I hear what the minister says about antisocial behaviour orders and road traffic legislation, but a vehicle cannot be seized unless there is a breach of that legislation and such people are not in breach of any road traffic regulations. The police tell me that a huge problem is the exhausts that those young men and women put on their cars to soup them up and make them noisy. The police say that a simple measure would be to regulate the souping up of exhausts. Will the minister be in communication with the Minister for Transport, who says that he talks about the issue all the time, to ensure that the situation is changed? That simple action would prevent nuisance in many of our villages and towns.
I am sure that the Minister for Transport in the Scottish Executive wishes to discuss with me a range of issues about ensuring that our roads are safer. I remind members that the Home Secretary announced a general review of a number of pieces of road traffic law. There is a working group at UK level that includes transport and justice officials from the Scottish Executive and which will consider a range of issues, including careless and dangerous driving. We look forward to the consultation that has been promised when the group publishes its report.
Prison Governors Association
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service recognises the Prison Governors Association. (S2O-3007)
The Executive is committed to working in partnership with trade unions not only in the justice services but across all that it does. The interests of prison governors are already represented by one of the recognised trade unions for the purposes of collective bargaining.
I thank the minister for her answer. However, prison governors play an important and central role in the Scottish Prison Service and the decision by the SPS leaves the prison governors without representation and excludes them from participating fully in the prison service when the SPS, the Prison Officers Association Scotland and the Public and Commercial Services Union are all fully involved. Given that prison governors have decided to switch to the new organisation, will she urge the SPS management to enter into talks with the PGA to try to achieve a speedy and satisfactory outcome for all concerned?
I very much value the contribution that is made by prison governors and prison staff throughout Scotland; I had the opportunity to meet many of them during visits that I made during the summer recess. The important point to remember is that, like other staff, prison governors have the opportunity to join a trade union of their choice, but the SPS has an agreement with a number of trade unions—four, in fact—around a single table in terms of collective bargaining. That does not stop individual prison governors joining the PGA and it does not stop the PGA having recognition for individual complaints and grievances, but it is important to recognise that the partnership approach that the SPS and the trade union side have taken has brought benefits into the system and has given us the opportunity to have some stability in industrial relations—I would not want to lose that.
McInnes Review
To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received to the consultation on the recommendations of the McInnes review. (S2O-3012)
The consultation on the review of summary justice ran from 16 March to 16 July, during which time 239 responses were received. One hundred and fourteen responses from individuals and 125 responses from organisations were submitted.
Can the minister tell me whether a majority of the responses are in favour of retaining an element of lay justice in the new system? Can she give me an assurance that if the majority of responses come out in favour of the dissenting voice on the McInnes report she will listen to that?
I always take very seriously any consultation that the Executive undertakes. One of the fundamental principles of the Parliament is that we consult and, despite the fact that we are sometimes criticised for the amount of consultation that we do, I make no apologies for that.
I hope that the minister will conclude that there is an overwhelming case for retaining lay justices as a feature of the justice system in Scotland. However, does she share my concerns about establishment control over the selection and appointment of justices of the peace in Scotland? Does she agree that lords lieutenant are not necessarily the most appropriate people to have the lead role in the selection and appointment of JPs?
It is important to recognise that the reason why we consulted on the issue in the first place is that we want to consider speeding up the process of summary justice and making it connect better with our local communities. As we heard in the debate this morning, many people are concerned to ensure that that feature of the system continues. Many members who spoke in the debate this morning outlined the valuable work that JPs have done in the past, but it is also fair to say that concerns have been expressed to me that the system is not always as representative of local communities as it might be. However we take the matter forward, my priority will be to have an effective system that speeds up the process and connects with local communities.
In the light of the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004, which will see some 20 per cent of High Court work moved down to the sheriff court system, and given that McInnes has recommended that district court work should be moved up to the summary sheriff courts, there is a danger that our summary sheriff courts may not be able to cope with the demands that are being placed upon them. Can the minister therefore give an assurance that before any of the proposed changes in McInnes are made there will be a detailed assessment of their impact on the summary sheriff court system in Scotland?
I am sure that the member is aware that the McInnes report proposes a unified court system and a new system of summary sheriff courts. It is not fair to say that it will simply be a case of moving cases up in the existing system. Of course I will carefully consider all the contributions that have been made. I reiterate that the review is about speeding up the system and giving communities a better opportunity to be connected to their local courts system, so that what happens in relation to the justice system is visible and communities can be confident that when people are detected, put through the prosecution system into the courts and sentenced, there will be something to prevent them from reoffending. The courts system has a great contribution to make to that.
Peterhead Prison
To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Prison Service regarding HM Prison Peterhead. (S2O-3030)
I visited Peterhead prison on 24 August. I met staff, prisoners and representatives from the unions and the local authority.
I thank the minister for that and for making the time to call at Craiginches prison in the by-going, which was much appreciated. Does she agree that there are some very positive factors at Peterhead, such as the local acceptance of the prison, effective programmes for a specialised category of prisoner and cross-agency work to improve preparation for release? In the light of those positive factors, is serious consideration being given to a new-build replacement prison in Peterhead?
During my visit I was impressed by the expertise and commitment shown by all the staff whom I met in Peterhead. It would be obvious to any observer that the staff are dedicated and focused on their work and that their work enjoys tremendous support from the local community. I recognise that work with sex offenders is by its very nature a difficult task and it was encouraging to see that the staff have a genuine enthusiasm for their work and a clear understanding of their role in the rehabilitation process. I am also aware of the enthusiasm that Aberdeenshire Council has shown and the council's willingness to try to work with and support the prison. The member will be aware that I have asked the Scottish Prison Service to update the prison estates review and of course, as I said when I visited Peterhead prison, I will take account of the representations that were made to me during my visit when I consider the Scottish Prison Service's response.
I welcome the continuing cross-party agreement that the work of Peterhead prison is important for public safety throughout Scotland and makes a valuable economic contribution to the local community. The minister referred to community support. Is she aware of any other community in Scotland that has bid to take over the responsibilities that Peterhead prison currently discharges through the Scottish criminal justice system?
I thank Stewart Stevenson for his hospitality during my visit to Peterhead. Members might remember that he made a spending commitment before the summer recess, when he said that he would take me to lunch at the vegetarian restaurant of the year. I am pleased to say that the Scottish National Party delivered at least on that one promise.
Pollution Cases
To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in 2003-04 procurators fiscal recommended no action on pollution cases forwarded to them by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and what proportion of cases that represented. (S2O-3131)
A total of 53 cases were reported to the procurator fiscal by SEPA in 2003-04. According to information on cases in respect of which a decision has been made, the procurator fiscal took no proceedings in seven of those cases.
Is there any evidence to suggest that current trends and practices have changed since the appointment of specially trained prosecutors in February 2004? Have policy changes resulted in a higher average level of fine for breaches of environmental legislation? If so, what is the amount of the increase?
We have established a network of specialist prosecutors within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service; there are now a total of 17 throughout the country. They undertake joint training with people in SEPA twice a year and are available as an area resource. It is too early to give the kind of information that Eleanor Scott has been asking for—on whether there have been improvements in the service as a result. All I can say is that there is a much-improved working relationship with SEPA, which I very much welcome. I think that that relationship will deepen and that we will be in a position to put before courts in Scotland cases that are much better presented.
Following the issues that have been raised by the spreading of blood and guts on land at Argaty near Doune in my constituency, will the Lord Advocate describe the progress made—by regulation and other means—to ensure that such things do not happen again, anywhere in Scotland?
I understand that the particular circumstances that gave rise to the problem in Sylvia Jackson's constituency have now been amended by regulation—which means, as I understand it, that those particular circumstances could not happen again, at least not legally. If she cares to write to me with the full details of the particular case she mentions, either I or the minister responsible for the regulations will answer her.
Offences Aggravated by Religious Hatred
To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest available figures are for the number of cases of offences aggravated by religious hatred coming before the courts and how many convictions there have been for such offences. (S2O-3017)
Religious hatred in whatever manifestation has no place in a modern Scotland. As at 3 September 2004, there have been 172 charges of offences aggravated by religious hatred heard before the courts that have proceeded to conclusion. Of those, 140 have resulted in convictions. At present, I cannot confirm that each of those convictions included religious aggravation, but I will forward that information as soon as it comes to hand.
That is very encouraging. Does the Lord Advocate agree that it is important that we keep up a steady flow of information on this subject so that everyone involved can see whether the system is working and whether any changes need to be made? In particular, does he welcome the decision of the police officer in charge of the most recent Rangers v Celtic football match, who published the figures for the number of arrests and the number of people charged with religious hatred in that context? That sort of information is very valuable.
I certainly accept the need for information and I can tell Donald Gorrie that the Crown Office will be publishing a report on the first six months of the working of this offence. So far as the information given by the police officer in relation to the Rangers v Celtic match is concerned, the important thing is that we continue our vigilance in respect of these matters. Everybody should work together to ensure that such cases are brought before court when there is sufficient evidence.
Royal Family (Protection)
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific resources it will give to police forces to provide protection for the royal family. (S2O-3001)
I am sure that the member will agree that we should be cautious about disclosing specific details about the protection measures that are in place for royalty and other public figures, in case that affects their security. For that reason, it is the Executive's policy not to comment on such issues.
I thank the minister for her partial answer. Perhaps she will tell us specifically whether any additional money at all goes to police forces for protection services to the royal family. She may care to write to me privately to explain the mechanisms used.
I thought that I had given a full and straight answer rather than a partial answer. I am happy to write to the member if he has specific concerns about a particular area. I am sure that we can try to resolve those issues privately.
General Questions
Scottish Ambulance Service
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review levels of service delivery by the Scottish Ambulance Service. (S2O-3058)
The Scottish Executive Health Department continually monitors and reviews the performance of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Following discussions at the service's accountability review in May, the department is expecting to receive a report from the Ambulance Service later this year on progress in implementing priority-based dispatch across Scotland. I have written today to the chairman to make it clear that I expect to see service improvement delivered to urban and rural areas of Scotland in equal measure.
I am grateful to the minister for his answer, particularly his commitment in relation to ambulance services in rural constituencies, of which I represent one. In the light of two major factors that are now affecting the health service in Scotland—the introduction of the new general practitioner out-of-hours services and the concentration of hospital facilities in fewer centres resulting in more patient journeys—why is the Scottish Ambulance Service proposing to reduce capacity in the rural areas of Perthshire and Angus that I represent? Why is there a dysfunction between the priorities of the health service in Tayside NHS Board and the priorities of the Scottish Ambulance Service at a national level? It appears to many of us that one arm of government does not know what the other is doing. Can the minister please bang some heads together to protect public services in rural Scotland?
As far as I am aware, there are no proposals from the Ambulance Service to reduce provision in Highland Perthshire, which is the area that John Swinney is concerned about. He raises two issues. In relation to the out-of-hours service, it was part of the good out-of-hours consultation and agreement in Tayside that an extra ambulance should be provided at Aberfeldy. Having checked that, I can say that that is still going to be in position. There is another exercise involved in terms of the redistribution of the ambulance service in Highland Perthshire. Again, my understanding is that the service will still be maintained in that part of Scotland. If John Swinney has further information and concerns, I am prepared to look into the matter in more detail.
If John Swinney's question had been asked solely in the context of my constituency, I would have endorsed it 100 per cent. The advent of the new out-of-hours model that is proposed by Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board, along with the inconsistencies of NHS 24, is undoubtedly going to heap untold new pressures on the Ambulance Service. I recently met local managers who are seriously concerned about their ability to deliver on the targets. Will the minister ensure that the service is funded to the appropriate level to meet the extra challenges that it faces as a result of his reforms? Does he have a plan B in the event of the Ambulance Service not being able to deliver on its targets in some parts of the country, with a consequent collapse of the blue-light services that it is expected to deliver?
The Ambulance Service is central to out-of-hours care and to emergency care more generally, as is NHS 24. No doubt, there are certain glitches, but all the patient surveys indicate that NHS 24 is being very positively received by patients, which is what matters. The Ambulance Service will be critical not only in Dumfries and Galloway but throughout Scotland. I am sure that we were all pleased to see the television report earlier this week about paramedics in an ambulance in Lothian who administered clot-busting drugs on the scene of a collapse. The man involved is now alive and well to tell the tale. Let us commend all the new things that are being done by paramedics and the massive contribution that they are making to emergency care.
In fairness to the minister, I have to say that I would be surprised if he is aware of this situation. In north-west Sutherland, the Ambulance Service appears to be proposing the removal of staff, which would mean that an ambulance would be run by only one person, not two. For the life of me, I cannot see how people can drive and look after patients. Will he look at that proposal as and when it comes before him? I cannot see how any such proposal could in any way augment health services in my constituency.
When I visited hospitals and other health services in the Highland region recently, the issue was raised with me of what seems to be an increasing use of single-crewed ambulances in the region. I have looked into that and I have written the chairman of the Ambulance Service—as I said in my first answer—saying that the use of single-crewed ambulances must be reduced in the Highlands. Some unavoidable instances of that may occur if somebody calls off at the last minute, but that practice should not be used. I have asked about that and will receive regular reports to ensure that the use of single-crewed ambulances in the Highlands is reduced.
I endorse and welcome the minister's response about the valuable job that paramedics do. I am also pleased to hear that the Scottish Executive keeps the Ambulance Service under review and monitors it regularly. What research has been commissioned into the impact on the Ambulance Service operating in Argyll and Clyde of transferring large numbers of patients to Paisley Royal Alexandra hospital?
The Ambulance Service was fully involved in changes that have taken place and was given extra resources in Argyll and Clyde because of the changes. However, Duncan McNeil is right. When any changes have taken place, it is important to monitor their effects, including the effect on the Ambulance Service. I can certainly look into that and give him further information about the effects so far.
Diabetes
To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the "Scottish Diabetes Framework" will be published. (S2O-3013)
We intend to publish a document for consultation at the conference entitled "Diabetes in Scotland 2004: Strengths and Challenges" in November. The final report will be published in May 2005.
Will the minister assure me that the framework recognises the importance of preventing and tackling obesity, as it is a major factor in the onset of diabetes, especially in middle-aged men?
Mike Pringle is right to emphasise the connection between obesity and diabetes type II but, of course, obesity has much wider health implications. Prevention will be given an enhanced emphasis in the review. It is clear that obesity is central, but the strategies to deal with obesity are wider than the diabetes strategy—they are central to the whole health improvement strategy. Dealing with obesity is one of the major challenges that we face as a nation, but the problem's scope is much wider than Scotland.
Is the minister aware that if the prevalence of obesity continues to grow at the same rate as now, by 2010, one in four Scottish adults will be obese? That will have an impact on type II diabetes. Against that background, has he considered the Finnish diabetes prevention study? If so, what comments does he have on it? If not, I will give him the reference later.
I confess that I have not managed to read the Finnish diabetes prevention study. I will be happy to receive a copy from Christine Grahame. We certainly know that many good examples of health improvement successes come from Finland. They usually concern Finland's progress on coronary heart disease, but diabetes relates to that in many ways.
As the diabetes framework gives priority to patients with diabetes for chiropody treatment, how will the minister ensure that elderly patients whose mobility and independence depend on chiropody care do not lose out as a result?
Some of the difficulties in podiatry services that Mary Scanlon highlighted before the recess arise because of the priority that we are giving to diabetes patients. Some of the changes that have taken place are the result of reprioritisation. Certainly, people with diabetes are being given priority as part of that.
Children's Hearings System
To ask the Scottish Executive when results from its consultation on the review of the children's hearings system will be made public. (S2O-3123)
Responses to the phase 1 consultation exercise have been available to the public in the Scottish Executive library since 18 August. Separately, we have commissioned an independent analysis of the responses to the exercise. That report is currently being finalised and we will publish it as soon as possible.
Given that phase 1 of the review has been completed, when exactly does the minister expect to begin phase 2? How will children and young people be involved in that phase? Will he confirm that the Executive remains committed to the children's hearings system?
I will deal with the member's questions in reverse order. The clear outcome of the first phase of the children's hearings system review has been that the principles of the system are regarded by most people as exactly right. Those principles are that there should be a single system that deals both with those who offend and with those who are in need of care and protection. However, from the first phase of the review, it has become clear that a huge amount still needs to be done to make the outcomes for children significantly better than they currently are. That has raised a number of policy questions for us, which we are in the process of considering. We will, of course, make a decision about when to publish the phase 2 consultation shortly. We still hope to do that this autumn, but there are major questions that we still have to answer. As part of the phase 2 process, we will be glad and willing to facilitate ways of hearing the views of young people about the hearings system and its future.
Vaccines (Advice to General Practitioners)
To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to general practitioners regarding the provision of the new thiomersal-free vaccine for whooping cough, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and haemophilus influenzae in advance of its own statement on the product. (S2O-3002)
On 8 August 2004, the chief medical officer, the chief nursing officer and the chief pharmaceutical officer jointly wrote to GPs and other health professionals to announce and explain the programme for the changeover to the new vaccine for children. The chief medical officer held a press conference on the following day to announce the change more widely.
I am sorry that I did not hear all that the minister had to say, but I get the impression that the notice that was given was very short. I raise the issue of public confidence in the vaccination programmes. There was great concern that parents were still being offered the old vaccine when they were being told in the press, through the minister's statements, that the new vaccine would be available. That caused problems for GPs. Surely the point is that parents are allowing their children to be vaccinated on the advice of their GPs and that the matter is for them to decide. The minister has caused complete confusion. What steps has he taken to make that good?
The member raises a number of issues. The information to which he refers appeared in a letter to a GP from an official of the Health Protection Agency in England, which was leaked to The Daily Telegraph newspaper. Although that newspaper was given the full facts, it decided to run a story that distorted the facts and caused considerable alarm. It is, of course, always necessary to announce such a change in advance of the implementation date. A period of time is required so that professionals can receive training, information can be disseminated and vaccines can be made available on site for delivery to patients. That is and always will be the case.
Tourism (Fife and Central Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in promoting Fife and central Scotland as a tourist destination for international visitors arriving by ferry at Rosyth. (S2O-3085)
Scotland's area tourist boards are responsible for promoting their individual areas. However, in conjunction with VisitScotland, Kingdom of Fife tourist board and other east coast tourist boards work in partnership actively to promote Scotland, Fife and the surrounding area to international visitors arriving on the Superfast service from Zeebrugge to Rosyth.
The minister is well aware of the tremendous success of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route and that discussions are under way to establish a route from Rosyth to Scandinavia. For Fife and central Scotland to benefit fully from the tourism potential of such routes, will he ensure that promotional materials are available at the points of embarkation and on the ferries themselves and that adequate brown tourist signage is provided?
Such materials are already provided on the ferry itself. A new brochure in English and German is available at both Superfast ferry terminals and at the local tourist information centre. There is a VisitScotland presence at the terminal and discussions and partnerships with the local tourist board are continuing to address specific issues with regard to the ferry.
I am sure that the minister will agree that, as Scott Barrie has pointed out, the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route has been an outstanding success. It has brought many new tourists and improved economic links into Scotland and Fife. However, would the route's success not be even more outstanding for Scotland if we could establish new routes into Scandinavia and Germany and turn the Rosyth and Forth area into a North sea hub? What is the Executive doing to be proactive and secure such routes?
As I said earlier, active discussions are continuing among the tourism, transport and enterprise divisions to address the question how to improve the whole range of products and access points to Scotland. The Executive's record over the past five years of opening up Scotland to international tourists has been the best for generations. Obviously, I acknowledge the contribution that has been made by the ferry service itself. Having recently met the operators and local Fife representatives, I know that the service has genuinely made a difference.
I, too, congratulate the operators of the ferry service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge. However, I am concerned that the long-term future of the service might not be as assured as some might believe, as it is largely dependent on the level of freight traffic that uses it. Perhaps, in that respect, the Minister for Transport would be able to respond to my question. How could the Executive encourage freight users to ensure the long-term future and viability of this much-praised service?
I am happy to respond with regard to the tourism agenda. The commercial ferry operator acknowledges that a balance must be struck between passenger and freight carriage. As a result, it is probably best to discuss that matter with the Minister for Transport. However, the member can rest assured that in our discussions with the operators they have been very positive about the response that they have received from customers and about the Executive's support. I am delighted to continue to provide that support and I am sure that we can continue to make the progress that we think is important to benefit Scotland and tourism in general.
Architectural Heritage
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect Scotland's architectural heritage. (S2O-3069)
We are committed to protecting Scotland's architectural heritage through the legislation and policies that we now have in place for scheduling, listing and the planning process and through our investment strategy for conserving the built heritage.
I am sure that the minister will agree that, as we get to work in this inspirational building, it is appropriate that we reflect on other parts of our built heritage. Is he aware of the current situation that faces the Trinity church in Irvine and the Carrick-City of Adelaide, which is the only vessel in Scotland that Historic Scotland has classed as a grade A listed building? Will he assure us that he will work with Historic Scotland and the local community to find alternatives to demolition for both of these sites of national significance?
I know that Irene Oldfather has expressed considerable interest in both issues in the past and I welcome her commitment and contribution. I assure her that we want to work in partnership with local communities to develop projects right across Scotland's historic environment. As part of our review of grant mechanisms I have asked Historic Scotland to look at how we can engage more effectively through community involvement and community regeneration as a key element, rather than concentrating solely on the architectural or historic importance of buildings. We need to have balance, whether we are talking about the shipping environment or examples from the built environment such as Trinity church. Last weekend, Dundee launched its city heritage trust. Whether we are talking about cities or towns in Scotland, the Executive has shown its absolute commitment to ensuring that heritage is part of the regeneration of communities.
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