SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
National Health Service (Pay and Conditions)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the pay and conditions of NHS staff. (S1O-6160)
All NHS Scotland staff have received above-inflation increases in each of the past four years, with the highest awards targeted at the lowest paid. A new contract for doctors in training has been implemented and we are working with the British Medical Association to take forward the new consultant contract. Talks on a new pay system for all non-medical national health service staff throughout the United Kingdom have also been concluded and the Executive is fully involved in UK talks on a new general medical service contract for general practitioners.
Discussions have been taking place on improving the pay and conditions of the poorest-paid staff in the NHS. Does the minister believe that it will be possible for that improvement to be achieved earlier than the target date of October 2004? Does he agree that Labour's commitment to improving the pay of the poorest-paid staff in the NHS represents its commitment to improving the pay and the lives of many of the poorest-paid workers in the country?
We have a particular commitment to increasing the lowest levels of pay in the health service. While the agenda for change should, in general, start in 2004—although it will be subject to the agreement of the unions following a ballot—we are keen to start the new minimum wage before that. That, too, will require the support and approval of the unions, but if they agree to it—the next key meeting is in January—that crucial step can be taken without further delay.
Does the minister agree that Audit Scotland's finding that a third of hospital wards have too few nurses is the strongest evidence yet in support of an immediate and substantial pay increase for nurses? Such an increase would reward them for what they do and give Scotland a competitive edge in the recruitment market. Will he join me in supporting a minimum across-the-board rise of 11 per cent for all nurses in Scotland, not over two or three years, but in one year?
I am certainly committed to increasing the pay of nurses, which is exactly what has been proposed under the agenda for change. Recently, I heard one nursing leader praise the agenda for change and its emphasis on rewarding skills and new ways of working in particular. Substantial increases are on offer for nurses if they accept the agenda for change proposals, such as an increase of 6 per cent for a nurse who is starting out. If we compare the agenda for change proposals for a nurse at the end of his or her first year with what she or he gets now, the increase is of almost 9 per cent over and above the annual rate of inflation. It is up to individual nurses to decide whether they wish to accept that substantial offer. I believe that that is the best way forward, and I note that the majority of nurses, as represented by their unions, support a continuing UK agenda for pay. That is exactly what the agenda for change delivers.
Given the development of managed clinical networks in the NHS, will the staff employed in them be able to negotiate pay and conditions that are different and separate from those of existing NHS staff?
Staff in managed clinical networks will still be employed by a board or trust. They may now be appointed to a managed clinical network, which is a significant change, but their terms and conditions will be similar to those of other staff in the health service. I think that that is right and proper.
Industrial Fishing (North Sea)
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it would like to see taken to reduce industrial fishing in the North sea. (S1O-6161)
We consider lowering the total allowable catches for sand eel and Norway pout to be the most desirable and effective means of reducing those fisheries. We will continue to argue for such reductions at this week's agriculture and fisheries council.
Once again, we will have to check that against delivery. Is the minister aware that the Government's figures show that tens of thousands of tonnes of white fish are being caught each year as a bycatch of industrial fishing? Does he accept that any plan that maximises the cuts and closures for Scottish fishermen while minimising the cuts and closures for industrial fishing would be a betrayal of the Scottish fishing industry?
You must ask a question.
New Labour cares only—
Question.
New Labour cares only about the central belt, while it abandons—
Question.
It abandons the rural areas and leaves its Liberal lapdogs to do its dirty work in Europe.
I assure the member and the chamber that new Labour and the Executive have no intention of betraying the Scottish fishing industry.
Does the minister agree that cuts in industrial fishing should be the same as those that are offered to the Scottish white-fish industry—total closure or a cut in quota of at least 80 per cent? Does he also agree that it is ridiculous, given all the conservation measures that the Scottish fleet has taken, that people who pursue industrial fishing can do so with mesh sizes that are no bigger than those of fish-net stockings?
I will not get into fish nets, if members do not mind—I keep that for Saturday nights.
Wildlife (Smuggling)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to tackle the smuggling of wildlife through Scottish ports. (S1O-6145)
Controls on the smuggling of wildlife through Scottish ports are a reserved matter for HM Customs and Excise.
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, recommends better sharing of data, intelligence and best practice across the European Union by statutory and other bodies, including non-governmental organisations. Will the minister and his officers consider how Scotland can contribute positively to that effort?
Yes. The Scottish Executive will contribute to a review by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that will commence early next year on the control of trade in endangered species. That will set out powers, offences and penalties for breaches of the legislation that controls the trade in protected wildlife species within and without the UK. The review may consider extending sentences from two to five years, but it will also consider other proposals to introduce measures to protect endangered species against this abhorrent trade.
Question 4 has been withdrawn.
Bereavement Counselling (Children)
To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it currently makes available to support bereavement counselling services for children. (S1O-6128)
The Executive recognises the need for bereavement counselling for children who lose their parents. We provide grants to two voluntary bodies that offer bereavement counselling for families.
I am sure that the minister will agree that bereavement counselling services are required by children who have lost siblings as well as by children who have lost parents. Will she look sympathetically on requests from local voluntary organisations to develop and sustain such services in partnership with statutory health and local government providers?
The Executive's response to the Bristol inquiry was to consider the range of bereavement counselling services that are offered. I am more than happy to ensure that we consider the needs of children who lose siblings as well as the needs of children who lose parents.
Question 6 has been withdrawn.
School Education (National Priorities)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in delivering the national priorities in school education. (S1O-6156)
Local authorities' first reports on progress are due to be published by the end of January 2003.
Teachers and families throughout East Lothian are delighted with the public-private partnership package for investment in all six secondary schools in my constituency and seek big improvements in those schools.
As part of the national teaching agreement for the 21st century, we agreed to expand significantly the number of additional staff working in our schools. It is important to emphasise the success of the classroom assistant scheme, which has been monitored and reported on. As part of the agreement, we plan to deliver 3,500 staff to Scotland's schools, some of whom will be classroom assistants. On our targets and progress made, the scheme has been extremely successful. It proves that additional staff in our schools can help to relieve the burden of bureaucracy on our teachers, leaving them to get on with what they are best at—the teaching and development of young people in Scotland.
Sport (International Events)
To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to attract major international sporting events. (S1O-6154)
On 29 November, the First Minister announced the establishment of a new body called EventScotland, which will be used to take forward our strategy in attracting as many major events as possible to Scotland, whether cultural or sporting events, major conferences or exhibitions.
What lessons have been learned from our failed bid for Euro 2008 that might help us to launch a successful bid for future events, such as the Commonwealth games and the Union of European Football Associations cup final? In view of the fact that the behaviour and reputation of football fans might influence future decisions, will the minister support the call by Julie Morgan, the Labour MP for Cardiff North, for an inquiry to establish what exactly happened on the flight last week from Santiago, which landed in Cardiff rather than in Glasgow?
We learned a number of lessons about the planning to be undertaken in such a bidding process. We had a good bid team, which worked closely on behalf of what I have to say was a very strong bid. There are certainly lessons to be learned about the way in which we pitch bids and the extent to which we argue them. We will take forward those lessons for aspects of any future events strategy.
Will the minister join me in congratulating the organising committee in Stirling that has just obtained next year's world medical and health games, which will attract 2,500 delegates and £2.6 million to the Stirling area? Will he ask the major events team to talk to the organisers to ensure that appropriate sponsorship is achieved and that the games can come to Scotland?
It is important that we recognise our reputation for attracting events to Scotland. Just last week, Glasgow was named the European city of sport for 2003, which is a reflection of that reputation. As far as Stirling is concerned, I think that Richard Simpson's point refers to an event outwith the influence of EventScotland, which is not due to be established until the spring of next year. However, I am certainly happy to meet him to discuss aspects of the bid and to see whether we can be of assistance.
The minister might be aware of an international youth football tournament held in Northern Ireland called the Milk cup, which brings not only football teams but many parents and people who spend money to the area. Is he willing to consider not just attracting international events to Scotland, but how events might be set up for the benefit of youth football in Scotland in conjunction with EventScotland?
I am aware of the Milk cup, which is held in Coleraine every year and is successful in attracting teams from throughout the world. I would like a similar event in Scotland. Last week, in the aftermath of the Euro 2008 bid, the First Minister and I made it clear that we would ensure a legacy for youth sport—particularly youth football—in Scotland. A youth football review is being undertaken by the Scottish Football Association and will report next year. I want to ensure that we learn the lessons from that review first, but the Milk cup is the sort of event that I envisage emerging from the strategy that we develop for youth football in Scotland.
Does the minister agree that, in recognition of Glasgow's award as European city of sport, the Executive should now take an early decision on the siting of the planned new national indoor stadium for sport and football, which should be in Glasgow?
A number of considerations have to be taken into account, but I can say that we expect that a decision will be made fairly soon. Obviously, Glasgow's strengths are well known and have been accentuated by last week's award, but other factors must be considered. We will make an announcement as soon as we can.
Renewable Energy
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government on the need for national grid upgrading in the Highlands to increase capacity for renewable energy. (S1O-6129)
We are committed to working with the UK Government, the regulator and the industry itself to ensure that the grid is developed and operated efficiently so as to ensure that our renewables potential can be fully realised.
The minister will be aware that we are competing with many other countries to gain a crucial lead in the development of wave and tidal energy. Failure to upgrade the grid as a matter of urgency could prevent Scotland from taking the lead in developing the required manufacturing support base, which has been estimated as being worth up to 800 jobs in the Highlands and Islands alone. Will he press the UK Government to ensure that our position as a leader in wave and tidal energy technology is not lost due to inaction on grid renewal?
I am aware of the member's points. I shall make representations; indeed, I met the UK energy minister only last week to discuss those very matters. We are represented on the Great Britain transmission issues working group, which was established by the Department of Trade and Industry to examine, among other issues, the interrelationship between potential renewables production and the geographic distribution of generating supply capacity. The working group is due to report shortly and I fully expect that it will have good news for Scotland.
What submissions has the Executive made to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets on the proposals for British electricity trading and transmission arrangements? Is the minister aware that the proposals will have a material impact on the potential upgrade and on the opportunities for Scotland to meet its full potential? Does he share the view that, if the entire UK is to gain from Scotland's massive renewables potential, all the UK's electricity consumers should share the cost of meeting that potential?
I am aware of those proposals and we met Ofgem comparatively recently. The issues may have come across Bruce Crawford's desk, but the UK energy minister has had on-going discussions on them with Ofgem over a long period. In that context, I am pleased to be able to announce to the Parliament that Ofgem has accepted our argument that we require a fair charging and investment regime across the UK.
Can the minister inform the Parliament about the development of the west-coast subsea interconnector? Does he accept that his renewable energy targets for wind power cannot be met unless grid capacity is significantly increased in the west of Scotland to harvest renewable energy?
As he is a Tory—I think that John Scott is still a Tory—I am sure that the member will agree that investment in the grid is a matter for the grid owners, who are Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power. It is proper that that should be the case. Those matters have been the focus of the discussions with Ofgem that I mentioned. The subsea interconnector will be the subject of the report to which I referred earlier, which will look at the geographic relationship between production and transmission throughout the grid.
Air Traffic Control
To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic implications will be of the decision to create a single sky European air traffic control system. (S1O-6127)
The Scottish Executive supports the United Kingdom Government's commitment to the single sky proposals. The potential for reduced delays and airport congestion should lead to a positive economic impact.
The minister is aware of the intention to build a new air traffic control centre at Prestwick. Surely that is very important to the well-being of Scotland's economy and air passenger traffic. What implications might there be for the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick? I remind the minister that construction at Prestwick has been frozen for well over a year.
There are certainly no negative implications for the proposed centre at Prestwick. The growth and development of air services imply that there will be a need for more air traffic control staff than at present. Of course, it is well known that there has been a delay in the construction of the new Scottish centre at Prestwick and that has followed on from the downturn in air traffic after 11 September 2001. The position is kept under review.
Sectarianism
To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has on the effect of Roman Catholic schools on sectarian behaviour by adults. (S1O-6130)
We are not aware of any evidence of a causal link between Roman Catholic schools and sectarian behaviour by adults.
May I then suggest to the minister that, in those circumstances, she should tell the First Minister, who is sitting next to her, that he would be wise not to seek a cheap headline in the Sunday newspapers by suggesting such a link? He would also be wise to ensure that the debate on the future of education in Scotland is not conducted in those terms.
Of course, Mr Russell has never sought a headline.
The Executive set up an all-party working group to examine aspects of sectarian behaviour and the group produced a lot of very sensible recommendations. Will the minister and her colleagues consider pushing ahead with those recommendations that have wide support while they wait for the results of consultation on further steps, and not halting the sensible measures that they could take quickly?
The short answer is that we will. I will, of course, work with my colleagues in education and with young people. We are keen to ensure that we promote an education system that promotes fairness and tolerance of the variety of cultures in Scotland. We will continue to do that.
Does the minister accept that her repeated words on denominational schools—Catholic, Jewish and Episcopalian—will receive a warm welcome, as did the comments that the First Minister made earlier in the year? Such schools make a valuable contribution to a diverse education system and, we hope, to a diverse and tolerant Scotland. Will the minister consider the many examples of good working between denominational and non-denominational schools such as Turnbull High School, Thomas Muir High School and Bishopbriggs High School and their feeder primaries? Will she consider how such instances of good practice might be supported and promoted throughout the country?
I am always keen to hear about examples of good practice and I am aware that much good practice in Scottish schools is unrecognised. I would be delighted to hear more about the examples that Brian Fitzpatrick has mentioned.
The minister is aware that there is some concern in the Roman Catholic community about shared campuses. Will she assure us that there will be no move to introduce shared campuses unless they have the full support of the parents of children at both schools involved?
The member is aware that that is primarily a matter for the local authorities. I am aware that, in some instances, consultation is currently taking place. In my first-hand experience of some of the benefits of shared campuses, I am sure that some of the fears of parents can be overcome. I have offered to meet the Catholic Education Commission in the new year to discuss some of those issues.
Fisheries Council
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the latest European Union fisheries council meeting. (S1O-6148)
A report on the November agriculture and fisheries council was set out in the answer to question S1W-32268. The December agriculture and fisheries council is currently in session and we will provide a report on that in due course.
I am sure that the minister will join the Liberal members in giving full backing to Ross Finnie for his sterling efforts in Brussels on behalf of our fishermen. Does the minister agree that it is essential that the council reaches an agreement that secures a realistic quota and fishing opportunities for our white-fish fleet and a regular and stable supply of white fish for fish merchants and fish processors, including the 70 fish vans that operate out of the east neuk of Fife? Does he agree that it is important that the traditional nephrops fishermen are protected from the threat of white-fish boats being displaced into the nephrops fishery?
I am sure that members will join me in wishing Ross Finnie all the best in the negotiations. The reality is that, unless stocks are protected, they might collapse and, as a consequence, the industry and communities that are dependent on the fishing effort would be severely handicapped. Failure to agree, or arguing for delay, might result in the Commission taking emergency measures, which we all wish to avoid. Mr Finnie and his officials are at the fisheries council and are seeking to agree alternative, more balanced approaches, which, as we all know, will be extremely difficult to achieve.
Does the minister agree that the Commission proposals to restrict days at sea would offer not a deal but a death warrant to Scotland's proud and viable fishing industry? Is the minister aware that the French minister who is involved in the negotiations has assured his fishermen that, if necessary, President Chirac will intervene for the fishermen as he did for French farmers? Will the Prime Minister of this allegedly United Kingdom do a Chirac or do a runner?
As the First Minister said last week, the Prime Minister is on record as supporting the efforts of the Scottish Executive and the United Kingdom minister to protect the Scottish fishing industry.
Does the minister believe that the announcement of the news will be a wake or just an autopsy for the Scottish fishing industry? Will he ask Herr Fischler who will benefit from the destruction of Scottish fishing jobs?
It is not in the interests of the fishermen or of the Executive to speculate on the outcome of the negotiations when they are on-going. I will not be drawn on such hypothetical questions.
Civil Service Jobs (Dispersal)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the dispersal of civil service jobs and whether its timetable for such dispersal is being met. (S1O-6150)
We have made good progress on job relocation and dispersal. Around 650 jobs have been located outwith Edinburgh as a direct result of the policy. In addition, around 3,600 further posts are covered by current or planned reviews. Decisions on the outstanding reviews are expected before the end of the financial year.
The minister will be aware that my constituency lost out narrowly to Galashiels over the Scottish Public Pensions Agency jobs. Will he give an assurance that areas that have above-average levels of unemployment, such as my constituency, will be a priority in the Executive's future programme?
I am aware of that case and of the member's interest in the matter—she has raised a number of questions on it in the chamber and in writing.
Carers (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase support for carers. (S1O-6137)
Between the introduction of our carers strategy in 1999 and the end of the current spending review in 2006, we will have provided an additional £75 million to local authorities to support carers. We are also implementing a range of other health and social care policies that benefit carers.
I welcome the minister's response. We all welcome the carers strategy. We are all aware that the value of the care that carers give has been estimated at about £5 billion a year, so there is a long way to go. Recently, the Scottish household survey and the Scottish community care statistics showed a rise of about 7 per cent in the number of carers. Does the Executive plan to revisit the level of support services and respite provision for carers, particularly given the increased figure?
The member raises a critical developing issue for the carers strategy throughout Scotland. We would be happy to enter dialogue to address those concerns. As I said, the spending review continues the welcome development of the carers strategy, which we announced a couple of years back. Since then, we have introduced free personal care for the elderly, which combines with the developing joint future agenda.
Question 15 has been withdrawn.
Intermediate Technology Institutes
To ask the Scottish Executive what role the new intermediate technology institutes will have in encouraging new businesses and high-quality jobs. (S1O-6140)
Intermediate technology institutes will operate in key market areas—energy, life sciences and communication technology and digital media—in which Scotland has potential competitive advantage. The institutes will support an increase in business research and development, develop Scotland as a world-renowned centre of expertise and substantially increase the number of high-growth technology companies in Scotland.
All in Aberdeen and the north-east are delighted that the new energy institute will be located in Aberdeen and will benefit from being close to the oil and gas industry there. The institute will also be able to build on the emerging work on renewables. Will the minister assure me that small and medium-sized companies will have equity of access with big companies to research from the new institute?
The purpose of the ITIs is to commission at the pre-competitive stage research that would not otherwise be undertaken. The ITIs will own the intellectual property that is generated and will aim to commercialise that. Depending on the innovation, I guess that some of that research will be best commercialised in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector and some will be best in the bigger sector. It is expected that small spin-out businesses will be created. I look forward to that happening in Aberdeen.
I welcome the institutes' establishment, but I ask the minister to examine the competitor institutes in other countries, such as Singapore and Sweden, and the budgets that are allocated to them, which are more substantial than the budgets for the Scottish institutes. I realise that it is early days, but will the minister monitor the situation and benchmark the institutes' performance and budgets against their competitor institutes in other countries?
When the ITIs were developed, institutes in places such as Sweden, Singapore, Taiwan and Canada were examined. The ITIs are based on a model that has proven successful elsewhere. The budget for the three ITIs is £450 million over 10 years. It is always nice to do more and for budgets to be bigger, but the key point to recognise is that that is a massive catalytic intervention to transform Scotland's economy. We will continue to benchmark that and watch how it performs over the years.
Will university research funding be impaired by the money for the institutes, or will university departments have a method for linking directly into the ITIs?
The facts are completely the reverse. The funding under discussion is a further source of funding for research within the university sector. The ITIs will commission research in the university sector that would not take place otherwise. That research will be over and above our expectation for our universities to continue to punch well above their weight in attracting the competitive research funds that are available on a UK basis.
Question 17 is in the name of Mr George Lyon. As Mr Lyon is not present, I will pass to question 18.
Audiology Services (Funding)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allocate sufficient ring-fenced funding to modernise audiology services. (S1O-6132)
We received the final report of the review of audiology services last month. The report is currently under consideration. When the review is complete, the Executive will have a clearer view of whether additional resources will be needed to deliver the service further.
Is the minister aware that not all the money that the Executive allocated previously for audiology services has been put to that use by all trusts? Will she consider ring fencing the money in the future so that members can be assured, when we tell our constituents that the Executive is prioritising audiology services for people who desperately need them, that the money will be allocated to those services by each health board across Scotland?
In April of this year, I announced an additional £750,000 specifically for audiology services. I would be very interested to hear from Sarah Boyack if she has evidence that that money has not been spent in that way. We are aware of difficulties in audiology services and I want to pursue any concerns that she may have.
Is the minister aware that in Grampian the share of the audiology money has been allocated for training purposes? When will those of my constituents who need digital hearing aids benefit from such aids being issued under the national health service in Scotland?
Mr Rumbles asked two questions. We did not say how the money that was allocated last April should be spent within audiology services. I suggest that training is a legitimate way of spending the money. I know that members are receiving postcards on the issue and I want to assure everyone in the chamber that digital hearing aids are made available to all those for whom digital aids are the most applicable hearing aid. Not everybody benefits from digital hearing aids and we need to continue to respond to the needs of the individual.
Does the minister recognise that the differing practices in health board areas throughout Scotland have created a problem in audiology services? Will she commission an audit of all health boards to examine how they are spending the money that the Executive has made available? It is clear that the money has not been spent as intended.
I am very aware of the interest that Cathie Craigie takes in the subject. She is the convener of the cross-party group on deafness and she has a great deal of information on the subject. The review that we are considering will give us examples of where there may be gaps in the service at the moment. We will seek to address those gaps.
Cathie Craigie's suggestion is the most sensible route to follow. I ask the minister to remember that she recognises that not everyone needs the best-quality digital hearing aid. Some people need only traditional hearing aids, but I know of instances in which people cannot be supplied with either type of hearing aid. Will the minister take up that point?
My concern has always been that the debate has concentrated on digital hearing aids. Margo MacDonald said, rightly, that not everybody needs that type of equipment. I am very concerned that we provide the staff to ensure that people are assessed properly and are supported in using their hearing aids. We also need to have the equipment and facilities to assess people properly. All those issues will be included in the review that we are considering at the moment.
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