SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
Further Education Colleges (Disclosure)
To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of staff and students in further education colleges it estimates will require to be vetted by Disclosure Scotland in the next academic year. (S2O-4624)
The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 will come into force on 10 January 2005, with the result that FE colleges must not knowingly employ people who are disqualified from working with children under the terms of the 2003 act. A disclosure will be required to ascertain whether a candidate is unsuitable for a college post. At this time, we are not currently aware how many FE college staff will require to be vetted by Disclosure Scotland. The 2003 act should, however, have no impact on the number of students who might apply for a disclosure.
I thank the minister for that helpful reply. I am sure that he is aware that there is concern among college principals and others about interpretation of the 2003 act. There is concern that many adult students will have to be vetted if they share classes with younger students. The problem is uncertainty. Can the minister assure us that it will be made clear to FE colleges what the rules are and how they are to be interpreted?
I am pleased to give that assurance to my colleague Mr Gorrie. On the specific concerns of the college principals, to which he referred, there should be no change to the arrangements for disclosure in respect of college students, as I outlined in my first answer. I accept that there is concern about the confusion that the change will generate, but I understand that we are today issuing to organisations a guidance note to alleviate concerns and reduce confusion about the impact of the 2003 act.
Airdrie to Bathgate Railway
To ask the Scottish Executive whether its target of reopening the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line by the end of 2008 will be met. (S2O-4691)
The development of the project is progressing well and we expect completion of the rail link by the end of 2008.
I am grateful to the minister for that reply. Does he agree that it is important to the people of Airdrie and, indeed, to the people of West Lothian that work on the important railway link be started as soon as possible? Does he also agree that is essential that the railway link provide access to the people of Plains and Caldercruix, and some West Lothian villages if it is to make a real difference to the rail infrastructure of central Scotland?
I believe that there will be significant benefits from completion of the rail link, which will provide a link from Edinburgh right through to Glasgow. The communities along the route will clearly have a strong case to argue for stops when the matter comes before Parliament for scrutiny. We must get the balance right; we cannot have a stop everywhere a community wishes one. However, it will be appropriate to have a reasonable number of stops and Parliament will carefully scrutinise that issue in due course.
I am aware that the minister recognises that the Airdrie to Bathgate link is one of the most important transport projects that the Executive is committed to in terms of alleviating road congestion. Bearing that in mind, is the minister prepared to meet me, my colleagues Mary Mulligan and Karen Whitefield, and officials of the relevant local councils, as was requested in a recent letter from Mary Mulligan?
The short answer is yes. It is important that there is a meeting about the project including the relevant local councils and MSPs. Risks are associated with the development of all major transport projects. We must keep projects of the scale and importance of the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link on time and on budget. It is important that everyone involved drives such projects forward. I am determined that we will deliver them effectively and quickly over the coming months and years.
How much money is allocated to the project in the current Executive budget document, which goes up to the year 2007-08?
The full current allocation for the project is in the region of £225 million. That includes an allocation for what the Treasury calls optimism bias. As we progress such projects, we try to become ever more certain about the costs and to drive out that optimism bias. The answer to Alasdair Morgan's question is £225 million.
Forth Estuary (Travel)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving travel across the Forth estuary. (S2O-4638)
The Executive is working closely with the Forth Estuary Transport Authority and other stakeholders to improve transport links across the Forth. That work includes initiatives such as the expansion of Ferry Toll park and ride and the improvement of rail services across the Forth rail bridge. We are also progressing the construction of a new crossing at Kincardine.
The minister will be well aware of the major traffic difficulties that people experience in trying to get across the Forth road bridge, especially at peak times. Hold-ups now commence prior to 7 am and there are still problems with rail services to and from Fife, notably in respect of reliability and overcrowding. What plans does the minister have to improve the appalling A8000 bottleneck, which plays a large part in the difficulties on the bridge? What improvements can be made to Fife circle and east coast main line services to increase the number of trains on those routes?
As Scott Barrie knows, we are investing in new trains on those routes, which will significantly increase peak-time capacity. To bring about that major improvement, we are extending the length of the platforms at some stations to accommodate the longer trains.
Will the minister join me in congratulating bridgemaster Alastair Andrew and his team on the efficient way in which they are managing traffic on the Forth road bridge? They cannot be expected to do that indefinitely. What does the most recent structural report that the minister has received say about the state of the bridge, especially since the opening of the main suspension cables, which I understand has caused concern?
Those are matters for the Forth Estuary Transport Authority. I meet the authority and the bridgemaster regularly. They are doing a lot of good work and are looking to the long term. As Keith Raffan knows, they are considering whether there should be another crossing of the Forth estuary. They are also examining ways of managing the traffic on the bridge through measures such as tolls that vary according to the time of day people cross the bridge and according to whether a vehicle has a single occupant. About 70 per cent of the vehicles that cross the bridge have single occupants, so there is real potential to reduce congestion on the bridge through innovative new measures.
Is the minister aware that there is substantial demand for the A8000 to be upgraded speedily? If the minister was able to bring forward the completion date from 2007, that would be widely welcomed by the many thousands of commuters on both sides of the Forth who would be greatly assisted by reduced congestion, especially during rush hour.
I understand the point that Lord James Douglas-Hamilton makes. I use the A8000 regularly and I see the huge amount of congestion that can occur.
I associate myself with the comments that have been made by other members, in particular Scott Barrie, on rail travel. I invite the minister to travel with Fife members on what passes for a rail service between Fife and Edinburgh. Can the minister update Parliament on the discussions that have taken place and the progress that has been made on encouragement of a fast ferry service from Fife to Edinburgh?
Such a ferry service would have to be a commercial service. It would not be seen as a lifeline ferry link and so would not qualify for subsidy under European Union regulations. That said, I will not travel too far into the area of ferries.
East Coast Main Line
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Strategic Rail Authority on the franchise arrangements for the east coast main line. (S2O-4589)
Scottish ministers issued advice to the SRA in June this year about re-letting the east coast main line franchise. The advice was taken into account in the invitation to tender that was issued to bidders.
As part of the discussions that are being held, or of the advice to the SRA, was the issue of direct services between Europe and Scotland via the east coast main line raised? The minister will be aware of reports in some weekend papers that Eurostar will renege on its promise to provide direct services between Scotland and Europe. Will he raise the issue with the SRA and with Alistair Darling? We need assurance from Eurostar that direct services to Scotland will be provided.
I am determined that the current level of service on the east coast main line will be maintained and improved. Obviously, and ultimately, the cross-border services on the line are the responsibility of the SRA and the UK Government. The Scottish Executive's advice on those issues is non-binding, but that said, we have had constructive discussions with the SRA. I will take up the issue that Iain Smith raises when next we meet the SRA.
Scottish Enterprise (Sustainable Development)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that Scottish Enterprise delivers environmentally sustainable development. (S2O-4685)
The Executive provides strategic guidance to Scottish Enterprise through "A Smart, Successful Scotland: Strategic direction to the Enterprise Networks and an enterprise strategy for Scotland". The refreshed strategy places sustainability at the heart of enterprise and competitiveness and makes it clear that the enterprise networks must take account of the need for sustainable development in all their activities.
Although "A Smart, Successful Scotland" was recently refreshed, its focus is still economic growth. It does, however, include a line with which I agree:
Eleanor Scott is right to draw attention to that passage in "A Smart, Successful Scotland" and to underline the fact that pursuing sustainability policies and economic growth are by no means incompatible. By driving forward efficiency and resource efficiency and by pursuing the use of renewable energy sources, we can impact positively on companies' performance and finances. Furthermore, Scotland can show leadership in devising and manufacturing the technologies that will assist companies in implementing resource-efficiency measures.
Public Transport (Antisocial Behaviour)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to make public transport less vulnerable to antisocial behaviour. (S2O-4664)
The Scottish Executive continues to work in partnership with local authorities, transport providers and others to reduce the levels of crime, vandalism and antisocial behaviour on public transport. Recent initiatives such as the closed-circuit television programmes in the south-east of Scotland and in the city of Dundee are positive steps. We fully support First ScotRail Ltd's recently announced drive to protect its rail staff.
The minister will be aware that earlier this year a bus driver was shot in the head by a youth with an air gun in Erskine, in my constituency, which caused great distress to his family and community. I am glad to hear of the minister's support for schemes such as the one in Dundee. However, my understanding is that such partnerships are not forming as quickly as they could or should.
I would be happy to attend a meeting with Trish Godman at which issues relating to, for example, the tragic incident involving the bus driver in west Renfrewshire can be raised. I want more to be done about such issues throughout Scotland and will play any part I can in that. One of the reasons why we are forming regional transport partnerships is to drive forward the initiatives faster. Some local authorities have been progressive and have developed good relationships with bus operators and others, but we need to instil more urgency and greater momentum in other parts of the country. I would like that to happen.
Scottish Transport Group (Pensions)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in making ex gratia payments to former members of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund. (S2O-4557)
Twelve thousand and thirty-two members and dependants have now been paid a total of £121.84 million for claims that were received before the cut-off date of 31 October 2004. Arrangements are now in place to distribute a further £3.8 million to beneficiaries who received their second payment previously. That money should be in their bank accounts before Christmas.
What is the point of the Executive setting a cut-off date of 31 October for late claims, but then holding back a quarter of a million pounds from the pension fund surplus for further late claims that might be submitted after the cut-off date? In the unlikely event that further valid claims will be submitted, could members and their dependants not be paid out of the Scottish Executive's contingency fund, instead of the minister holding back a quarter of a million pounds that belongs to the pensioners, which should be paid out now to those who have submitted valid claims?
I have discussed the issue with Dennis Canavan on a number of occasions. We are trying to find the fairest possible way to pay out the available funds. The £250,000, in the context of a total of roughly £125 million, is a very small amount to set aside for cases of hardship and for circumstances in which there might be good reasons for a claim not being made before the cut-off date of 31 October. It is only fair, prudent and sensible to have set aside that sum. Two individuals have come forward after the cut-off date—their claims will be processed and paid in January from the retained sum of £250,000. That is a fair way in which to have dealt with the situation.
Justice and Law Officers
Fear of Crime
To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the level of fear of crime. (S2O-4604)
The overall level of recorded crime in Scotland is currently the lowest for a quarter of a century. However, I am concerned that serious and violent crime rates remain stubbornly high. We have revised the Scottish crime and victim survey to ensure that we have a better understanding of the public's perception of crime.
Given that many groups are determined to instil a climate of fear in us, typified by the recent media headline that said "Alert after ‘Arabs' take photographs of Holyrood", what steps is the Executive taking to get across the message that the risk from crime, especially from terrorism, is extremely low? Will the minister resist any attempt to encourage a climate of fear in Scotland, especially in the coming months?
As I am sure Mike Pringle is aware, when I launched the criminal justice plan I said that I wanted to ensure that Scotland is
Has the minister researched the effect on victims and the wider public of early release of people who have committed crimes of violence?
The member will be aware that I have asked the Sentencing Commission for Scotland to consider issues around early release. I say to Phil Gallie—as I have said to others—that there are other matters that we must consider, such as arrangements for early release of people who have committed sex offences, particularly those who have offended against children. It is not enough simply to consider early release in isolation; we must consider it in relation to supervision and monitoring of offenders once they are back in the community. That is exactly what the criminal justice plan sets out in more detail.
Restorative Justice
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the partnership agreement commitment to expand the role of restorative justice as a means of improving the range and quality of sentences available to courts. (S2O-4678)
There are a wide range of restorative justice initiatives being progressed by the Executive. I recently announced an investment of £3 million over the next two years to double the number of restorative youth justice places throughout Scotland from 3,000 to 6,000. We are also investing more than £700,000 over two years to support implementation of a system of police restorative warnings for young offenders from ages eight to 15 and for 16 and 17-year-olds who are under supervision.
I thank the minister for that answer and offer my support for the work that is being done in the youth justice system. Does the minister plan to roll out the diversion from prosecution, mediation and reparation schemes, which have been running successfully in seven local authorities since 1997? If she does not plan to roll out those schemes, will she tell us why restorative justice has a smaller place in the adult criminal justice system than it has in the youth justice system?
It is important that we evaluate what works. We have to get away from some of the sterile arguments that we have heard to the effect that only certain sorts of sentences in the community work or that only prison works. We must have a range of options, which is why it is important that we consider the results of pilot projects when we get them. We know from the work that is being done that restorative justice projects are having an impact on the likelihood that young people will reoffend. The evidence on adult offenders is less sure at present, although we have to consider it. We will of course continue to seek effective remedies that reduce the likelihood that people will reoffend in order to show communities that we are tackling problems and that people have to give something back to the community or make direct reparation to victims.
In view of the great influence of misuse of alcohol on many of the offences that are dealt with by restorative justice, will the minister consider introducing to restorative justice an element of trying to deal with people's alcohol problems in the community?
We are already doing a number of things on that, in particular in respect of arrest referral schemes. I have visited some of those and have discussed them with the police and criminal justice social work departments. When people come into contact with the criminal justice system who have problems with, and whose offences are linked to, misuse of alcohol or drugs, we want the opportunity to be taken to intervene at that stage to deal with those problems as well as with the offence.
Craiginches Prison
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve facilities at Aberdeen's Craiginches prison. (S2O-4593)
I visited HMP Aberdeen in August and saw for myself the problems that have been highlighted in the inspection reports. Current investment priorities are being targeted at ending slopping out. However, I have asked the Scottish Prison Service to update its estate strategy and to consider proposals to tackle the issues that face prisons in the north-east and in the Highlands.
I thank the minister for her reply and for visiting the prison, which was a most welcome occurrence. Can she give me a specific idea of what the plans are in relation to visiting facilities, overcrowding and the women's unit, about which the local prison visiting committee has expressed concern?
The problems that Brian Adam highlights are the problems that I wish to address. There are difficulties around the reception area, health provision and visiting facilities. I also examined some of the prison in relation to overcrowding. It is not the case that there has been no investment in Aberdeen prison; there has been investment in B hall and there has been other capital investment. However, we have to ensure that we upgrade the overall prison estate. It would be helpful if we could get all parties to support that, and it would be especially helpful if the SNP could be consistent and all members could support the building of new prisons, which will help to tackle the problems in some of the older establishments.
I was pleased to join the minister in a very productive visit to Craiginches prison; I know that she had a useful meeting with the visiting committee. Will she ensure that the Scottish Prison Service timeously produces proposals to address some of the problems at Craiginches and that it will consider innovative solutions that make use of cross-regional services in the area?
The Scottish Prison Service is in no doubt that I expect it to report to me timeously around the end of this year or the turn of next year. I have asked the SPS to look across the prison estate, especially at some of the current issues in the north-east and at HMP Inverness. I had a useful meeting with Stewart Stevenson, and I have met Richard Baker and the prison visiting committees. I am well aware of what requires to be done; however, I emphasise that we are investing the equivalent of £1.5 million a week in upgrading our existing prison estate and that we require to ensure that we get the best value out of that investment.
I have visited the Aberdeen prison and have seen the changes there over the past two or three years. Nevertheless, the changes are pieces of sticking plaster. The truth is that the prison premises are too small to be developed further and cannot provide the additional facilities. Will the minister consider—it is part of her remit—the building of a new prison for Aberdeen?
I will consider all options in the light of the report that the Scottish Prison Service will produce. However, we must recognise that the important thing at present is that we deal with the problems of slopping out and overcrowding and that we look at the parts of the prison estate that have not had development plans or that level of capital investment. We will make the right decisions on that basis. I will not pre-empt the outcome of the report that will come to me from the Scottish Prison Service by making an announcement on the hoof today.
The minister will be aware that the problems in Inverness prison are similar to those in Aberdeen prison; both are local prisons that suffer from overcrowding. Inverness prison was built to cope with 108 prisoners but now houses 159 prisoners. They are mostly short-term prisoners or are on remand. Can the Executive examine whether there is an alternative to putting remand prisoners in prison? That would free up some space.
Before the minister answers, I make it very clear that the original question was about Aberdeen prison. However, the minister skilfully slipped in a reference to Inverness in responding to the second question, so I will allow the question.
Of course I am concerned about the remand population. We have asked the Sentencing Commission to consider several issues in relation to the use of bail and remand. I am particularly interested to find out whether we might make more use of bail hostels or electronic monitoring as a condition of bail, in the hope that they would, in appropriate circumstances, assist us in ensuring that the right people are locked up and that those who can be are managed successfully in the community.
Community Reparation Orders
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce community reparation orders. (S2O-4634)
The Scottish Executive has put new legislation in place for community reparation orders that will require offenders to make reparation to communities for antisocial behaviour. They will be available to district and sheriff courts and will be piloted in Inverness, Dundee and Greenock for two years from early next year.
I thank the minister for answering the question as it appears in today's "Business Bulletin" and not as it was originally published. Together with my constituents, I am delighted that reparation orders are to be piloted in Greenock. Will the minister confirm what age of offenders will be forced to make good the damage that they do to their communities and what type of crimes will be covered?
I am grateful to Duncan McNeil for correcting the error that made the question into one about community repatriation orders. I was not entirely sure what part of Greenock and Inverclyde he was referring to.
On the basis that his question is about reparation orders, I call Bill Aitken.
Does the minister agree that although the orders have a role to play in the criminal justice system, they will be effective only if the work is supervised so that it is carried out robustly, unlike in respect of community service orders, for which much of the work is not done?
I do not accept that the work that people are required to do for community service orders is ignored; the courts would take a dim view of that. I am, however, glad to see that Bill Aitken recognises that there is a place for reparation orders and robust community sentences. I am glad to see that the Conservatives have been converted to that notion.
This is the first time I have heard that the pilot will happen in Inverness. I welcome that and ask for more details of how the scheme will operate in Inverness, who will be running it and what funding will be put into it.
I will be happy to supply Maureen Macmillan with the relevant details. I hope that as she has welcomed the pilot, she will be able to monitor local progress and engage actively with the community organisations that might want to have a say.
Question 5 has been withdrawn.
Procurators Fiscal (Guidance)
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to procurators fiscal about how crimes of assault involving a weapon or implement should be dealt with. (S2O-4569)
Guidelines are issued to procurators fiscal on a variety of subjects, including individual categories of cases. The guidance on assault emphasises the need for full information about the nature of the victim's injury, if any, and whether a weapon has been used. The use of a weapon is an aggravation that the court is entitled to take account of when sentencing.
I am sure that the Lord Advocate will agree with me that all blade crimes are abhorrent. Recently, I met a young male constituent from Clackmannan who was cut from his nose to the side of his cheek. His assailant was charged with assaulting a young woman, theft, and assaulting my constituent. He pled guilty to the first two charges but not guilty to the third. Incredibly, he was let off with his plea of not guilty, despite the fact that there were three witnesses.
I assure Parliament that procurators fiscal take attacks with knives very seriously. There is a presumption that, if there is sufficient evidence, prosecution is in the public interest.
Is the Lord Advocate aware that in the drugs business a knife is often placed in the buttocks as a warning? Following the death of one of my constituents from such an assault, will the Lord Advocate tell me whether special consideration is given to the context in which knives are used? In particular, has consideration been given to coming down heavily on that particular use of knives?
The use of a weapon on any part of the body is a serious matter. Context is taken into consideration along with all the circumstances of a case, but I would have thought that if someone is a victim of having a knife inserted into their bottom it would not matter whether it was in the context of drugs or another context.
Prisoners (Employment)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to help prisoners enter the job market on release. (S2O-4612)
We know that getting offenders into employment on release from prison can be crucial in reducing the likelihood of reoffending. The Scottish Prison Service is working closely with Jobcentre Plus, colleges and the voluntary sector to provide offenders with the support that they need to obtain employment.
Does the minister agree that there should be better co-operation and partnership with further education colleges so that courses and training that are started in prison can be continued on release? Will the minister acknowledge the overcrowding in prisons and agree that FE facilities have a role in reducing both that problem and reoffending?
I agree that we should maximise opportunities both in the prison setting, with basic literacy and numeracy programmes and the other courses that are available, and in FE colleges. Mary Scanlon will be interested to know that one way to ensure that that transition works is to ensure that people have the opportunity, under supervision, to come out of prison to attend college courses so that on release they can either enter employment or continue with their course. I hope that the Conservatives will support that key way to ensure that people do not reoffend on release.
Debt Arrangement Scheme
To ask the Scottish Executive how its debt arrangement scheme will address loan sharks and illegal moneylending. (S2O-4670)
The debt arrangement scheme provides for the payment of debts free from the threat of diligence or sequestration. The scheme provides a more stable financial environment and reduces the risk that debtors in a debt payment programme will use unsafe lending. Illegal moneylending is a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry, but I can say that a project to tackle loan sharks has been established in Glasgow.
Will the minister join me in congratulating Lynda Birrell and Scott Crooks from Fife Council's trading standards money advice service, who have achieved qualifications as approved money advisers? Does he agree that professional, independent money advice is essential in helping people to manage debts and, more important, to avoid getting into debt in the first place, particularly at the hands of unscrupulous lenders?
I congratulate the two money advisers in Fife who have been approved. Access to trained, qualified and experienced money advisers is essential if people are to be given the best possible advice, and the debt arrangement scheme relies on people having that accreditation. Some 150 advisers throughout Scotland have undergone the necessary training, although many of them have still to be assessed. I urge money advisers throughout Scotland to come forward, to go through the training that the advisers in Fife have been through and to be accredited so that we can ensure that those who suffer most from the activities of loan sharks and illegal moneylenders have access to the best quality of advice.
General Questions
NHS (Workforce Planning)
To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages for the royal colleges in national health service workforce planning. (S2O-4669)
The Scottish Executive recognises the valuable contribution that the royal colleges can make to NHS workforce planning. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Royal College of Nursing are represented on the workforce numbers group, which is a sub-group of the national workforce committee. The group leads on workforce planning arrangements and on the production of the national workforce plan. In addition, the Scottish Executive Health Department has regular discussions with the various royal colleges on workforce planning and other matters.
When north-east members have meetings with Grampian NHS Board, the role of the royal colleges is always to the fore in our discussions on recruitment and workforce planning. In the minister's dialogue with the royal colleges, will he ensure that the colleges consider taking positive action to address recruitment issues and to review their approaches to service delivery proposals so that such issues are not rigidly fixed to population in a way that fails to meet the needs of remote and rural areas?
I am more than happy to continue the discussions that I have had with the colleges on that very issue. Our work on workforce planning and modernising medical careers points to some of those issues. I am sure that Professor David Kerr's report will have some interesting things to say about how services should be delivered in the less-populated parts of Scotland that nonetheless require first-class health care.
Will the minister share with us the outcome of his meetings with the royal colleges on the length of training course that is required for general practitioners who opt for an additional specialist qualification? Has he had any discussions with the Royal College of Surgeons about reducing the time that it takes for people to qualify as a surgeon?
I have had discussions on both those issues but, to be perfectly honest, they have not reached a conclusion. Clearly, such matters are difficult because they affect not only the quality of training of the individuals involved but the service that they will be able to deliver within the NHS. We constantly seek to speed up the qualification of the different levels of clinicians in the health service, but we cannot do that by sacrificing quality of outcome or skill levels. That contradiction will always exist within the system. However, I am always happy to discuss with the colleges and others how we can ensure that our highly valued clinicians are adequately trained to the high standards that we have in Scotland in a way that gets them out there as soon as possible to deliver services to patients.
At his next meeting with the royal colleges, will the minister raise with them the accreditation of accident and emergency services in Scotland? There are concerns that the wider risk-assessment issues, such as travel distances for ambulances and for individuals, are not taken into consideration when decisions are taken on the closure of accident and emergency units. We need a broader strategic look at those issues.
Of course, that broader strategic look needs to take into account the equipment, resources and training that the Executive has made available to paramedics, whose careers have been developed. The physical location of facilities is not the only issue. Perhaps more important is the time that it takes for paramedics to get to a patient and what they can do for the patient when they arrive. That is much more critical for a person's survival than the travel time to their nearest A and E unit.
NHS (Linlithgow)
To ask the Scottish Executive how the Minister for Health and Community Care's statement that the national health service should be as local as possible but as specialised as necessary is being applied in the Linlithgow constituency. (S2O-4663)
Patients from the Linlithgow constituency already have access to district general hospital services at St John's hospital in Livingston. They will also have access to the new services that Lothian NHS Board recently announced will be available at St John's. The important thing is that people get the right care in the right place. That place should be as local as possible, with services as specialised as they need to be.
We have had lots of discussion recently about the services at St John's hospital, but most people's experience of the national health service is through their local health centre. What action is the Scottish Executive taking to ensure that practice nurses deliver asthma clinics or diabetes support and that allied health professionals such as physiotherapists or podiatrists are available, if only for part of their time, to support the local health team?
I could not agree more with that philosophy, which is the philosophy of the Executive. Our approach is to try to localise as much as possible of the care and treatment of our people. That is why we are continuing to invest in allied health professionals and why nurse-led clinics are holding more surgeries and dealing with more appointments. Additional facilities such as the renal unit at St John's hospital—which means less travel to Edinburgh for many of the member's constituents—and some of the other specialist clinics that we provide in the west Lothian area will give people the opportunity to receive services in their local community, to the high quality that we expect of all our NHS services.
NHS Fife (St Andrews)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Fife on the proposed hospital and health centre for St Andrews. (S2O-4590)
The Executive has had the normal level of contact with the St Andrews project that it has with all projects. The Health Department approved the initial agreement on 31 July 2001 and the outline business case, which identified the preferred option, on 31 August 2003. Since then, the Executive has offered technical support as requested. Officials have attended project board meetings as observers and have supported individuals involved in the project, as appropriate.
The minister will be aware that, at long last, NHS Fife has submitted the outline planning application for the hospital. Can the minister assure me that the Scottish Executive will continue to give the support that is necessary—including financial support—to ensure that the project goes ahead as quickly as possible? Does she agree that it is extremely important that, as we modernise our health service, we provide adequate modern diagnostic and treatment facilities for communities such as St Andrews and those in the east neuk of Fife?
Very much so. As Andy Kerr has just said, the Scottish Executive welcomes the provision of integrated health care facilities such as those that are planned for St Andrews. We are clear about the fact that we want the hospital to be up and running as soon as possible. Executive officials will continue to offer any support that they can. In addition, all such projects have recently been asked to identify any development needs that they have, so that we may assist them to move forward. We intend over the next 12 to 15 months to provide a targeted programme in response to those needs. That should support the delivery of all such projects, including that in St Andrews.
As someone who lives in St Andrews, I welcome the minister's answer. The new health centre cannot come soon enough. What assurances can the minister give to the people of nearby Cupar that their hospital—the Adamson hospital—will not be downgraded but will continue to provide an appropriate range of services for an expanding local community? Can she assure them that the hospital will not become a waiting room for the new St Andrews facility?
In 2001 and 2002, NHS Fife consulted comprehensively on "Right for Fife". Malcolm Chisholm approved its proposals in December 2002. Ministers have no intention of reopening debate on the proposals. It is for NHS Fife to ensure that provision is adequate for the people who live in the health board area.
Genetically Modified Crops
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on agreeing rules for co-existence between GM and non-GM crops. (S2O-4619)
Following initial discussions with a range of stakeholders, we expect to develop proposals that will be issued for formal consultation next year.
I note from the November issue of the National Farmers Union Scotland magazine Scottish Farming Leader that the Scottish Executive and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have been conducting workshops on the co-existence of GM-free and GM crops. The report states:
Our intention is to devise a co-existence regime. As I said in response to Mr Gibson's initial question, we intend next year to put out to consultation the proposals that we develop. As the member indicated, those proposals are being developed on the basis of consultation with stakeholders, through workshops and other mechanisms, in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. I do not want to prejudge any conclusions that that process will reach, but the member will see the outcomes next year.
Does the minister expect the co-existence and liability measures that he plans to implement in Scotland to be broadly similar to the measures that DEFRA is discussing in England and Wales?
We face common issues in the UK and across the European Union, therefore we want to work in partnership with DEFRA as far as we can to develop the proposals that we will put out for consultation. There will be a separate Scottish consultation, because it is within our competence to develop a different regime if we so choose. However, we and DEFRA will have to conform with European requirements in any proposals that come forward. That will apply as much to compensation issues as it will to other issues of concern in this area.
School Curriculum (Construction Industry)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include measures in the school curriculum to encourage more school leavers to work in the construction industry. (S2O-4673)
Our response to "a curriculum for excellence" included proposals to pilot a new skills for work course in construction from session 2005-06, which will be delivered through strengthened partnerships with colleges and other providers. That will enhance existing provision in construction, which we have facilitated through funding allocations to local authorities under our enterprise in education strategy, "Determined to Succeed".
I am very pleased to hear that response, because it almost answers my supplementary question. I was going to ask how the Executive intends to build better partnerships with further education colleges, give pupils aged 14 and upwards the opportunity to gain an insight into the construction industry and help with the training of apprentices, all of which will help to tackle the shortages that exist or are likely to arise in our building industry.
The Executive acknowledges the importance of the construction industry and education's role in promoting it. Indeed, we will take the matter forward through our school-college review. Our ultimate objective is for all pupils aged 14 plus to have the opportunity to undertake, and to receive a qualification in, work-based vocational training. As the construction industry is very suitable in that regard, I endorse Mary Scanlon's sentiments.
Will the minister work in partnership with the ministerial team in the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, which will receive a report from the cross-party group for construction on skills, training and the construction forum?
I should point out that the school-college review is being jointly undertaken by two departments, but we would be delighted to receive input from the cross-party group for construction.
I call Jamie Stone.
Mr Stone, your name appeared on the screen and you gave me a very meaningful look. I will happily pass to Sylvia Jackson, from whom I much prefer to receive meaningful looks.
I recently discussed with the principal of Falkirk College the lack of further education provision at the Stirling end of the Forth area. Will the minister consider launching pilots that might bring not only the construction industry but other skills areas into partnership with further education colleges and schools?
I am not familiar with the particular issue that the member raises, but I would be delighted to discuss it with her in due course. If there are any opportunities to do as she suggests, we will be happy to consider them.
Language Learning
To ask the Scottish Executive how it can improve the number of young people choosing to study a foreign language. (S2O-4665)
Every pupil is guaranteed the opportunity to learn a modern European language from primary school onwards. An interim report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education on the provision of language training in Scotland shows that 98 per cent of primary 7 pupils are currently studying a foreign language.
I am pleased with the progress that has been made and can cite many examples of best practice in the schools in my constituency. What steps are being taken, particularly in high schools, to promote vocational qualifications to students who may not be taking a language as part of the core curriculum?
As part of our curriculum reform process, one of the key things that we have done in recent weeks is to try to ensure that we are providing enough opportunities for young people who are following a vocational route in their learning, as part of a wider package of learning, so that there is flexibility in the curriculum to allow choices such as studying a modern language. One of the things that we must do in Scotland, and at the wider UK level, is to ensure that our young people understand fully, particularly as they move through secondary school, that sticking with studying a modern language will help their career prospects in a variety of ways.
Is the minister aware that there has been an alarming decline in the numbers of those who are qualifying as language teachers, with some 30 vacancies unfilled in September 2002 and in September 2003? Will he highlight the good career prospects that are available to those with skills in teaching modern foreign languages? That might be greatly in the public interest.
I am happy to endorse what Lord James has said in general terms. I am glad that he welcomes and recognises the fact that, under this Government, there are secure employment prospects for all our teachers. The approach that we are taking to workforce planning in our Scottish education system—anticipating changes in demand for teachers and where shortages are going to arise—allows us to identify much earlier than we ever did before where vacancies will arise in the future, so that we can increase the supply of teachers and training to try to fill those vacancies. That is the purpose of the modern workforce planning that we are doing, and it is proving successful in meeting demand.
Affordable Housing
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of social rented housing and affordable housing to buy. (S2O-4659)
Over the next three years, we will invest £1.2 billion in affordable homes to rent or to buy. We have raised our three-year target for the supply of affordable homes from 18,000 to 21,500, and more than 16,500 of those homes will be provided for social rent, with nearly 5,000 homes for low-cost home ownership.
The minister knows that I am always keen to commend the Executive on its radical homelessness legislation. What specific assistance is being provided to aid local authorities with the implementation of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003? Is the minister aware of the circumstances in areas such as my constituency, where the sheer scale of homelessness allocations threatens to jeopardise regular housing allocations policy because of the lack of council housing?
Apart from what I said about the future, I note that investment in north Lanarkshire housing is up this year by 20 per cent. I also notice that, at the last count, there were no families in bed-and-breakfast accommodation in north Lanarkshire, and I welcome that.
I call Christine Grahame.
Thank you, Presiding Officer. I shall resist the temptation to say anything about meaningful looks.
As Christine Grahame knows, the reason for more people being homeless is that more people have rights under our progressive homelessness legislation, which is probably the most progressive in Europe. In other words, everyone who is homeless is now entitled to temporary accommodation.
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