Plenary, 08 Nov 2007

Meeting date: Thursday, November 8, 2007

Official Report 718KB pdf

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Question Time

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Europe, External Affairs and Culture

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Immigration (Representations)

To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to the United Kingdom Government regarding immigration to Scotland. (S3O-1106)

The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government and has made a number of representations relating to immigration.

Does the minister agree that Scotland values and relies on the contribution of skilled immigrants from all over the world? Is she worried that Scotland's ability to attract such skilled immigrants may be affected by the constant stream of negative press and comments from UK politicians on immigration? If so, what steps will she take to resolve the matter and ensure that Scotland's immigration needs are not ignored?

I am sure that all members have despaired at times at many newspapers' negative reporting about immigrant communities in the UK. Comments from certain politicians over the years have not helped the cause at all.

Migrant workers make an important contribution to Scotland, because they help us to stem the projected decline in our population and grow our economy. We want Scotland to be wealthier and fairer, and we need to be able to attract the brightest and best from around the world, as well as nurture and retain our home-grown talent, which is important.

Last night, I hosted a reception in Edinburgh castle for international students who have come here through the British Council's scholarship programme. It was marvellous to see the enthusiasm with which those masters students from around the world have come to Scotland and how much they already enjoy being here. It is important that we maintain such links for the benefit of us all.

Most of us recognise the invaluable contribution that migrant workers make to Scotland. In my part of Fife, people from overseas bring skills and talent to many areas, including dentistry, the hospitality industry and the local produce industry. Does the minister agree that her Administration needs to act urgently to ensure that necessary services—such as English language provision, health care and, of course, policing—are available to people who come to our country?

In the years since Scotland got a devolved Administration, needs have been recognised across political parties. A lot of what has been done in Scotland for migrant workers and asylum seekers who have come to live in our communities could lead the way for other parts of the UK.

Of course there are issues, and we actively try to address them all the time. To give Mr Brocklebank an example, the Polish information guide that was published in 2006 has recently been updated. The guide offers Polish-speaking migrant workers advice on employment issues, including their employment rights, health and safety legislation, the minimum wage and the role of trade unions. There is an issue of bad employers exploiting some of the communities that are coming to live with us.

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European Parliamentary Committees (Executive Contributions)

To ask the Scottish Executive how it contributes to inquiries being conducted by European parliamentary committees. (S3O-1104)

The Scottish Government seeks to influence the work of relevant European Parliament committees. Our Brussels office is very useful in that regard but, for me, the most important way to exert that influence is by working closely with Scotland's seven MEPs.

On 25 April, the European Parliament agreed to establish a Temporary Committee on Climate Change—most of us were busy with election leaflets and hustings then, so we can be forgiven for not having spotted it. The committee's remit is to formulate proposals on the European Union's future attitude to climate change and to engage with the Parliaments and Governments of member states as part of that work.

Does the minister agree that that committee's work will have a profound impact on the context within which our domestic proposals on climate change sit? Does the Scottish Government expect to contribute to the work of the committee directly or will Scotland's contribution be routed through the United Kingdom as the member state? Will the minister make a commitment to keep the relevant parliamentary committee at Holyrood fully apprised of any engagement that the Government has on the issue?

The Scottish Government, with input from the Parliament's committees, tracks everything of importance to Scotland.

With regard to the question, it is probably apposite that this evening I will chair a meeting of the European members information and liaison exchange—or EMILE—network, at which will be MEPs, MPs and MSPs, so it is an ideal forum in which to discuss issues that affect Scotland. I will raise the matters that Patrick Harvie has raised. I will also look further into how we are dealing with them and check which of our seven MEPs, if any, are on the committee that he mentioned.

Even if the Scottish MEPs are not on the committee, our Brussels office has great input and puts Scotland's position to MEPs not just from the UK but from throughout the member states. I will check what is happening with that, too. Obviously, the relevant committee in the Scottish Parliament will be kept informed by the relevant minister.

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Public Art

To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will give to public art in the regeneration of Scotland's towns. (S3O-1147)

We are supportive of the positive role that public art can play in regeneration. The Scottish Arts Council is developing a national strategy on public art, which will promote the use of such art in regeneration for the considerable benefit of communities in Scotland. I expect the Scottish Arts Council to publish the strategy early in 2008.

The minister will have heard me in last week's debate on environment and culture waxing lyrical about the many community-led projects in my constituency in which public art features. In her discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, has the minister asked for funding to be made available for artist-in-residence schemes for towns, such as Cumnock in my constituency, that are about to undergo major regeneration work in their town centres?

I enjoy hearing Cathy Jamieson waxing lyrical—I always have.

The Scottish Arts Council is considering an artist-in-residence scheme and I expect it to come back to me with further details.

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Scotland-Cuba Relations

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to strengthen relations between Scotland and Cuba. (S3O-1168)

The Scottish Government has not been approached by the Cuban Government and has not sought to establish links.

I hope that the minister will be able to meet the Cuban MPs who will visit the Parliament next week. I invite her to join me and, indeed, the United Nations in calling for an end to the illegal United States blockade of Cuba, which includes the tightening of extraterritorial elements, thereby directly affecting relations between the European Union and Cuba. Will she join me in congratulating Cuba on exporting its socialism by sharing with the poor and dispossessed around the world its advances in medical science, education, sport and agriculture? Further, I ask the minister to explore options for strengthening relations between Scotland and Cuba, particularly through cultural, scientific, sporting and trade links.

I am aware of the friendship between Scots and Cubans and of the many links that have been set up. Lots of work is done by great agencies such as Scottish Medical Aid for Cuba. Many Scots are horrified by the trade embargo—the blockade—which is against UN resolutions.

I will be happy to meet the Cuban MPs next week. In fact, only two weeks ago I met the Cuban ambassador—as did the First Minister—and his colleague Luis Marrón in Aviemore. I very much enjoyed the discussion with them, which I hope to be able to continue.

The minister will be aware that I visited Cuba a number of weeks ago. I saw its excellent education facilities and health service.

In her response to Bashir Ahmad's question, the minister mentioned the British Council's scholarship programme. Will she explore the possibility of inviting the Cuban MPs, when they visit the Parliament on 15 November, to take part in developing a scholarship exchange, in education or another area, perhaps through Scottish universities or the British Council Scotland?

The Cuban health service is revered worldwide. It is fabulous that Cuba sends health professionals to developing countries to try to develop health services—Cuba is to be applauded for that. The member's idea about scholarships through the British Council is interesting, but of course it is a matter for the British Council to consider and then put to us. However, I am more than happy to raise the issue.

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European Union Reform Treaty

To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received about the possible consequences for devolved matters if the EU reform treaty is ratified, in particular the consequences for justice. (S3O-1100)

The Scottish Government does not generally disclose the legal advice that it might have taken on any particular matter. Any such advice would, in any case, be confidential.

On the basis of the confidential information that the minister has received, and bearing in mind the negative impact on Scots law of many aspects of the European convention on human rights, does she agree that she should prevail on her colleague the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to carry out a full review of the impact of the treaty on Scots law and to take remedial action if necessary?

Unlike on marine conservation competencies, for example, the Home Office and our Cabinet Secretary for Justice have worked closely on justice and home affairs issues. Dialogue has been co-operative. There are no specifically Scottish justice and home affairs issues that require special treatment in the treaty. Our approach is correct, in that our interests on justice and home affairs matters are, in essence, the same as those of the United Kingdom Government. We favour increased practical co-operation throughout the EU and we will support legally binding measures if they are necessary and in our best interests. That is our position and the approach that we and the UK Government have taken.

Under the EU reform treaty, the UK Government has complete control over whether we participate in any particular justice and home affairs issue. Does the minister welcome the excellent opt-in arrangements that have been secured by the UK Government?

As the member knows, as Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, my role is to ensure that there is co-operation across all departments, to ensure that Scottish interests are represented by our cabinet secretaries and ministers. If there is an issue of concern to Mr Chisholm, I will ensure that he receives a response from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

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European Union Funding

To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture plays in supporting community groups in applying for EU funding. (S3O-1158)

Scotland has a well-developed structure in place to support and guide organisations in applying for structural funds, which come under the portfolio of Jim Mather, the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism.

I understand that support to smaller-scale community organisations in rural communities is provided through LEADER, the EU's programme for community-led rural and economic diversification, which is administered by our rural directorate.

We have governmental contracts with two organisations to provide support for applicants for structural funding in the lowlands and uplands and in the Highlands and Islands. The support includes the delivery of workshops and seminars throughout Scotland to promote and explain the use of structural funds.

If John Swinney is responsible for European structural funds, Stewart Maxwell is responsible for community organisations and Jim Mather is responsible for something else, I am tempted to ask what the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture is responsible for.

Is the minister aware that her Government's refusal to resolve the community regeneration funding crisis is not only forcing vital community projects in my constituency to issue redundancy notices to its dedicated workers but preventing projects from accessing crucial European funds? Can we have an assurance from the minister today that she will do everything in her and her Government's power to ensure that our communities are not deprived of European funds to which they are entitled?

I state clearly that before the last election, when I was convener of the previous European and External Relations Committee, we warned the then Government that it had to put in place decent interim arrangements for the new structural funds. Although I am more than happy to pass on to my appropriate colleagues Mr McNeil's concern, I tell him that the situation has been going on for a very long time.

The minister spoke about how important it was to put in place structures before the last election. Would she like to comment on the fact that the Minister for Communities and Sport informed me that it was impossible to make any commitment on the community regeneration fund ahead of the comprehensive spending review, but then made a U-turn last week and announced transitional arrangements that could have been put in place two months earlier? Does she recognise that such hesitancy means that community planning partnerships, as the strategic delivery bodies for European funding, might end up being unable to access money because we cannot guarantee them the necessary matched funding? Will she urge her ministerial colleague to ensure that the £40 million of community regeneration funding that currently comes to Glasgow continues to play its critical role in enabling access to further funding to benefit our local communities?

I remind the chamber that the responsibility for delays to the comprehensive spending review rests with Westminster; it does not rest with the Scottish Government.

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Fèisean Movement

To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it considers that the fèisean movement has made to the development of music, language, culture and confidence in the Highlands and Islands and more widely. (S3O-1165)

For many years, I have been a fan of the artists, performers and, indeed, the organisers of the fèisean movement. Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of attending Fèisean nan Gàidheal's annual conference in Aviemore, where I heard about the tremendous work that the organisation carries out.

I believe absolutely that the fèisean movement enriches the lives of all the people who are involved in its activities, and that has been happening for 25 years. We support the strong, diverse and confident cultural life in Scotland, and organisations such as Fèisean nan Gàidheal contribute to it.

On a visit to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama a few weeks ago, I am aware that the minister learned about exciting plans to develop a fèis academy. Does the minister share my belief that that exciting proposal would support established success and further develop great local talent? Will she look favourably at supporting the proposal, which could also serve as a tangible and highly appropriate legacy of the year of Highland culture?

The proposal is very interesting, and I am sure that the member will be interested to know that I have arranged a meeting with its proponents. I think that Bryan Beattie and Arthur Cormack are coming to see me in December to discuss the matter further. As in any other situation, we will consider the plan that is put before us, but the idea is certainly very exciting.

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“Making the Act of Union” Exhibition

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make efforts to find a permanent public home for the "Making the Act of Union" exhibition after it leaves the Parliament. (S3O-1090)

The excellent exhibition shows the shared history of our nations on these islands. The archive documents cannot be exhibited permanently. I have checked, and I understand from experts that exposure to light could cause irreversible and cumulative damage. The documents and oil paintings in the exhibition were loaned by the parliamentary archives at Westminster, the House of Commons, the royal collection and the National Archives of Scotland, and they have to be returned shortly.

I opened the exhibition and found it extremely interesting, so I am pleased to note that a feature based on the exhibition, including images of the documents, as well as text and illustrations selected from the exhibition, will be placed on the website of the National Archives of Scotland when the exhibition closes.

Does the minister agree that, given the great economic and cultural benefits that Scotland has enjoyed by being part of the United Kingdom, the subject should be promoted more in our schools? Does she therefore agree that the Act of Union exhibition should remain in Scotland and could be toured around some of our schools to demonstrate the importance of Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom?

First, I tell Mr Lamont not to be quite so silly. Did he not listen to my answer? He wants the exhibition to tour round schools, but I have already said that exposure to light would cause irreversible and cumulative damage to the documents. I am sure that no member—whether nationalist or unionist—wishes that to happen.

I am interested to hear that exposure to light could cause irreversible damage to the Act of Union. I am sure that many of us agree with that sentiment.

In the light of the many controversial criminal aspects that surround the Act of Union and the circumstances of its creation, will the Government consider the Lothian and Borders Police museum of crime on the Royal Mile as a potential home for the Act of Union?

A brief answer will suffice, minister.

I am sure that the Presiding Officer will consider it fair that I give no more credence to Mr Allan's comments than I did to Mr Lamont's.

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Education and Lifelong Learning

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Pupil Indiscipline

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce new guidelines to help schools tackle pupil indiscipline. (S3O-1099)

The Scottish Government will develop in the next 12 months a new strategy on behaviour in schools, including guidance on promoting positive behaviour and dealing with more serious indiscipline. It will do so in consultation with relevant stakeholders. [Interruption.]

The commitment to publish new guidance was made in the Scottish National Party's election manifesto, to which the Opposition now pays much more attention than the Government pays. Earlier this afternoon, my colleague Murdo Fraser asked the Deputy First Minister why the SNP no longer supports the publication of annual statistics on violence in our schools, which used to be published under the previous regime until it discontinued them. The Deputy First Minister told Mr Fraser, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has confirmed it, that the Government is considering how that information might be published and in what format, but that cost factors must be considered.

Will the minister confirm that that means that the Government is prepared to publish guidance without having at its disposal all the relevant information about the number and nature of violent incidents in our schools? If having such information was desirable in the past before publishing such guidance, why is it unnecessary now?

As David McLetchie is aware and as the Deputy First Minister has said, the statistics to which he refers are currently neither robust nor reliable. The cabinet secretary has therefore instigated a review of the costs and benefits of producing a viable data set. We will make a judgment at the end of that process and in consultation with relevant parties, such as the discipline stakeholder group, about whether publishing annual statistics would add value to our efforts to tackle indiscipline in schools. We are predisposed to openness but also to cost-effectiveness. [Interruption.]

The national discipline survey "Behaviour in Scottish Schools", which was published this time last year, showed that bad behaviour had not increased since 2004, that violence against teachers was rare and that the key classroom concern was the drip, drip effect of low-level indiscipline such as talking out of turn and making unnecessary noise.

On a point of order. It is appropriate that the minister has talked about indiscipline and talking out of turn, as we have heard yet again obnoxious comments from Mr Foulkes from a sedentary position. Given your previous strictures on the matter, Presiding Officer, is it now time to deal with Mr Foulkes, whose behaviour is unacceptable?

That is a judgment for the chair, as I know you are aware, Ms Marwick. I will deal with the matter at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place.

Is discipline a national priority? If so, will the minister assure us that the national priorities action fund, which ring fences money to deal with indiscipline, will be maintained?

The Deputy First Minister addressed that question in an answer this morning. I say to Labour members that all those with the well-being of Scotland's schools at heart are thanking their lucky stars that the SNP Government is having no truck with the daft policy that is being pursued by their counterparts down south, under which young people who do not want to be at school will be compelled to stay on. It is hard to think of a policy that will have a more disruptive impact on the learning environment in our schools.

On 10 September, I lodged a question in which I asked the Scottish Government

"how many meetings of the Ministerial Taskforce on School Discipline have taken place since May 2007".

On 25 September, I received the answer that

"The Discipline Stakeholder Group has not met since May 2007."—[Official Report, Written Answers, 25 September 2007; S3W-4154.]

Has the group met subsequently? If, as the minister said, the matter is a priority for the Government, why did the task force not meet in the first six months of the Administration?

As I have indicated, the discipline group will meet shortly. We are also awaiting input from bodies such as Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, which is currently reviewing the effectiveness of extended provision, by which I mean on-site or off-site units to support pupils' behavioural needs. Advice and guidance from those bodies will need to feed into the process.

Question 3—I am sorry, I am at it again. Question 2.

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Dumbarton Academy

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a new school is required to replace Dumbarton academy. (S3O-1129)

West Dunbartonshire Council had an offer of financial support from the former Scottish Executive for a schools public-private partnership project that included the replacement of Dumbarton academy, an offer that remains open. It is, though, entirely a matter for the council to decide on the components of the project.

From her answer, the minister may not be aware that, only yesterday, the SNP members of West Dunbartonshire Council's schools project board voted to remove entirely Dumbarton academy from the schools regeneration project. The consequences of the decision are that there will be no new school and there will be no investment of almost £30 million that had been promised—nothing to improve the educational environment for children at the school. The First Minister promised to match Labour's school building programme "brick for brick". Where have all the bricks for Dumbarton academy gone?

The member is disingenuous in saying that the SNP removed that project. The member, if she was telling the truth, would of course have said that the decision was to refuse planning permission. [Interruption.] The decision was taken unanimously by the whole council and has turned the entire PPP project into a complete and utter mess.

The previous Administration took the project to the planning stage but the application was unanimously rejected by the whole council As a result of political issues in the administration of the previous West Dunbartonshire Council, the project is well behind other PPP projects. As a result of the planning decision, the SNP Administration is left having to decide whether to continue with the rest of the PPP project, or to abandon it.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer.

I think that I am about to deal with it, Mr Butler. If you wish to come in again, you may do so.

I say to the minister that I am slightly concerned that she used the phrase,

"if she was telling the truth".

That comes very close to accusing the member of deliberately misleading Parliament. I offer you the opportunity to clarify the situation, minister.

I apologise sincerely for that, Presiding Officer.

May I come back in, Presiding Officer?

On this occasion, you may, Ms Baillie.

I am grateful, Presiding Officer. It is important to correct inaccuracies that are spoken in the chamber.

The minister may wish to be aware that the planning committee is not, of course, a committee of the whole council; it involves only a small number of members. Will she join me in trying to seek solutions? Her Scottish Government official, who attended the schools project board meeting yesterday at which the decision was taken—it was taken not by the planning committee, but by the schools project board—said that the Government would be prepared to extend financial close. Will she do so now?

How the PPP project in West Dunbartonshire Council proceeds is a matter for that council. As I said, the offer of financial support for a PPP project remains. It is up to the council to decide on any proposals that it presents to the Government in relation to the project. It is the council's decision that has put the project into disarray.

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Traditional Music (Teaching)

To ask the Scottish Government what plans are being made to spread the teaching of Scottish traditional music and song in primary and secondary schools across Scotland. (S3O-1113)

The opportunities for children and young people to access traditional music and song in schools across Scotland are generally healthy. Of the 32 local authorities, 30 and Jordanhill school offer some form of Scottish traditional music as part of their primary 6 target provision under the youth music initiative. Provision is also made at the school of traditional music in Plockton.

The curriculum in Scottish schools is not based on statute. Arrangements for determining the curriculum are for schools and education authorities to decide. The curriculum for excellence will establish a new framework for those decisions, which will include a Scottish perspective on the expressive arts.

I thank the minister for that answer but, sadly, I must draw her attention to the occasional hostility of conventionally trained music teachers to traditional music tutors who are delivering the youth music initiative. Will the minister investigate the means to train and deploy fully-qualified teachers of traditional music and song in our schools to promote the rightful place of our popular and unique indigenous music in our education system?

I am disturbed to hear of that hostility among conventional music staff and I would like to hear about examples of it from the member. I am aware of good work that is being done through the fèisean movement, which my colleague Linda Fabiani mentioned in reply to an earlier question. In the north-east, many talented musicians give master classes; for example, Paul Anderson, with fiddle music. As Linda Fabiani mentioned, we are awaiting Fèisean nan Gàidheal's proposals for a skills academy in the traditional arts. We will make progress from there.

In answer to Mr Gibson's question, the minister outlined some plans with regard to music education. What plans does the Scottish Executive have to expand outdoor education in Scottish schools?

The original question was about music and song, minister, so I do not require you to answer that.

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People not in Education, Employment or Training

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on its strategy on people not in education, employment or training. (S3O-1176)

Our ambition is for all young people to stay in learning post-16 so that they develop the skills that will enable them to succeed in life. A concerted national effort is under way through the curriculum for excellence and skills for Scotland, which is designed to achieve transformational change in learning, teaching and leadership in the Scottish education system.

We recognise that significant changes to the system are required to help young people who need more choices and chances. To that end, we have built considerable momentum in local authorities, schools, Careers Scotland, training providers, colleges, employers, the third sector and the many other partners that are necessary if we are to make real progress on the agenda. All local authorities have established robust partnerships to transform the learning and support that are on offer to that group of young people.

My ministerial colleagues and I have already visited areas that have a higher than average number of young people who are not currently in education, employment or training. We intend to work in close partnership and on an on-going basis with those areas to produce real improvement in them.

Does the minister agree that, although a focus on the poorest performers is necessary, we must also ensure that those who are on the cusp of that group have more opportunities to prevent them slipping further? Is she aware of the jobs, education and training—JET—programme in my constituency, which provides work experience and training for young people while they are still at school? Will the minister give a commitment to examine that highly successful programme closely and to consider how its success could be replicated throughout Scotland as part of the approach to tackling the NEET problem?

The JET programme is a year-long work-based learning programme run by the South Edinburgh Partnership. As Mr Pringle said, it combines school education with vocational training and work experience in the City of Edinburgh Council. The one-year programme is currently aimed at secondary 4 pupils, who study for their standard grades at school and undertake a work-experience placement one day a week. The young people study for a level 2 Scottish vocational qualification in business and administration or customer services. Additionally, the young people will develop core skills and the abilities that they need to become active, enterprising and responsible members of society. They will also learn key skills and attitudes for employability, particularly those that employers are looking for in the workplace.

There was a recent review meeting with the City of Edinburgh Council to discuss the progress towards introducing more choices and more chances. The council highlighted the JET programme as being particularly successful. It currently operates in eight schools in the city.

On 5 September this year, in response to written question S3W-3451, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning indicated to me that in 1999 some 20.4 per cent of people aged between 16 and 19 in the NEET category had a disability and that, by 2006, the figure was 21.7 per cent. That suggests that there is a persistent number of people in the NEET category who are disabled. What recognition of the position of those disabled people who are not in education, employment or training will there be in the Government's strategy?

The strategy was published and sets out what we want to achieve. We are now in the process of discussing how it can be achieved. I am well aware of the particular needs of disabled people who fall into the NEET category. Clearly, they require extra care and support and we will ensure that that issue is part of our deliberations when we take the skills strategy document "Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy" to the next stage.

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Classroom Assistants

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken in respect of classroom assistants since the publication of the Equal Opportunities Commission's report, "Valuable Assets: A General Formal Investigation into the Role and Status of Classroom Assistants in Scotland's Primary Schools". (S3O-1136)

My officials have had several constructive meetings with the former Equal Opportunities Commission about the recommendations made in its report. The Scottish Government has already confirmed that it will be represented and participate fully in meetings of the national action group that will be facilitated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The first meeting is due to take place on 20 November 2007.

I appreciate that response, but I have some concerns. The Labour Party's manifesto promised to offer formal training for classroom assistants, but the Scottish National Party's manifesto made no direct mention of classroom assistants. Is the Administration truly committed to the further steps that are needed to gain a stronger recognition and integration of the work of schools' support staff, such as classroom assistants, in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and elsewhere in Scotland? Does the minister agree that the Executive should, along with local authorities, investigate how to improve the qualifications, career paths and personal development of classroom assistants and school support staff?

As Cathie Craigie rightly points out, the terms and conditions of service for classroom assistants are a matter for local authorities as employers. On the day of its publication, the EOC report received quite a dusty response from Pat Watters, a member of Cathie Craigie's party—she will correct me if I am wrong—and president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, who described it as "emotive" and said that there was no need for an action group, which was one of the EOC's recommendations. I regret that response.

As I said, the matter is the responsibility of local authorities. I have said that we are prepared to work with them in that regard.

There have been changes in the roles and responsibilities of classroom assistants in various authorities. However, I am determined to ensure that classroom assistants have a career path. Many classroom assistants have degrees, and many want to see whether they like the classroom environment and whether they will want to go on and take a teaching qualification. I am exploring the possible career paths for classroom assistants. I want to ensure, in discussion with colleges and universities, that assistants are given such opportunities.

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Inner-city Schools Closures (Guidance)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidance issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 11 October 2007 imposed any new requirements on local authorities in relation to the closure of inner-city schools. (S3O-1155)

There has been no change in the statutory framework and requirements relating to school closures, inner-city or other. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning reissued the 2004 guidance as it was, but with a covering letter to education conveners emphasising certain aspects of its application.

Does the minister agree that any efforts of her Government to reduce class sizes to 18 in primaries 1, 2 and 3 will mean that cities such as Aberdeen will need more primary schools rather than fewer? Will she reassure parents of children at schools that are under threat in my constituency that current underutilisation of capacity will not be accepted as an excuse for school closures?

The member will be aware that the current administration in Aberdeen City Council has said that it is reviewing its estate. It has not earmarked any schools for closure. The only people who are talking about school closures in Aberdeen are people in the Labour Party, and the only people who are putting fear into pupils and parents in Aberdeen are people in the Labour Party. Perhaps the member will speak to his Labour colleagues on Aberdeen City Council. They approved the budget to take our measures forward.