SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Justice and Law Officers
Mobile Closed-circuit Television
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that mobile closed-circuit television has a contribution to make in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. (S2O-9219)
Yes. Mobile CCTV is one of a range of measures that can be used to assist in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. I will shortly be announcing the successful bidders for flexible-response CCTV projects in the financial year 2006-07, in line with the commitment that we made in "A Partnership for a Better Scotland" to expand CCTV in shopping and other areas, thereby supporting businesses and others to reduce crime. We will then undertake an evaluation of the impact of public-space CCTV.
Is the minister aware of the innovative use that Strathclyde police and Glasgow City Council are making of mobile cameras to combat youth disorder in the King's Park area of my constituency, alongside measures such as fixed cameras, curfew bail conditions, action on underage drinking, the deployment of special constables and diversionary youth activities?
Yes. The mobile camera vehicles represent an innovative use of CCTV. Indeed, along with Charlie Gordon, I visited one of the vans in Castlemilk, where it was stationed at the time. I was extremely impressed with the quality of picture and size of area that the camera captured and with the way in which the data were stored and, ultimately, used. The visit helped to convince me that mobile CCTV has a wider application. I am also aware of some of the issues in King's Park. People there could benefit greatly from the siting of such a van in the area. I know that the local agencies—police and others—are favourably disposed towards that. I hope that Charlie Gordon makes the case to those agencies that such a deployment would benefit the local community.
Community Wardens
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is evaluating the effectiveness of the community warden scheme and Executive funding in diverting young people from antisocial behaviour. (S2O-9238)
We have commissioned an evaluation of the implementation and impact of community warden schemes, which is expected to report by early 2007. The research will include interviews with young people to explore the impact the schemes have had on their behaviour, as well as surveys to assess the perceptions of residents. We are also funding diversionary activities for young people through the £5 million local action fund. That is being evaluated through the provision of twice-yearly monitoring reports.
I will be interested to hear the results of the evaluation. I know that the minister is aware of the success of the community warden scheme in north-west Dumfries, in my constituency, which was recently the subject of a brief television report. Not only has the scheme made people feel more secure in their homes, it has engaged with local young people and supported them in finding alternatives to antisocial behaviour, such as midnight football. How will the Executive ensure that other areas of Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland benefit from the introduction of community warden schemes? Other communities in my constituency are keen to get a piece of the action.
Elaine Murray is right to point to the success of the community warden scheme throughout Scotland. A number of people were sceptical about the deployment of community wardens. In my area, the sceptics are now clamouring for the schemes to be extended. Community wardens are well received by communities and work well in partnership with the local police. As well as helping to identify and report potential problems, wardens engage constructively with young people.
European Justice Agenda
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is engaging with United Kingdom ministers to influence the European justice agenda. (S2O-9239)
The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide variety of European Union-related issues and is represented as appropriate at meetings in Brussels, whether at working groups of officials or at councils at ministerial level. Last month, I joined UK Government ministers in representing the UK at the justice and home affairs council in Brussels, to take forward, among other issues, a pan-European approach to the fight against organised crime.
The minister is aware that the European arrest warrant has been in place for some time. Will she indicate what role the warrant is playing in tackling cross-border crime? Notwithstanding the progress that has been made, will she also give an assurance that further European measures to tackle crime, including the European evidence warrant, are consistent with the traditions and principles of Scots law?
Irene Oldfather makes an important point. The European arrest warrant is a vital tool in the fight against cross-border crime. Work is continuing on the European evidence warrant and the Scottish ministers are fully engaged in that work. We have provided information to our UK counterparts and we have made points to ensure that Scots law is protected. We have made strong representation that we require to operate on a basis of mutual co-operation, rather than alter our legislation. We will continue to take that approach.
Does the minister recall that one of the Executive's EU priorities is an investigation into the European Court of Justice's decision on environmental protection? Is she aware that the Austrian presidency of the European Union has declared an ambition to stop the creeping influence of the European Court of Justice, although the presidency wants to extend the court's powers through articles I-7 and I-29 of the proposed constitution for Europe? What representations has the minister made to UK ministers on the issue?
As I said, the Executive is involved in a range of matters that relate to the justice and home affairs agenda. I am aware that the matter that Phil Gallie raises is up for consideration. However, it is for the Austrian Government, during the Austrian presidency of the European Union, to decide how to proceed. If Mr Gallie wishes further information on the issue, I will provide it to him. I am sure that he will find that useful, given that he intends to seek a career in the European Parliament at some point.
Fiscal Fines
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that the use of fiscal fines is in the public interest. (S2O-9242)
Yes. Fiscal fines are one of a number of effective alternative options to prosecution that are available to prosecutors in dealing, in the public interest, with reports of crime. In many cases, fiscal fines can be used as a prompt and proportionate response to criminal offending.
I am grateful to the Lord Advocate for his reassurance. As the Scottish Executive intends to extend the use of fiscal fines, will he advise me of the benefits that will arise as a result? Will he reassure me and members of the public that when fiscal fines are used, they will be the correct disposal for the offences concerned?
The summary justice reform proposals in the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill, which is before the Parliament, include the extension of the upper limit of fiscal fines to £500 and the introduction of fiscal compensation orders, which will be for up to £5,000. The bill will also introduce work orders, which will be offered as an alternative to prosecution to people who are before the fiscal. It is important that procurators fiscal use the powers responsibly and proportionately, so a training programme will of course be involved. Under the bill, the Scottish ministers will be able to make regulations on work orders. It is envisaged that communities may be consulted on the work that needs to be done in their areas.
Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill
To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will have on the privacy of innocent people. (S2O-9254)
The bill will be an effective piece of legislation that will play a valuable role in helping our criminal justice system to tackle criminality better. All the measures that are included in the bill will be entirely compatible with human rights legislation.
I thank the minister for the commitment to ensure that the bill is compatible with human rights, although I want to go beyond strict compliance with human rights. The minister has already ruled out the inclusion of amendments on mandatory blood testing, which would compromise the privacy of innocent people or of people who have not yet been convicted of a crime. Will the Executive resist or support amendments if they are lodged on the—I beg your pardon, Presiding Officer, I came in with a rush. I am terribly sorry, but I will have to withdraw my question.
Women Reoffenders
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to reduce the number of women who reoffend. (S2O-9221)
The Executive is fully committed to reducing the number of women who reoffend. We have taken action to address the needs of drug-misusing female offenders and fine defaulters who might otherwise end up in custody, and we have set up the innovative 218 time out centre. We expect the new arrangements for more joined-up management of offenders in prison and the community to offer further opportunities to tackle the issue.
I thank the minister for that information. The minister will be aware of the high incidence of self-harm among women offenders. Can she advise me what steps the Executive is taking to tackle that matter of concern?
The Executive is concerned about that. A significant amount of work has been undertaken in Cornton Vale prison to address the problems of the women—in particular the young women—who end up in that environment with a range of problems including drug misuse, who are often also the victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence. I extend an invitation to Janis Hughes to discuss the matter in more detail. If she has not yet met the staff at Cornton Vale prison and seen the innovative work that is being done there, I hope that she will take the opportunity to do that. I can facilitate that.
Crimes Planned in Prison
To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prosecuted since 1999 for planning or encouraging, while held in prison, a crime committed outside prison. (S2O-9203)
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service case management database cannot be used to distinguish between offences that are committed in prison and offences that are committed outside prison.
I thank the Solicitor General for that not wholly illuminating answer. She may be aware that a written answer has told me that, between 1 April 2004 and 30 September 2005, 281 mobile phones were taken off prisoners—62 of which were in Saughton prison. Does she share my concern that the use of mobile phones held illegally by prisoners to facilitate communications with the outside world will enable them to continue to have control over their evil empires—especially in the area of drugs—outside prison?
I am sorry that my answer could not be more illuminating. It would come as no surprise to any member of the public that when criminals are put together in one place, they are likely to conspire to commit crimes. Although we do not have a database as such, we know that there have been prosecutions for crimes that have been planned, and sometimes committed, in prison.
Spousal Evidence
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is concerned that the institution of marriage is open to abuse by people accused of crimes, including crimes of violence, and whether it will amend the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 to compel people to give evidence against their spouses, including in cases where they are not the victims themselves. (S2O-9215)
This is a complex issue, but we are sympathetic to amending the law and recognise that work needs to be done in the short term. In particular, there are some child protection issues that we want to ensure are addressed. I will bring forward, in the near future, a short consultation on the options for amending the law on spousal compellability.
I am delighted with the minister's response. Does she agree with me—I speak as one married woman to another—that the protection of vulnerable people is more important than marriage and that steps should be taken to protect our communities and bring to justice those who are accused of crimes? I welcome her announcement.
I thank Helen Eadie for her comments. It is important that we do whatever we can to ensure that vulnerable people are protected. I am especially keen to ensure that we serve the best interests of children and young people. I hope that Helen Eadie will engage actively in the consultation process. I am sure that she will, as she has made representations on the matter before.
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
New Ferry Routes (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage new ferry routes to the Highlands and Islands. (S2O-9186)
The final service specification for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services will encourage bidders to propose improvements to, and enhancements of, those services.
In light of the Executive's failure to find a bidder for the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry route, which was a major disappointment to many people in Argyll and Bute, why was Dalriada Shipping, which was willing to take on the contract, rejected? It was classed as a new entity, despite the fact that the company is owned by Pentland Ferries, which successfully runs services between the Scottish mainland and Orkney without any subsidy. Dalriada has again offered to run the Campbeltown to Ballycastle service using the boat that previously operated on the route. Will the minister give me and those in Argyll and Bute who would benefit from the service assurances that Pentland Ferries' excellent track record will be taken into account this time when Dalriada's new offer is considered?
I apologise to Mr Mather, who will ask exactly the same question later.
I intend to get to question 6, but I will take a supplementary from Jim Wallace now.
The minister will know that the announcement of the preferred bidder for the new franchise for the ferry service to the northern isles is anxiously awaited. Is he in a position to inform the Parliament about that? Will he give an assurance that, when the new bidder is identified, every effort will be made to ensure both that adequate shipping arrangements for livestock are secured and that there is a seamless transition for onshore and seafaring staff, passengers and freight users?
As Mr Wallace knows, we had hoped to be able to announce the preferred bidder by the end of February. Following some further work and further economic and financial analysis, we are able to confirm today that Caledonian MacBrayne is the preferred bidder for the northern isles tender. A process will now be undertaken to establish the precise contract details. That will take some time, but I hope that, by the early summer, we will be in a position to confirm the contract and the operation that is to be undertaken in the northern isles.
Park-and-ride Railway Stations
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to expand park-and-ride railway stations. (S2O-9222)
In addition to our funding of local authorities and other bodies for specific projects to increase car parking facilities, we have secured additional car park enhancements through the ScotRail franchise. We are in discussions with First ScotRail and Network Rail to unlock additional investment and to provide a programme of car parking enhancement.
As the minister knows, the Stirling constituency has a high number of commuters to Glasgow and Edinburgh. A case has already been made for more car parking at Dunblane railway station, and we hope that a solution will be found soon.
I would be happy to consider the specific argument that Sylvia Jackson makes with regard to development in the Stirling area. It seems eminently sensible to ensure that, as the planning process continues, we build in the need for improvements in the availability of public transport. As the detail comes forward, I will be happy to consider the matter in conjunction with colleagues who have responsibility for planning.
Sylvia Jackson referred to overcrowding at Dunblane station, but many of those spaces are taken by people from Strathearn and further north, for whom Dunblane is the closest station. The minister will be aware of the campaign to reopen Blackford station, which would relieve some of the pressure at Dunblane. Will he give us an update on where the Executive stands in its response to that campaign?
I cannot give a precise answer to Mr Fraser's question today, but I am happy to write to him on that point. I can say only that all of us who believe in the future of rail in Scotland and in providing other forms of transport as alternatives to the car must take considerable encouragement from the fact that there are so many strong campaigns throughout Scotland to reopen stations such as the one that Mr Fraser mentioned.
Can the minister confirm whether his list of stations requiring improved car parking includes Inverkeithing station, which benefits from the highest frequency of rail services of any station in Fife and therefore tends to have a full car park by about quarter to 8 in the morning? If he solved that problem, he might also ease the pressure on the Forth road bridge, which is the other problem on his desk.
I wondered how Mr Morgan would get that in, but as usual he was able to mention it. In recent times, some of us have become very familiar with Inverkeithing station. Indeed, I came through that station on the train last night.
Broadband Access
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that people who live in remote areas can obtain access to broadband. (S2O-9252)
We have already taken major steps to achieve that, including the successful implementation of the largest broadband project of its kind in the United Kingdom. That has extended broadband access to 378 remote and rural telephone exchange areas and more than 1,600 communities. We have now fulfilled our commitment to bring broadband coverage into every Scottish community. More work is now being done to tackle the particular problems that individual households and businesses face in accessing broadband.
On 19 January, I asked the minister a similar question after a constituent had approached me about his difficulty obtaining access to broadband. Following some modest local publicity about that question, I have been somewhat inundated with requests and notifications from members of the public who, because they live a considerable distance from their broadband-enabled telephone exchange, cannot get access to broadband. What practical steps will he take to ensure that such individuals and businesses can be connected? Will the Executive take a clustering approach to ensure that groups of houses and settlements are brought together so that we can find a technologically proficient solution to the problem?
The short answer is that, yes, we will do all of that. As I mentioned in my response to John Swinney's question in January, we are commissioning a study for which independent consultants are due to be appointed next week. The study is due to report by the end of May and will consider all the technological solutions that can be implemented.
Rail Infrastructure (North-east Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing rail infrastructure, including Aberdeen crossrail services, in the north-east. (S2O-9200)
With the support of Scottish Executive funding, the north-east Scotland transport partnership is leading the development of the Aberdeen crossrail proposal and is responsible for delivering the completed feasibility work by the end of 2006. Elsewhere in the north-east, the Scottish Executive and Transport Scotland are working closely with scheme promoters and rail industry partners on implementation of the Mossend to Elgin freight gauge enhancement scheme, the range of improvements to be delivered by the £40 million station improvement plan under the First ScotRail franchise agreement and the development of proposals to reopen Laurencekirk railway station.
The crossrail project is about the movement of people, but the movement of freight is essential to the economy. The minister mentioned the Mossend to Elgin freight gauge enhancement scheme, which will enable freight to be moved on standard rolling stock. Can he give me any more information about how quickly the enhancements will be made?
Nora Radcliffe makes a good point about the importance of freight and the benefits of the enhancement scheme, which will enable the track to be used in the way that she described. My understanding is that the project will be delivered by the summer of 2007 at a cost of about £4 million. If any additional information is available, I will be happy to write to Nora Radcliffe.
University Research
To ask the Scottish Executive what role it plays in ensuring that research in Scottish universities is world class and what steps it has taken to achieve this. (S2O-9246)
About half our higher education research base is already rated as world class and we are committed to further enhancing that. We have therefore provided unprecedented increases in funding to enable the Scottish funding council to increase support for university research by 40 per cent in real terms between 2001-02 and 2006-07.
I guide the minister towards the other half. Does he accept that, although Scottish universities perform superbly well, as measured by the traditional yardsticks such as the number of articles published and number of citations, Scotland underperforms in terms of growth in gross domestic product and entrepreneurial activity compared with similarly sized countries such as Ireland and New Zealand? Those countries have unified strategic policy functions that co-ordinate and guide science and technology research and enable their universities to make the optimum contribution to economic growth and development.
The Executive's progress report, "A Science Strategy for Scotland", was published on 28 February and sets out our progress on science since 2001. Although good progress has been made overall, the report recognised that we must accelerate our efforts if we are to maintain global competitiveness. I think that that is the point that Mr Welsh makes. We plan to consult on refreshing the strategy, which will provide a major opportunity to shape future policy. Our research base has to be flexible and responsive to global pressures and industry's needs, and it has to build entrepreneurial activity. Our strategy, which is for us to work with the Scottish funding council and for it to work with the institutions to support initiatives, is bearing fruit.
Campbeltown to Ballycastle Ferry
To ask the Scottish Executive what reasons are emerging for the lack of bids to provide a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle from its investigation into the matter and what steps it will now take to establish this economic artery. (S2O-9206)
We are examining the feedback that has been received and considering whether there is a feasible and practical way forward within the terms of the current tendering process. We are also in close touch with our colleagues in Northern Ireland.
Given its vessel availability, its involvement with Pentland Ferries and its experienced personnel, will Dalriada Shipping be included in the options that the Executive considers? Will the process include an evaluation of the negative effect that non-fulfilment could have on the population and on economic activity? Will we see a justified reconciliation of the subsidy that is paid on the route to bolster the local economy with the subsidy that is paid on other routes, such as those that NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries serve?
The short answer is yes. As I said, any option that we can consider within the procurement rules that we must follow will be examined. I assure Mr Mather that any particular company will be taken into account in that exercise, subject to those caveats.
Glasgow Crossrail
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in respect of the Glasgow crossrail project. (S2O-9212)
Transport Scotland is considering the technical and operational feasibility study into Glasgow crossrail and hopes to respond to Strathclyde Passenger Transport with comments during the spring. Projects of such magnitude require detailed examination before final decisions can be made.
I note the minister's response with interest. He will be aware that the detailed technical feasibility study by SPT showed that considerable strategic benefits from the crossrail scheme could be delivered to the whole of Scotland—not just Glasgow—for a relatively modest investment in railway infrastructure. Given that, does he agree that the Glasgow crossrail proposal would benefit Scotland's economy and provide further much-needed rail network integration? Will he accept an invitation from me, as convener of the cross-party group on Glasgow crossrail, to attend a cross-party group meeting to discuss in detail the benefits that would accrue from that sensible proposal?
I am happy to take up Mr Butler's invitation to attend a cross-party group meeting and to hear the detail that I am sure he would impart. The advantage of the consultation on the national transport strategy, on which we are about to embark, and of the corridor-by-corridor assessment under the strategic projects review is that they will allow detailed consideration of the arguments that Mr Butler and others advance for crossrail. However, ultimately, funding for a project—no matter what its magnitude—is subject to the usual disciplines of government.
Credit Unions (Trust Deeds)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the impact of trust deeds on credit unions. (S2O-9208)
We are satisfied that both measures fulfil different, though related, needs. Credit unions supply a preventive measure against debt by providing single-source savings and lending whereas trust deeds offer debt redemption for debts that have been accumulated. The proposed trust deed reform will help creditors such as credit unions by introducing a new minimum payment and a cooling-off period if a trust deed is not protected, so that debtors can examine other options.
The minister will be aware that as credit unions are community-based mutual organisations, they are disproportionately affected by losses through protected trust deeds, whose use has increased dramatically in recent years. I know that he is consulting on protected trust deeds; that is welcome. Will he agree to meet credit unions to discuss their concerns and to consider how protection can be afforded to those important community organisations, which are part of the solution to debt management, not the problem?
I am aware of the issues that the member mentioned—not least because she has brought them to my attention previously—and would be pleased to meet credit union representatives.
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