SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Environment and Rural Development
Energy Crops Scheme
To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been received for support under the new energy crops scheme. (S2O-8126)
Under the common agricultural policy energy crops scheme, 147 applications were received for 2005.
The increase in support in Scotland for energy crops has been widely welcomed, not least by Tullis Russell Papermakers Ltd and Scottish Biofuel Ltd because it will help to guarantee supplies for their biofuel power plant.
I thank Christine May for the question and, indeed, for her interest in the matter over some time. Energy crops are an extremely important tool in the development of our agricultural policy; indeed, non-food crops must play an increasing role in the policy. That is, of course, why the energy crops scheme was promoted as part of common agricultural policy reform and why we now have non-food set-aside. It is also why the Forestry Commission is providing grants for short-rotation coppice activity.
The minister will be aware of the project that has recently reported on the viability of biodiesel grown in the east of Scotland. Will he agree to help to facilitate a project team to help take forward the initiative?
I am certainly happy to discuss the detail of that matter with Mr Arbuckle. Of course, no matter whether the energy crop is rape seed or whatever, the difficult issue is where we process the crop. As the member will be aware, there are minimum levels at which such plants are economically viable. We have two jobs to do. First, I am happy to engage with the people who are involved in biodiesel and, secondly, we need to increase the level of production in Scotland. At the moment, we are falling a little short of being able to support a viably economic biodiesel plant.
Climate Change
To ask the Scottish Executive when the revised Scottish climate change programme will be completed. (S2O-8081)
The review of the climate change programme is at an advanced stage. Critical to that, however, is the commitment that we have given to Parliament that we will include targets and measurements of carbon reduction. We await the delivery of crucial data from the United Kingdom Government. Its late arrival has caused some delay, so we now expect to publish our revised programme early in 2006.
Will the minister ensure that the final programme will be ambitious for the public sector in particular? The sector could take a lead not only in implementing national and local policies, but in energy efficiency and conservation. The programme should inspire future generations. The minister may not be aware of this, but Kirkhope Primary School in my constituency is the first school in the Borders to achieve green flag status. The pupils and staff who are watching the proceedings of Parliament this afternoon on the internet should be commended. They can also be inspired by the climate change programme, once it is completed.
Obviously, I am delighted that Kirkhope Primary School has achieved green flag status. Our eco-schools project has been taken up with great enthusiasm by schools across Scotland; increasingly, secondary schools are also becoming involved in that enormously successful project. That demonstrates that the young people of Scotland are grasping the imperative of putting the environment right up the programme.
The minister will have heard Mr Ruskell and me on a number of occasions make the important point that we should ensure that the climate change programme includes plans for the public sector to devise heating systems so that major public sector projects, like the new Breadalbane Academy in my constituency, can be powered by wood fuel. Will the climate change programme be sufficiently flexible and comprehensive to ensure that such public sector projects get the go-ahead? Are ministers talking to each other to ensure that the rules are tweaked for that to happen?
The call is to tweak the rules. I am grateful to John Swinney for raising the issue again. The use of biomass heat projects is crucial, particularly given the accessible resource that we have throughout Scotland, and particularly in his constituency. Mark Ruskell has also raised the issue. I have taken up with ministers my concern that projects in which lifetime costs are considered ought to take account of more efficient and effective means of providing heat. I share that view with John Swinney, and I am in discussions about it. The policy framework will underline and reinforce John Swinney's point.
I welcome the minister's support for targets and measurements, but is he aware of the severe criticism from WWF and Greenpeace of the record of Tony Blair's Government on tackling climate change, and in particular is he aware of the fears of those organisations that the UK Government might not meet the national overall targets for reducing greenhouse gases? Does the minister agree that that makes it even more urgent that Scotland set its own national overall target for greenhouse gas reduction, as recommended by the Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee and Scotland's leading environmental organisations, rather than simply use narrow sectoral targets and measurements?
On the first point, I am sure that Mark Ballard is perfectly capable of addressing the Prime Minister in another place on whether he will meet particular targets. I am absolutely committed to producing a climate change programme that sets clear targets for Scotland. Mark Ballard used the phrase "narrow sectoral targets", but given that the methodologies that have been adopted in different sectors make it difficult to obtain a good database, it will be hugely important to Scotland to set targets across the sectors that make the largest and most significant contributions to CO2 emissions, and that we are clear about what Scotland's contribution is. That is how the climate change programme will be demonstrated to be more credible than its predecessor.
Air Pollution (Towns and Villages)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address air and noise pollution in small towns and villages. (S2O-8096)
All local authorities are required by the Environment Act 1995 to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas, and to take follow-up action where the air is found not to meet the health-based objectives of the national air quality strategy. The Executive will soon implement the European Community environmental noise directive 2002, which in the first place will require mapping of all major agglomerations, roads, railways, airports and industry by July 2007.
The minister will agree that for people who live where there is air and noise pollution, things have got worse over the past 25 years since the loss of railway lines and the deregulation of buses. They would agree that the quick way to sort things out is to have extra trains and buses going to and from cities, and extra parking at stations. Does the Scottish Executive have any plans for the near future to take heavy freight off narrow roads and instead to put it on to railways?
I am not as pessimistic as Dr Turner. The long-term trends for pollutants are clearly downwards. Emissions are falling as a result of tighter industrial regulation and increasingly stringent emissions and fuel standards. However, we have a long way to go and we want to continue to improve, which is why we have set such stringent quality objectives. The Executive is investing more than ever in major transport projects, such as new rail lines, airport links and improvements to bus services. We now spend more than two thirds of our transport budget on buses, trains, ferries, cycling, walking and other forms of public transport. Of course we need to continue to work to get freight off our roads and on to trains or water. The Executive is continuing to consider the matter.
Pollution in small villages can be particularly bad when they are situated on trunk roads, as I can testify from living in Crocketford, where we are frequently woken by convoys of lorries at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. Does the minister agree that road bypasses around such villages often contribute to a reduction in air and noise pollution? Does she disagree with members who would rule out building bypasses at any price?
I understand that some smaller towns and villages are hot spots for problems with air quality; the village of Dalkeith in my constituency is such a hot spot. In some cases, bypasses can reduce pollution significantly and improve air quality, which should be considered when decisions are taken about whether to agree to build bypasses.
Public Open Spaces
To ask the Scottish Executive what input its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has in respect of the selling of public open spaces by local authorities. (S2O-8095)
The department has no input. Disposal of local authority assets is a matter for the local authority. The Environment and Rural Affairs Department supports a range of actions to promote public open spaces, such as the greenspace for communities initiative, which is sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage, and the woods in and around towns initiative, which is led by the Forestry Commission Scotland.
I remind the deputy minister that the partnership agreement states:
A review of national planning policy guideline 11 is under way. Carolyn Leckie will be interested to hear that the review group, which met in October, comprises interests from planning, health, environment and rural development, local authorities, Communities Scotland, sportscotland, Greenspace Scotland and business. We hope to publish a consultation draft of the revised planning policy on open space next year.
Firth of Forth (Oil Transfers)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding proposed ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth. (S2O-8122)
The Scottish Executive continues to maintain regular contact with the UK Government on the matter.
Following the recent ruling on the habitats directive and given the need for further consultation, will the minister have discussions with the UK Government to ensure that any future consultation is inclusive and meaningful and will take on board the concerns of my local communities—indeed, of communities around the Firth of Forth? Can she assure us that issues such as the environment and the suitability and acceptability of location, as well as safety, will be taken on board and that the decision will be based on such considerations and not on financial profit?
I am very much aware of the member's concern and of the concerns of other members on this issue. I am also aware of the European Court of Justice's ruling on the UK's transposition of the habitats directive. The Scottish Executive, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Transport are considering the implications of the ECJ ruling. My officials are in touch with officials at DEFRA, and I spoke to Stephen Ladyman yesterday on the phone.
As the minister has said, a great many members—and, indeed, local authorities around the Forth estuary—have raised a range of concerns relating to the matter over many months. The issue was first raised with me and, in turn, with the minister in July. Is the minister therefore planning proactively to provide update material to the range of MSPs and local authorities that have asked questions repeatedly on the issue, in order to keep us fully informed of the developments that she has told us about today. Is it her intention to convene a meeting to bring us all together for discussion of this important issue that concerns us all?
Yes—I will be more than happy to convene a meeting. However, I reiterate that I await advice from SNH following submission to it of more material on environmental implications. When I have that information, I will be more than happy to convene a meeting.
Flood Prevention
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that reservoir storage and upland flood plain developments should form part of local authority flood prevention strategies. (S2O-8082)
The Executive encourages local authorities to consider a broad range of options for flood alleviation, including reservoir storage and natural flood attenuation. Such measures will form part of our approach to sustainable flood management, on which we will consult widely in the new year.
I thank the minister for taking the time to come to Hawick, in my constituency, to see the recent flood damage. The headwaters of the Teviot, which comes through Hawick, and the Liddel, which goes through Newcastleton, where there was also a flood, would merit upland storage and flood plain developments. Does the minister agree that some of the £89 million that is available from the Executive could be used if the local authority submits a plan that includes those measures? Does she also agree that it may be possible to use some of that £89 million to relocate businesses from low-lying areas when there is no realistic alternative but to do so?
I again extend my sympathies to the people who were affected by the flooding in Hawick. I was particularly affected by meeting some of the householders in Hawick when I visited. There are opportunities for reservoir storage and natural flood attenuation, and I hope that such measures will be in Scottish Borders Council's plan to deal with flooding issues.
Health and Community Care
We move to questions on health and community care. Question 1 is from Mr Frank McAveety.
NHS Boards (Responsibilities)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future responsibilities of existing national health service boards. (S2O-8076)
I expect NHS boards to continue to deliver improvements in the quality and accessibility of health care to everyone in their areas. We expect services to be delivered as locally as possible when that can be done safely and sustainably, but it is vital that patients have prompt access to specialised services when necessary. NHS boards are the key agents in delivering improvements through working with their patients and partners.
Is the minister aware of the string of insider allegations concerning the management of the Western Isles NHS Board? The West Highland Free Press in particular reports deficiencies in service delivery, qualified accounts and alleged bullying of staff. Those allegations have been renewed since the minister's review of the NHS board in Stornoway last September. What steps does the minister intend to take, in the light of the evidence from the Institute of Healthcare Management, to resolve matters between the senior management and significant employees of the Western Isles NHS Board? Given the concern and conjecture, can the minister assure the people of the Western Isles that island-based control and management of health delivery remains secure?
I assure the patients and the communities that the member is talking about that I will deal swiftly with any such matters if there is a case to answer. During my review visit to Western Isles NHS Board, I made it absolutely clear in straightforward and robust terms that such nonsense had better stop and that the board should focus on patients' needs. To date, I have received no formal correspondence on the matters that Rob Gibson raises, but I will continue to review the matter closely. I made it clear during my visit what I expect to happen—that is what I expect to hear from the board.
Poverty (Biological Consequences)
To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the view of the chief medical officer that poverty has biological consequences. (S2O-8144)
The link between poverty and ill health is well known. As I reported to Parliament last month, I intend to strengthen primary care services in deprived areas and to focus on early identification and treatment of ill health. In that way, we will tackle the biological effects of poverty more vigorously and at an early stage. The Executive also supports the Glasgow centre for population health, which has developed a research programme to throw more light on the biological consequences of poor socioeconomic status.
I thank the minister and commend the Executive for supporting the work of the Glasgow centre for population health.
Absolutely, and I reassure Patrick Harvie that our chief medical officer, Harry Burns, is one of the most eminent persons with regard to that matter. He is working closely with me on those issues; indeed, his former employment was in Glasgow. I share the member's view of how those matters are dealt with publicly.
Will the minister's health initiatives also tackle the deprived rural areas in the north-east and the deprived parts of prosperous urban areas such as Aberdeen city?
One of the greatest innovations of the Government in Scotland is provision of small-area statistics, which allow us to pinpoint more accurately where our challenges lie. Such figures allow us to tackle the issues such as those which Nanette Milne raises. We now have a better map of where Government interventions are required in Scotland, including the areas to which the member referred. I recognise the cross-party support that exists for "Delivering for Health", but if we can get that right, we will be able to ensure that anticipatory care and preventive action reach the communities about which Mrs Milne expressed concerns. That is exactly what the health strategy is about.
Childhood Leukaemia
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts that there is a link between childhood leukaemia and proximity to nuclear power stations and, if so, what action it is taking to address this. (S2O-8143)
We take expert advice on these issues from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment. The committee's 10th report, which was published in June, found no excesses of childhood cancer around 13 nuclear power stations across Great Britain.
Would the minister generally agree with the information commissioner that local statistics ought to be available to the public?
That is a curious question in the context of Mr Ballance's earlier question. If I understand him correctly, he is asking about access to information on leukaemia clusters. I recommend that he read the reports that have been made available. I can confirm that COMARE is currently looking at the wider picture of leukaemia clusters and cancer distribution in order to establish whether there is a wider pattern.
Does the minister agree that the most recent COMARE report is one of a number of such reports that have been made continually over the past 20 years? Does he further accept that, although local information was available 20 years ago on the incidence of childhood leukaemia around power stations, examination of the statistics revealed that the very low numbers involved meant that the statistics could be disproportionately affected by very small movements in population?
I have no reason to doubt the substance of what Mr Gallie has said about the position a number of years ago, although I cannot vouch for it directly. However, I can confirm that such clusters as have been found are not located primarily around nuclear power stations. Clusters have been found around one or two nuclear establishments such as Dounreay, which is a civic nuclear research site that is in the process of being decommissioned, but the number of people who are affected in those clusters is very low. It is by no means clear that a common link explains the causation of leukaemia in those locations. Part of the reason why COMARE is looking at the wider picture is to establish whether there is a pattern.
Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has in relation to the implementation of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002. (S2O-8073)
The act contains a range of provisions that are at various stages of implementation. We will continue to monitor them to ensure that they are achieving what was expected when the act was passed.
The act was the flagship piece of legislation in the first session of the Scottish Parliament. I remind the minister that schedule 1 to the act states that
I saw comments on the matter attributed to Mary Scanlon in a newspaper the other day. My written answer to her question is accurate. It is not for ministers to interpret the law, nor should it be. It is for the courts to interpret the law. I do not think that Mary Scanlon should take issue with anything in my answer, because it clearly reflects the proper protection that is afforded by the division of powers between the executive and the judiciary.
What systems have been put in place to monitor the unmet need that occurs when local authorities assess people and determine that those people need free personal care but say that they are unable to provide that service due to resource constraints?
Again, we are exploring that with the local authorities. We have had indications that, in one or two cases, the kind of thing to which Shona Robison refers is indeed taking place. We want to ensure that no one who is entitled to free personal care is charged for a service that the law says ought to be provided free. The monitoring that we are undertaking involves both direct discussions with local authorities, as providers, and substantial research to establish what the position is.
Children's Health Services (Edinburgh)
To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the development of children's health services in Edinburgh. (S2O-8109)
Lothian NHS Board is developing its child health strategy, which we will consider when the board has completed a formal public consultation in 2006.
Is the minister aware of the recent media speculation on the outcomes of the reviews of children's cancer services in Scotland and the future of the Royal hospital for sick children in Edinburgh? Will he reassure me and the Parliament that excellence in the provision of children's cancer services in Edinburgh and the Lothians will continue to be paramount? Will he also reassure us that his top priority is to ensure that children with cancer receive the best possible treatment and care?
I give the member that absolute assurance. I have corresponded on the point with elected members for the Lothians and I have written directly to the newspaper concerned. There are no proposals to close the cancer unit in Edinburgh. We hope that the greater services for communities that the member seeks will come about as a result of our proposals for a managed clinical network. Children's cancer is an extremely difficult area involving people who are specialised at what they do. The Executive simply wants people to have access to the best possible care as close to them as we can deliver it.
Air Pollution (Deaths)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the national health service has to reduce the number of deaths attributable to air pollution. (S2O-8142)
On 20 October, Rhona Brankin and I announced the Scottish Executive's commitment to develop a strategic framework for environment and health. That will cover a number of environmental areas that can impact on health, including air pollution. The framework will be a cross-cutting initiative and the national health service will be a key stakeholder in its implementation.
Does the minister recognise that, in that consultation, and in the views that have been expressed by the National Society for Clean Air, there is a strong emphasis on integrating air quality with all other actions and programmes? Given that public health is a priority for the Executive and that, in Scotland, around 2,000 deaths a year are estimated to be attributable to traffic pollution compared to around 900 that are attributable to tobacco smoke, will the Minister for Health and Community Care take a lead on the issue of improving air quality, as the Executive did on the issue of smoking, by ensuring that local authorities live up to their responsibility for improving air quality, for health as well as environmental reasons?
The purpose of the strategic framework that Rhona Brankin and I announced was to allow us to do that. We want to make early progress on that. In the first instance, we are focusing on asthma and cardiovascular disease, on both of which air pollution, among other things, has an impact. Therefore, we will want to identify what needs to be done and take action in order to deliver the necessary improvements.
Free Personal Care (Implementation)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the implementation of free personal care for the elderly by local authorities. (S2O-8097)
Local authorities are implementing a free personal care policy that delivers real benefits to frail elderly people across Scotland. We are currently examining the implementation of the policy in a detailed way. If we conclude that there are specific deficiencies in the implementation of the policy, we will work with our partners to put those right.
I welcome the minister's willingness to examine difficulties in the implementation of the policy. To follow the issues that were raised by Mary Scanlon earlier, can he confirm that the Scottish Executive has admitted causing confusion as a result of errors in its circular CCD4/2002, which persuaded some local authorities that they would be able to charge for the preparation of meals as part of free personal care for the elderly? If the minister confirms that to be the case, what does he think that it says about some local authorities that they were still charging for the preparation of those meals 12 months after the Executive corrected its first mistake?
I can confirm that erroneous guidance was issued and that that fact was drawn to the attention of councils in September last year, with the clear advice that they should correct any error in their implementation that might have followed from that.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (Ward Changes)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any investigations have been carried out into the impact on patient care and, specifically, cancer waiting time targets of the proposed ward changes, such as a loss of beds from general surgery, at Aberdeen royal infirmary. (S2O-8077)
The proposed changes are part of work by NHS Grampian to redistribute beds between surgery and medicine to match bed usage. The board's view is that the changes will deliver an improved service for patients and will have no adverse effect on waiting times for cancer treatments or anything else.
Still just within the bell, I call Mike Pringle to ask question 10.
Do I not get to ask a supplementary?
Yes. I am sorry, Mr Lochhead.
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
Of course one always listens to clinicians' views, but one also looks to the health board to fulfil its responsibility to manage such matters properly. The occupancy rate for beds in medical wards is about 100 per cent, compared with about 70 per cent for beds in surgical wards. The board's view is that its duty is to find the best balance that ensures that surgery continues to be delivered and that the beds that are available for medical uses are put to those uses.
Mike Pringle has graciously waived the opportunity that I offered him a few minutes ago, so we can move on to the next item of business. I will allow a slight pause for members who wish to leave the chamber to do so.
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