SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Pensions (Former First Ministers and Scottish Ministers)
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the pension arrangements currently in place for former First Ministers and Scottish ministers. (S1O-4439)
The pension arrangements currently in place for former First Ministers and Scottish ministers are determined, quite rightly, by Parliament and not by the First Minister or ministers in the Scottish Executive.
Will the minister confirm that the pension deal for the former First Minister means that he will receive £34,000 a year immediately, which will amount to almost £1 million by the time he qualifies for his free television licence? Does the minister agree that that deal is obscene, particularly in relation to the pittance on which most Scottish pensioners have to survive? Will the minister join me in condemning the former First Minister for claiming that pension while still in receipt of his MSP salary of £42,500?
I would not join Mr Sheridan in condemning anyone—including Mr Sheridan and any other members of the Parliament—for their personal finance arrangements. The arrangements are, rightly and properly, decided independently by Parliament on the basis of what Parliament considers is commensurate with roles. The powers to make provisions for the payments are in the Scotland Act 1998. Any changes to the current arrangements are a matter for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, not for the First Minister or any member of the Scottish Executive.
Less Favoured Areas
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any reform of the less favoured area support scheme for 2003 and whether any such reform will involve crofters, farmers and local authorities. (S1O-4451)
My department, in consultation with a working group consisting of representatives of the industry—including crofters—is examining ways of further improving the less favoured area support scheme.
Does the minister share my frustration about the fact that the latest changes to the less favoured area support scheme do not take due account of the difficulties of agriculture in Shetland or of the fact that 60 per cent of the units in Shetland are losing out under the current arrangements? Will the minister assure me that, as it is altered during 2002, the scheme will take account of circumstances on islands—particularly those in my constituency—and that those changes will be made in time for the start of next year's scheme?
I assure Tavish Scott that the changes will be made in time for the start of next year's scheme. The member will be aware that one of the lessons that arose from the 2000 reform of the common agricultural policy was that—with regard to an instrument such as the less favoured area support scheme, which was designed to respond to headage—simply to cut the umbilical cord between headage and payment is not sensible. That is increasingly the view of member states throughout Europe and, fortunately, is also increasingly the view of the European Commission.
The minister will be aware that the rural development regulation states that
I do not wish to get into a long debate about that. I do not entirely accept that we have ignored the regulations. Rhoda Grant must remember that we are, in a way, fortunate that 85 per cent of Scottish agricultural land is designated as less favoured. We therefore have the benefit of additional resources going to that large area. However, I am sure that Rhoda Grant agrees that, within the less favoured area scheme in Scotland, there is a tremendous heterogeneity of application, farming and farming units. It is important that we try to deal with permanent disadvantages to agriculture and that we try to ensure that the level of support allows remote and rural communities to survive sustainably.
Will the minister agree to consider in a new review of less favoured area support the drift of such support away from the south of Scotland, which has been brought about by the change from headage to acreage-based payments? Does he agree that that drift is only exacerbated by the late payments of integrated administration and control system support and farm woodland premium scheme support this year, some of which are over three months late and for which his department is entirely responsible?
Two separate issues are contained in that second question, but first is the question on the drift of support. I refer to Rhoda Grant's question. On trying to take account of the real and different degrees of disadvantage, there is no doubt that there are levels of disadvantage in the Borders and in Dumfries and Galloway. However, when we assess those areas' difficulties in comparison with the north-east and the northern isles, it is difficult not to argue that the latter have other different and perhaps more severe disadvantages. That only illustrates the point that I made in response to the earlier question that, in Scotland, it is extremely difficult to adapt the less favoured area scheme rules to find an equitable solution for all the 85 per cent of Scotland's agricultural land that is designated as less favoured.
Non-trunk Roads (Winter Maintenance)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Highland Council about the recent winter maintenance of non-trunk roads. (S1O-4427)
The maintenance of local roads is a matter for local authorities, but we welcome the closer co-operation that was recently agreed between the Highland Council and BEAR Scotland Ltd.
The minister knows from what I said in the chamber last week that we had some fairly hellish conditions in the Highlands over the Christmas and new year period. It might give some amusement to the chamber to know that I was snowed in for some days. Mercifully, we had adequate provisions and whisky but—alas—no cigarettes. The situation was tricky for pensioners and those who were possibly in need of medical services. I seek reassurance that the minister will do everything in his power to bang heads together and ensure that that situation does not happen again—we cannot face it a second time round.
Lessons are being learned on all sides from the winter conditions that occurred. I am pleased that the Highland Council met BEAR Scotland Ltd and that it has agreed to shared use of strategic depots, equipment and facilities. That is the right way to go.
I remind members that the discussion is about non-trunk roads in the Highlands.
I hope that you will allow me to talk about footpaths. If footpaths are non-trunk roads, there is an issue—
Very risky.
Yes, it is very risky.
I suppose that footpaths are part of roads.
Maureen Macmillan should take that matter up with the local authority. The way in which it chooses to fund such works is a matter for the local authority. Short of trunking the pavements around Scotland, I have little to offer on that question. However, clearing footpaths is one of the issues that have been addressed of late by local authorities and the trunk road operators in dealing with their responsibilities.
The minister is aware that the trunk roads are the responsibility of a private company—BEAR Scotland—and that the non-trunk roads are a local authority responsibility. Does the minister regard it as sensible to have two sets of gritters, two sets of snow ploughs, two sets of workers and two sets of back-up office supplies? Does not that lead to unnecessary duplication and waste? Is not it the case that the policy is no more than a Railtrack of the roads that is costing Highland folk dear?
I regard it as sensible for those who are responsible for trunk roads and those who are responsible for local roads to co-operate. That is beginning to happen in the Highland Council area and I expect that other councils will see fit to follow that route in due course. We all have an interest in ensuring that we have unhindered means of travel and communication during winter weather. The best way to achieve that is through partnership between those who are responsible for the two different types of road.
Fish (Illegal Landings and Processing)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken during the last year to address any illegal landings and processing of fish. (S1O-4458)
A number of enforcement measures are in place. More generally, the activities and resources of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency have continued to be developed and are aimed at conserving fish stocks by monitoring compliance with regulations, thereby deterring and detecting potential illegal activity.
There are several questions that I would like to ask the minister on the issue.
You can ask one.
I will do that. Is there any evidence of a direct connection between the landing of illegal fish and certain processors in Scotland and England?
If there were firm evidence, it would have led to some intervention or prosecution. We cannot be in any doubt that the continuation of illegal landings must in some way be to do with funding by processors. As far as the Executive is concerned, the focus of attention is the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. We devote some £15 million to that agency and we have 73 enforcement officers. I assure Robin Harper that we pursue every possible line of inquiry, because we understand that illegal activity undermines the activities and the efforts of sustainable fishing.
On fishing conservation effort, will the Executive take action to clarify EC regulation 2056/2001, especially as it relates to prawn fishermen who use 100mm nets. It is causing much anxiety, fear and consternation among prawn fishermen, who are confused about whether they are fishing within the law.
I am confused about whether that question is in order.
If you were to rule any question on prawns from Mr McGrigor out of order, Presiding Officer, there would be some silence from Mr McGrigor. I do not think that the Parliament would want that.
As the minister will be aware, processors face the challenge of coping with the increase in the haddock quota that is available to the industry this year as a result of the massive 1999 year class. Will the minister turn his attention to helping the processing industry to market that product, given that it will take that industry some time to recover from the difficulties of the past few years?
As Richard Lochhead is aware, we have a working group that is examining the processing industry and the impact on it of the reduction of core stocks. I hope that the member will agree that, although the recently negotiated total allowable catches are not by any means the salvation of the industry, they will result in improved throughput, which—combined with our work with the enterprise agencies—will be of considerable assistance to the industry.
A890 (Closures)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Highland Council with a view to finding solutions to closures of the A890 between Stromeferry and Achintee owing to landslides. (S1O-4430)
The A890 is a local road and is therefore a matter for the Highland Council, which is the local roads authority for the area.
I thank the minister for that reply but, in view of the Highland Council's professional opinion that that section of the road cannot be considered safe for the travelling public, and in view of the current interest in tidal and wave energy, will the minister consider initiating an engineering study into the feasibility of a tidal barrage across Strome narrows? That could incorporate a combined road, rail and tidal generation facility.
I noted John Farquhar Munro's suggestion during yesterday evening's members' business debate on Alasdair Morrison's motion on renewable energy. I welcome the member's support of the principle that integrated transport and energy schemes should be developed where possible. Mr Munro will probably be aware that the Highland Council has already met Railtrack to discuss possible options for long-term joint solutions to the problem, which affects both road and rail travel on that route. I understand that there are technical difficulties in pursuing a joint solution, but I know that all the options are being considered. My officials will certainly stand ready with practical advice for both parties if that can be of assistance in taking the matter forward.
National Health Service<br />(Waiting and Discharge Times)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in addressing waiting and discharge times in the national health service. (S1O-4443)
Last week, I announced the establishment of a national waiting times unit to work with NHS Scotland to reduce delays for patients. The First Minister announced an additional £20 million to reduce the number of people who are delayed in being discharged from hospital.
I thank the minister for his reply. Does the minister share my concern that, although senior managers in Glasgow have proposed an acute services review, which they advise will improve waiting times, that review does not include a review of the number of senior management staff within the NHS in Glasgow? Does the minister agree that the facilities of the senior management staff need to be improved and that we need to increase the number of front-line staff rather than invest in senior managers?
It is widely recognised that concerns have been expressed about how the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust deals with some of those issues. That is why the chief executive of Greater Glasgow NHS Board is carrying out a review of the trust, from which I hope there will be some management changes. Everybody believes that effective management is important. That is also why I made the changes at the Beatson oncology centre, which was part of that same trust.
Does the minister accept that the creation of the waiting times unit will not address the fundamental problems of undercapacity and lack of staff in the NHS? Would not it be better if the Minister for Health and Community Care were to put his efforts into tackling such issues, rather than into sidestepping them by the establishment of hit squads? We need more beds, doctors and nurses, not more bureaucracy.
Capacity issues are of great importance. I look forward to next week, when I shall chair the first meeting of the group that will drive forward implementation of the action plan on the recruitment and retention of nurses.
Euro
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help Scotland prepare for the euro. (S1O-4450)
Scotland Europa co-ordinates the Scottish euro forum, which comprises public and private sector representatives and which is implementing a detailed plan on preparatory activities in Scotland. Included in that action plan's wide range of activities are workshops, conferences, a website and the provision of a telephone hotline for Scottish businesses who are looking for assistance.
I am sure that the minister is aware of the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy and, in particular, to my constituency of Edinburgh Central. Now that there has been a smooth transition in the euro zone countries, what action is the minister taking on the recommendations in the European Committee's report on the euro? In particular, what is she doing on the recommendations to do with raising awareness in Scotland's tourism industry—in VisitScotland and the Scottish tourist forum—of issues such as dual pricing, marketing and staff training, which the industry urgently needs before the coming summer?
The Executive welcomes the report of the European Committee. Sarah Boyack might be aware that we gave a response to that committee earlier this week. We accept the vast majority of the committee's recommendations; however, there are one or two that are related to the tourism industry that we do not accept.
Will the minister commission an independent assessment of the economic impact of euro membership on Scottish business? Does she agree that, if we go into the euro at anything like the current exchange rate, it would be a disaster for the Scottish economy?
An encouraging recent sign has been the strengthening of the euro, which is easing the position of Scottish manufacturing. There is a difference between our view and that of Alex Neil's party, or that of some members of his party—we are never quite sure. The Labour party is very clear on the conditions that should govern British membership of the euro. I remain unclear as to whether Mr Neil's party is in favour of membership.
Instead of being obsessed by matters that are currently peripheral, might be specious and might turn out to be completely irrelevant, would not the Executive be better employed in addressing the actual problems that confront us—a flagging Scottish economy, escalating job losses and the Executive's wilful neglect of our rural and more remote communities?
Dearie me—that really was a case of talking Scotland down. Only yesterday, the claimant count—in these difficult times—fell by 600 in Scotland and rose by 3,200 in the rest of the UK. As the Scottish Chambers of Commerce pointed out yesterday, the strengthening of conditions in the United States—sooner than was expected following September 11—has meant that manufacturing confidence is improving.
Free Personal Care (Attendance Allowance)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in its negotiations with Her Majesty's Government in respect of continuing the payment of attendance allowance to those people who should become eligible for free personal care in April 2002. (S1O-4423)
Following a series of representations and discussions between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government, we have reached the conclusion that it will be necessary to implement free personal and nursing care from 1 July from existing resources.
Whatever happened to the Malcolm Chisholm who said in the chamber on 27 September:
Order. The question was clear but we are getting a speech now. On you go.
Does he consider it a success to have handed over £23 million of Scottish taxpayers' money to a UK Government whose motivation appears to have been only to punish Scottish pensioners for the decisions of this Parliament?
Order. Let us have an answer
We made the strongest possible representations. We argued the case. The present First Minister had a meeting in London as recently as December and the previous First Minister was involved with the issue over a long period. However, we have decided that there is no advantage in pursuing the matter further. Our concern is to ensure that the policy is fully implemented as quickly as possible and that all the mechanics are in place to allow that to happen. We are interested in delivering this great advance for older people in Scotland—we are not interested in constitutional wrangles that have nothing to do with the delivery of free personal care.
The suggestion that attendance allowance should continue to be paid to the relevant pensioners was a recommendation of the care development group, which was chaired by the minister. Were there any initial discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions in relation to the payment of the £23 million prior to the publication of the report? What lessons can the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliament learn in relation to similar situations in the future?
The care development group met for six months and there was contact between the health department and the DWP in London. That was a recommendation of the group. The argument was never going to be easy to win, but we made it and advanced the cause. However, a time comes when the important thing is to move on and to ensure that the policy—part of the greatest-ever investment in older people's care services in Scotland—is implemented, rather than continuing the argument when there is no advantage in so doing. That is where our priority lies and that is the choice that we have made.
I welcome the minister's comments on priorities and choices. At every meeting with colleagues in Her Majesty's Government, will the minister stress the importance of the continuing integrity of the UK benefit system to pensioner households, working families, unemployed people and people with incapacity? Does the minister agree that the last thing that those people need is the extra cost and bureaucracy of a separate benefit system, as urged on them by the SNP?
It is a fact that the majority of people in Scotland support the view that was put forward by Brian Fitzpatrick. If I go on to enumerate the advantages and benefits since 1997, the Presiding Officer will rule me out of order.
Absolutely.
Before we leave the subject of the £23 million, could the minister make it clear when he was first told that we were not getting it?
I made it clear in my first answer that those discussions went on into the month of December, when the current First Minister went to London. I know that Alex Johnstone has referred to October in his recent interviews. I can assure him that that was not the end of the matter. A letter was written after October and the current First Minister had a meeting in London in December.
Scottish Football Association (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the Scottish Football Association and what issues will be discussed. (S1O-4431)
I will be meeting representatives of the SFA shortly to discuss the possible bid for Euro 2008.
The SFA has consistently shown complete disregard for a joint bid with the Football Association of Ireland for the Euro 2008 championships. Given the importance to Scottish football and tourism of a successful bid, and the fact that the criteria stipulates that there should be 30,000 seats in at least eight stadiums, will he do his utmost to ensure that there is a joint bid? Otherwise, he will have to commit £100 million of taxpayers' money to stadiums that will become white elephants the day after the championships are complete.
Mr Monteith's question betrays a lack of depth of knowledge of the issues and the discussions that have taken place between the Executive and the SFA, between the SFA and the FAI and between the officials of the Scottish Executive and their opposite numbers in Ireland. Neither a solo bid nor a joint bid for Euro 2008 has been ruled out—decisions have not been made. Many of the newspaper reports are speculative and not particularly well informed. It is remarkable that some of the people—including newspaper editors—who froth at the mouth at the prospect of public expenditure in respect of the new Parliament building, while ignoring its possible benefits for the future, are remarkably gung-ho and have a whatever-it-takes attitude to Euro 2008. The Executive will not adopt that approach. We will consider all the figures—costs and benefits—before making decisions and conveying them to the Scottish Football Association.
Does the minister agree that the overwhelming evidence of the DTZ Pieda Consulting report into the economic benefits of Euro 2008 suggests that the long-term impact on the Scottish economy could be phenomenal? Is not it time that Scotland put aside the narrow ambitions of people who never stood behind Scotland's cause? Is not this an opportunity to make a statement about our ambitions for our nation in the 21st century and to put aside the nonsense from people who would oppose what would be fantastic event for everyone in Scotland?
Mr Wilson is well known as an economist, among other things. [Laughter.] I did not say whether he was a good one or a bad one. I find it strange that he should refer to "phenomenal" benefits. The benefits in some senses are difficult to calculate because they are intangible. For example, who can say what the benefit might be in tourism terms after the tournament? We are talking about the best part of 10 years down the line. However, that is all being weighed in the balance. Certainly, the suggestion that somehow faintheartedness is at the root of the inability of the Executive to reach a decision is absolute nonsense. A decision has not been reached—we are looking at the figures in their fullest sense. The people of Scotland expect no less.
Before his welcome elevation, the minister showed the concern that many of us in the Parliament share about the parlous state of almost every football club's finances in Scotland. Will he also take up that issue when talking to the SFA to see whether there is any collective action—through the creation of co-operatives or any other way—that can help to rescue the football clubs from this bad state?
That is a rather tenuous connection. I know that the financial viability of football clubs is of concern to the SFA. It is also of personal concern to me. We expect that if Scotland went forward either on its own or with Ireland with a bid and we were successful, the benefits that would flow to football at all levels in Scotland would likely be considerable. That would be particularly so in relation to youth football involving boys and girls. What will really ensure the financial viability of Scottish football is good, quality players coming through in the years to come. We are putting many resources into ensuring that whatever happens with Euro 2008, that aspect of football will be well looked after.
Diabetic Clinics (Waiting Times)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to reduce waiting times for out-patient appointments at diabetic clinics. (S1O-4466)
The Scottish Executive is promoting and supporting a range of measures to improve services for people who have diabetes. We will soon publish the Scottish diabetes framework, which will draw together existing guidance, set new targets for diabetes services and deliver improved care to people who have diabetes.
Is the minister aware of the report "Too Many Too Late" that was published by Diabetes UK in June, which highlighted the fact that the number of diabetics is projected to double within the next 10 years and that currently 92 per cent of hospitals do not have the recommended number of diabetologists? Could the minister outline specifically how the Executive plans to assist in tackling that increasing problem?
The development of the framework has taken place in discussions with clinicians and people who suffer from diabetes, so I am aware of the growing incidence of diabetes and the need to up the service to deal with that. However, not all people who have diabetes need hospital care. We are aware that doctors, and general practitioners in particular, can offer a service that will provide those who suffer from diabetes with the treatment that they need, which would allow hospitals to provide services for those who are suffering most.
Does the minister agree that it will do nothing to improve in-patient or out-patient services for diabetics if Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust is able to proceed with its plan to dock one specialist diabetes nurse from the complement in Lothian?
As I said, the package that will be available to those suffering from diabetes cuts across a number of health professions, therefore it will be up to local health boards to take decisions on the precise number of professionals that they need in hospitals and in primary care situations.
Economic Regeneration
To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support economic regeneration in Scotland in 2002. (S1O-4463)
The Executive has set out its priorities in "A Smart, Successful Scotland". It focuses on three priorities to raise the long-term productivity of Scotland: growing businesses, global connections, and learning and skills.
I thank the minister for her response. The minister will be aware of the importance of the electronics industry in my constituency of Greenock and Inverclyde, and of the restructuring that is taking place within that industry, not to mention the impact that that restructuring is having on jobs throughout Scotland. For example, IBM is outsourcing desktop computer manufacture, which is presenting smaller contractors with many challenges and opportunities. What support and advice can the minister offer to help such companies that are based in Scotland to meet those challenges and opportunities?
The evolution of IBM is a clear indication of the future of electronics in Scotland. It is a company that has been here for many decades. As the member said, it started off overwhelmingly as an original equipment manufacturer. As of last week, it has outsourced all manufacturing, and is concentrating instead on systems integration and services. Therein lies the future of Scottish electronics.
The minister will be aware that, in Glasgow, even before 11 September, only 65.2 per cent of the city's male working-age population was in employment, according to her figures. Does the minister accept that 24,000 jobs will therefore have to be created just for resident Glaswegian males in order to reach average employment levels throughout Scotland?
Addressing that issue is the task of the employers coalition within the new deal. The new deal has been the primary instrument in returning people to work and it is funded by taxing the windfall profits of the privatised utilities. I note that Mr Gibson's party did not support that policy.
Is the minister aware that yesterday Levi Strauss (UK) announced that it proposes to close its operations in Scotland? That would lead to 462 job losses in Dundee and is in spite of the fact that the company has enjoyed a 30-year association with the city of Dundee and the support of a loyal and flexible work force, many of whom are women. Will the minister join the locally elected representatives, national and local trade union representatives, economic development agencies and the work force in trying to persuade the company to reverse its decision?
On the various points that the member has raised, and on a day when we saw claimant count unemployment fall again in Scotland, it was particularly sad to hear of the risk of job losses on such a scale in Dundee and Bellshill.
Disabled People (Independent Living)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist disabled people to live independently. (S1O-4446)
Throughout the range of the Scottish Executive's responsibilities, policies exist that are designed to assist people with a disability to live independently; those include consultation, adaptations to homes and managing direct payments. In addition, the Executive consults service users and disability groups throughout the country to ensure that the requirements of disabled people in living as independently as possible are identified.
I have been contacted several times by constituents who have had difficulty in accessing direct payments. What is the Scottish Executive doing to support and promote more ready access to direct payments for people with disabilities?
Research shows that direct payments can increase independence and aid social inclusion, and the Executive is committed to making them more widely available. The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Bill introduces several proposals that will help to improve the take-up of direct payments. The bill will place a duty on local authorities to give eligible people the choice of using direct payments to arrange and purchase their care services.
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