SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
Rail Links (Mainland Europe)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Department for Transport concerning direct rail links between Scotland and mainland Europe. (S2O-5029)
The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including rail matters.
I thank the minister for that helpful answer. He will be aware that in 1989 the British Railways Board promised that Scotland would get direct rail services to Europe. Eurostar has said that it will not fulfil that promise. Does he agree that that is unacceptable and that direct rail links between Scotland and Europe are a necessary part of our future transport strategy?
I would certainly like to see improvements in the rail service not only within Scotland but in services to other parts of the UK and Europe. The responsibility for the east coast main line, the cross-country franchise and direct services to Europe lies with the UK Department for Transport. Despite the fact that significant increased powers over rail are now coming to Scotland, which I think everyone in the Parliament welcomes, the responsibility for external services will remain with the UK Government.
Am I correct in saying that not only are there no Eurostar services going from Scotland, but now we cannot even buy tickets for Eurostar services from London at Edinburgh station, which had been the only station where we could buy them, because Great North Eastern Railway has ceased to sell them? Does the minister think that, pending the introduction of direct services from Scotland, it might be a good idea if people could at least buy the tickets at Scottish stations?
Again, I agree that we should have as full as possible access to services from Scotland and that part of ease of access to services is the availability of tickets. I am told that Eurostar is changing its retail system and is working with the UK train operating companies to ensure that Eurostar tickets are available for sale at as many UK rail stations as possible. Other outlets include registered travel agents and Eurostar's telephone contact centre and online services. I will take up the issue that the member has identified. I would like as many stations as possible in Scotland to offer Eurostar tickets.
Congestion Charging (Edinburgh)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the proposed arrangements for public consultation about plans for congestion charging for Edinburgh. (S2O-5022)
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 and associated regulations provide a statutory framework for consultation that a charging authority must follow. As the act also provides that a charging scheme will not come into force until the order providing for the scheme has been submitted to and confirmed by Scottish ministers, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage on the detail of the City of Edinburgh Council's proposals.
Notwithstanding the powerful case for an appropriate package of incentives to use buses and trains, together with penalties for unnecessary car journeys, does the minister share the disappointment of MSPs for constituencies around Edinburgh that the package is seriously flawed? On the council's referendum, will he bear in mind the sound principle of no taxation without representation and will he confirm that the Parliament will have the final say on any congestion charging scheme in Scotland?
John Home Robertson will be aware that there is on-going court action involving the local authorities around Edinburgh. That is properly a matter between the local authorities and the court and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it at this stage. If the Scottish Executive gets a firm proposal from the City of Edinburgh Council, it will fall to me to reach a decision on the matter, so, again, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific details of the scheme. However, I have made it clear on a number of occasions that, if the charging scheme is fair and appropriate and there is clear evidence of local support for it, the Executive will support it, as did the Parliament when it agreed to put the legislation into effect.
Productivity and Efficiency
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve productivity and efficiency in both the private and public sectors. (S2O-4993)
Improving Scotland's productivity can be achieved only over the long run and with the right policies in place. The priorities that we set out in the refreshed "The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland", which was published in September 2004, underscore our on-going commitment to raising productivity and efficiency in both the private and public sectors.
I am sure that the minister, like me, welcomes many of the advances in efficiency that have followed developments in new technology—advances that have improved efficiency without damaging front-line services. However, does he agree that the development of one such technology—automated answering systems—must be pursued more carefully, so as to avoid dehumanising services and causing distress to constituents throughout the country?
I share the general proposition that Helen Eadie puts forward about the importance of wisely and effectively using investment in information technology to create efficiencies. Often, IT can free up staff time—part of the efficient government plan is to create efficiencies in time that allow staff to be deployed in the front-line delivery of public services. I hear what she says about some automated telephone operations and I will look into the matter. Like others, I find it frustrating when I spend a lot of time punching numbers into a telephone and not getting the service that I want. The City of Edinburgh Council's council tax department has one such system.
Ferry Services (Rosyth to Norway)
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with stakeholders on a proposed Rosyth to Norway ferry service. (S2O-4950)
Scottish Enterprise met interested parties promoting a potential Rosyth to Norway ferry service on 8 June 2004. Other discussions have been held that are, at this stage, commercially confidential. The Scottish Executive would strongly support the creation of such a link, but proposals remain at an early stage.
I appreciate the commercial confidentiality of those discussions. I am sure that the minister is aware of the benefits that the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry has brought in attracting new tourism to Scotland and to Fife in particular. He will also be aware of the environmental benefits of removing some freight traffic from our roads. Will he assure me that the Scottish Executive, along with Scottish Enterprise, will provide whatever support it can to develop new routes—including that to Norway—and the terminal facilities at Rosyth for passengers and freight, as well as improving the road and rail links to Rosyth ferry port?
Yes. I have said to the Parliament on several occasions that I see real potential for developing the facilities at Rosyth. I would like the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line to be extended to Rosyth. I see the need for improvements to the road access at Rosyth and I also see the potential for additional ferry routes.
I welcome the minister's words, especially on extending the railway line from Kincardine to Rosyth—I have always thought that that would be a good idea. Is the minister aware that 42 per cent of the passengers whom the Zeebrugge ferry is bringing here are new visitors to Scotland and that the ferry has already brought £150 million into the Scottish economy? I also welcome the announcement on Norway. Does he agree that it is time that we put Rosyth on the map as the hub port for Scotland in the North sea and attempted to get routes into the Baltic countries and Germany?
It is important to emphasise Rosyth's potential, but it is also important that we promote other ports in the east of Scotland, including Aberdeen and those in Shetland and Orkney. There are real opportunities to renew some of the historic connections between the east coast of Scotland and Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. Rosyth can also play a key role in connecting the east of Scotland with the west and on to Ireland. That potential needs to be examined and developed. If we can do that well, the European Union could be involved in promoting the traditional and historic links with Ireland.
Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (Universities)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether universities are within the scope of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. (S2O-5027)
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 is relevant to all bodies in Scotland that carry out functions of a public nature.
The duty on universities and colleges not only relates to the management of the biodiversity in their estate, but extends to the curriculum and the research that they undertake. What is being done to ensure that all aspects of the work of universities and colleges, particularly teaching and research, further the conservation of biodiversity?
The member is correct that the duties do not just extend to the institution's estate or procurement activities. The Executive's commitment to sustainable development in higher education is expressed in the existing guidance to the sector. We intend to include similar guidance in the letter that we will issue to the sector later this year. Universities and colleges can therefore have no doubt about their commitment to expanding and developing the role of the sector in that respect and to developing sustainability in their courses and curriculum.
Stoddard International (Kilmarnock)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it and its agencies are taking to prevent Stoddard's factory in Kilmarnock from closing. (S2O-4959)
The Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire have provided considerable financial support to Stoddard's in the form of permitted regional selective assistance and other state aid. We will continue to support the receivers in their efforts to find a buyer for the viable parts of the business and to secure as many sustainable jobs as possible. Mr Neil will appreciate that the receivers' discussions are commercially confidential, but we all hope that they come to a successful conclusion.
The minister will know that I have been in regular touch with Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire to get an update on the situation. I encourage him to provide whatever battery of assistance he can to any potential buyer to ensure that the factory remains open. It is far better for the factory to remain open with more than 200 jobs than for us to lose all the 500 jobs that were there in the first place.
Indeed. I and others made strenuous efforts during the Christmas and new year period to sustain the existing workforce and to ensure that relevant assistance was made available to the receivers and to other interested parties to secure the employment of the remaining portion of the workforce. We will be working closely with Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire to ensure the sustainability of the jobs of those who are currently in employment.
I am delighted that Alex Neil has shown his party's interest in the situation at Stoddard's. What steps have been taken to provide information on the support that will be available to a prospective bidder who would continue carpet manufacturing in Kilmarnock? Will the minister request assistance from his Westminster colleagues to speed up the process of redundancy payments for the 266 individuals who were made redundant last week?
On the second question, we would be happy to contact our Westminster colleagues this afternoon to assist in the process to which the member referred. As I explained to Alex Neil, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is in direct contact with the receivers and will ensure that any prospective purchaser of the business knows the type and extent of any support assistance available from the state that is permissible under European Union state-aid guidance. That will all be done to sustain those in employment at the Stoddard's factory.
Road Transport (Emissions)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce further carbon emissions and air pollutants from road transport. (S2O-5016)
The Executive has a range of policies in place that are aimed at reducing transport emissions. For example, we are committed to spending 70 per cent of the transport budget on public transport; we give freight facilities grants to remove millions of lorry miles from our roads; we assess the environmental impact of every new transport project; we support the United Kingdom powering future vehicles strategy and are members of the ministerial low carbon group; and we encourage biofuels, assisting with the construction costs of the nation's first large-scale biodiesel plant near Motherwell.
The minister will be aware that in many rural areas, such as parts of my constituency, the private car is the only feasible means of transport. Does he agree that more effort is required to develop alternative technologies for private transport? If so, what steps can the Executive take to encourage that?
I understand the point and I recognise the dependence that people in many of the rural and remoter parts of Scotland have on the car. However, it is always worth emphasising that many people in rural areas do not have access to a car. That is why I believe that investment in public transport and improved bus services is important. The new dial-a-ride, dial-a-community-bus and dial-a-taxi services, which we support, are also crucial, particularly in rural parts of Scotland.
The minister will be aware that one way of reducing carbon emissions is through freight facilities grants, in order to move the haulage of goods from road to rail. I asked him some time ago about the Safeway FFG and whether Morrisons would use the grant after it took over Safeway. Perhaps he can update me on that situation.
Unfortunately, I cannot give information about the outcome of the situation to which Maureen Macmillan refers. However, we are anxious to ensure that the FFG offer is taken up by all the organisations to which we offer assistance, but particularly by Morrisons, which has taken over Safeway. Of course, commercial decisions are involved, which we try to influence through the availability of grants. So far, we have had success and have more than matched our targets in moving goods off our roads and on to rail and waterborne modes of transport. However, we must do more of that if we want to continue to offer the grants. Ultimately, we will make a success of that only by ensuring that our railways and our other methods of transport are attractive to freight operators. That is why we must do more to work closely with our freight operators and encourage them not to look always at the vehicle option.
Does the minister agree that one of the main reasons for supporting a Borders railway to Tweedbank in my constituency is that it would have a positive environmental impact and contribute to reducing the number of car journeys, particularly to Edinburgh, which is a congested and polluted city?
The best way of reducing congestion is to make our public transport network ever more effective. We all recognise that there has been underinvestment for far too long in Scotland's rail network and in bus services and park-and-ride facilities. We must upgrade and improve the quality and reliability of public transport in Scotland and make our public transport network truly fit for the 21st century. That is why there is such a long list of significant transport projects in the partnership agreement and why the main emphasis of those projects is on public transport.
Justice and Law Officers
Speed Cameras
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of fixed speed camera sites and the detailed safety case for each site. (S2O-4958)
Details of all fixed and mobile camera sites are published by safety camera partnerships on their websites. The Scottish safety camera programme office is currently developing a public website that will provide the safety case for each site. That information is already available from the individual partnerships.
Does the minister share my concern over the widespread public cynicism about speed cameras and their increasing use? Will she take all possible measures to restore public confidence, including actively publicising—on more than just a website—the individual safety cases?
I hope that Brian Adam will agree that it is important to improve our road safety record and to assess road safety problems. I hope that he will also agree that we should consider introducing speed cameras at sites where there are speed-related problems resulting in injuries or fatalities. We know that cameras can have an impact on driver behaviour and can slow people down, which can lead to a reduction in those problems. I have already had discussions with my colleague Nicol Stephen, the Minister for Transport, about ensuring that that is the focus for the safety camera work. The safety camera partnerships are working closely in conjunction with the police. At lunch time today, I checked for information for Mr Adam. If he wants to, he can find out on the website of the camera partnership that covers some of the areas that he is concerned with exactly where mobile cameras will be operating during the week.
Young Offenders (Secure Accommodation)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the number of secure accommodation places for young offenders. (S2O-4961)
The short answer is yes. In March 2003, I set out our plans for 29 additional places in the secure estate in Scotland, to bring the total to 125 places by 2007. Last June, St Philip's School started on-site work to build its new 24-bed unit. On-site construction of the second of the planned redevelopments has also just begun. The new Good Shepherd Centre in Bishopton will provide 18 secure places for girls.
I found it very helpful to sit in on children's panel hearings in my constituency and to join police officers on patrol in the area. I take this opportunity to pass on concerns about the shortage of secure places for that handful of persistently disruptive youngsters who tend to live in impossibly challenging home environments. As the six existing secure units in Scotland are often over-full, how soon does the minister expect to have enough secure places to protect those children and to protect the communities that are suffering from the behaviour of those children?
I congratulate the member on the interest that he has taken in the matter and on the fact that he has taken the trouble to sit in on children's hearings and to be involved with his local police. That is a welcome development and I hope that other members will also take those opportunities, to give them a greater understanding of the problems that are faced by the young people, by the agencies that deal with them and by local communities.
Does the minister agree that projects such as the expansion of secure accommodation at St Philip's School in my constituency should be required to achieve not only increased numbers of places but improved quality of services for the young people who are placed in secure accommodation? Does she also agree that what is important is excellence in the standard of not only the accommodation but the teaching in and staffing of those establishments?
Karen Whitefield is absolutely correct. Indeed, I had the opportunity to visit St Philip's School when building work on the new work commenced—as the local member, Karen Whitefield was also present. Of course, one of the key reasons why we want to redevelop the secure estate is about buildings but, as she rightly identifies, the issue is about much more than that. We have to ensure that the secure estate provides the right kind of service, treatment and facilities.
Community Policing
To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to community policing. (S2O-4937)
The Executive recognises the importance that the public place on a visible police presence on the streets. That is why we made a commitment in the partnership agreement to increase the number of police officers on operational duty in every Scottish force.
Although the minister's answer deals with the situation to some extent, she will be disappointed to hear of reports that I have been given of a number of incidents in communities in Aberdeenshire, the most recent of which happened at the weekend, when a number of windows were broken at Aboyne Academy. Does she agree that visible policing not only makes people feel more comfortable but encourages the perpetrators of petty crimes to commit fewer crimes, as they know that there is more chance of being caught?
Obviously, I am interested to hear more about the detail of the incidents. In particular, I am interested to hear details of the responses that the local police force made. The member will have been in close contact with the police in order to ensure that some of the problems are dealt with.
The minister will be pleased to hear that, in response to a request that I made to the chief constable of Grampian police, another police officer post has been established in Aboyne. She might also be aware that the chief constable has just confirmed that an extra 200 police officers are to be established—
I need a question, Mr Rumbles, not justifications.
Does the minister agree that it is good news that the chief constable of Grampian police confirmed this week his intention to establish another 200 police in Grampian within the next three years?
That was the exact point that I was making to Mr Johnstone. If the local member contacts the police and brings matters to their attention, action can be taken. Of course, I am delighted to hear that the additional police officers are being put to good use.
Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases are currently awaiting hearings following decisions by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. (S2O-5005)
I confirm that 22 cases are currently awaiting appeal court hearings following decisions by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.
There is growing concern about the time that is taken between the SCCRC ordering a decision to be reconsidered and such cases coming before the courts. Is the minister aware of the problem? Can she detail, either today or in writing, the longest, shortest and average waiting times for such decisions? Will she say what the Executive considers to be an acceptable waiting time?
I can tell Mr Ballance that I have met the SCCRC to discuss a number of issues around the operation of its procedures. In the discussion, I made particular reference to some of the problems in the timescales. It is important to remember that some of the cases are particularly complex. We have tried to work to timescales. Current provisions allow for eight weeks from receipt of a referral for grounds of appeal to be lodged and they allow for a procedural hearing to confirm that a case is ready to proceed. A date is then set for a full appeal court hearing, which usually takes place four to five weeks later, or a date is set for further procedural hearings if necessary. As I said, such cases are typically complex. The average waiting time depends on several factors. I can of course provide the member with further information if he wishes to examine a case or cases in more detail.
What proportion of the reviews is a direct consequence of incorporating the European convention on human rights? Will the minister go further to deal with sentencing reviews? Will she estimate the cost of implementing the ECHR since 1999?
The short answer is that I cannot do that now and I do not think that Mr Gallie expects me to be able to. He is asking a bit of a single transferable question. If he is interested in particular cases, I will consider them.
Spiked Drinks
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains concerned about the danger of drinks being spiked in pubs and nightclubs. (S2O-4983)
Yes. In partnership with the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Scottish Executive continues to publicise the potential dangers of drinks being spiked in pubs and nightclubs through the Executive-funded know the score campaign on drug-assisted sexual assault.
I welcome the public awareness campaign over Christmas and the new year. The minister is aware of the forensic qualities of drugs such as Rohypnol and gamma hydroxybutyrate, which have horrific effects when they are used on victims of drug-assisted rape—for instance, they can result in memory loss.
I hope that the drugs industry co-operates with the responsible agencies to effect critical improvements for public safety. Pauline McNeill's idea of working with student and youth organisations is good and I will draw it to my officials' attention.
Independent Police Complaints Commission
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will now establish an independent police complaints commission. (S2O-5008)
We intend to consult on the subject in the not-too-distant future.
In November 2004, when the Executive was part of a United Kingdom delegation to the United Nations Committee against Torture, the Executive made a commitment to introduce legislation to establish a commission in this calendar year. Will the minister confirm that that is still the expected timescale and whether the Executive will consult on a commission to deal directly with all police complaints?
The member is aware that a significant amount of consultation has been undertaken. We have a commitment to make progress. As I said, we intend to produce proposals in the timescales that have been outlined.
Football (Banning Orders)
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will take a decision on the introduction of football banning orders. (S2O-4974)
I announced last month that the Executive would consult on proposals to introduce football banning orders in Scotland. A consultation document will be published shortly and we will make decisions in the light of responses to that.
I thank the minister for her encouraging reply. Is she aware of the success of football banning orders in England and Wales? Is she also aware that, unless there is similar or parallel legislation in Scotland, banned English fans will still have the opportunity to use Scottish ports and airports to travel abroad? Does she agree that, despite the relative success and good behaviour of Scottish fans who travel abroad, hooliganism does not stop at the border and that we should take action to target people who use football as a cover to cause trouble, so that matches can be left for the fans?
I agree that it is important that we take action in relation to what is only a small minority of people—I hesitate to call them football supporters, because such people often have no interest in football or no real connection with the clubs that they purport to support or represent and simply use football as an excuse to indulge in violence or in sectarian or racist abuse. We should not tolerate that. As I said, I intend to consider the introduction of banning orders in Scotland. It is important to recognise that in some instances we will be required to look across the border and internationally.
Football (Match-related Offences)
To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been over the past year for offences related to football matches. (S2O-4916)
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service takes seriously prosecutions that are related to crowd trouble at and around football matches. However, the COPFS has no means of categorising an offence in its database as relating to a football match. Accordingly, I cannot give an answer on how many prosecutions have taken place over the past year.
I commend the Scottish Executive, the police and the football clubs for the efforts that they are making to stamp out football hooliganism, particularly violence and verbal abuse that are motivated by racism and sectarianism. However, is the Lord Advocate aware that more than three and a half years have passed since the Parliament's cross-party group on sports met representatives from Rangers Football Club and Celtic Football Club, who suggested that when so-called supporters are found guilty of such offences the court authorities should automatically report details of the conviction to the relevant football club so that disciplinary action, such as the withdrawal of season tickets and the banning of culprits from attending future matches, can be taken? What progress has been made on that proposal?
The member has just heard about football banning orders. The police have a means of categorising offences in their database on football matters, which is used when decisions are made on the deployment of forces at football matches.
Conduct of Solicitors (Regulation)
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its consultation document on the reform of the system that regulates the conduct of solicitors. (S2O-4930)
The paper will set out our firm policy proposals to improve the system for handling complaints against lawyers. We are finalising the paper and will publish it as soon as possible.
I remind the minister that he gave a commitment that the document would be ready by Christmas. I attach the greatest importance to improving the system of handling complaints against solicitors, given my experience of a number of such cases in my constituency. Notwithstanding the fact that two solicitors are sitting immediately in front of me, I encourage the minister to ensure that the document is published with all speed and I ask the Executive to listen carefully to the serious points that members of the public make about improving the system.
John Swinney is right to remind us that we gave a commitment that the paper would be issued by the end of 2004. However, he and other members will be aware that Sir David Clementi's report on the regulation of legal services in England and Wales was published on 15 December 2004. Although there are significant differences between the regulatory arrangements for the legal market here and those for the market south of the border, we thought it appropriate and wise to consider the contents of that report and any implications that it might have for Scotland before we publish our report.
General Questions
Fairtrade Products (Sport)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the use of Fairtrade products in sport. (S2O-5030)
The Scottish Executive encourages all individuals, businesses and other organisations to consider the benefits of using fairly and ethically produced and traded products, including those that are in the area of sport and leisure. The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive maintains a close interest in trade issues, including the Fairtrade movement and other ethical trading initiatives.
I thank the minister for that positive answer. Is the minister aware that fairly traded footballs were recently launched on to the United Kingdom market and that the first league match to use such footballs took place at Whitehill Welfare Football Club in Midlothian in November last year? Does the minister agree that Whitehill Welfare has set an example to other clubs in Scotland and that sporting organisations in Scotland should be encouraged to promote the adoption of the highest standards of ethical trade throughout the sports equipment industry?
I pay tribute to the efforts of my colleague Mr Ballard and other members who have promoted and assisted the Fairtrade movement. Through his efforts and those of others, particularly my colleague Patricia Ferguson, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, we can encourage people and sporting and other organisations to consider fair and ethical trade and production, with higher standards of human rights, environmental protection, labour protection and overall corporate social responsibility.
Dental Graduates
To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of dental graduates remain in Scotland to practise dentistry. (S2O-5018)
In 2004, 91 graduates from Scottish dental schools had entered vocational training in the national health service in Scotland by 30 September in their graduation year, which equates to 79 per cent of the total number of graduates. The previously available data, which covered the years from 1995 to 1999, indicated that, on average, only 58 per cent of dental graduates started their vocational training in NHS Scotland. The trend indicates that the level of retention is improving significantly and we are working actively to increase that level further.
I am encouraged by the statistics that the minister provides and I know that the Executive is working hard on the issue. The challenge is enormous, but does the minister agree that particular priority must be given to the most disadvantaged constituencies in Scotland, such as mine, which is the poorest one in Fife but does not have one NHS dentist left?
I recognise the problems in Fife. In recognition of those issues, Fife NHS Board has received funding from the Executive for the establishment of a new four-surgery dental access centre in Kirkcaldy and a three-surgery centre in Dunfermline, which are to be staffed by 5.5 whole-time equivalent salaried dentists. There will also be one whole-time equivalent salaried dentist for Oakley and a 0.8 whole-time equivalent specialist salaried dentist in surgical dentistry. It is hugely important that we target places such as Fife that have significant problems. Next month, we will announce significant measures to improve access to dental services and to improve children's oral health.
Is the minister aware that, as of recently, there is no longer any dentist in Fort William that is willing to take on new NHS patients, following the cessation of NHS services by one practice? Given that the area that is covered, Lochaber, is larger than the Lothians, will the minister make interim arrangements for locum visiting dentists or persuade the existing practices to review the refusal to take on new patients? Will she urgently discuss with Highland NHS Board the need to have a salaried dentist locally to serve the people of Fort William and Lochaber?
I am aware of the current problems in Lochaber and I am informed that NHS Highland has put in place short-term arrangements for patients with a particular practice. Child patients will receive their dental care from the NHS Highland dental team based at the Fort William community clinic, and adult patients have been advised that their details will be retained on a waiting list for routine access to dental care. Adults with emergencies are being advised to phone the NHS Highland dental helpline, and emergency appointments will be arranged in Inverness. NHS Highland is considering longer-term measures. I am happy to emphasise to NHS Highland that this situation should be resolved as soon as possible.
In brief response, I point out that the problem is one of retention. At the time of the closure of the Edinburgh dental school, there were more than enough dentists.
I cannot give the member specific information about Argentinean dentists; suffice it to say that we are satisfied that we are working extremely hard to produce more dental graduates. We want to retain existing dentists and to encourage dentists to work in areas where there are particular problems with numbers and access, and we want to ensure that we are training dentists adequately so that we can introduce a comprehensive system of children's oral care throughout Scotland and, most important, in areas of deprivation. If the member wishes to furnish me with information on that specific case, I would be happy to respond.
Affordable Housing (North East Fife)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the shortage of affordable housing in North East Fife. (S2O-4949)
Communities Scotland and Fife Council have agreed that North East Fife is a priority area for investment in new-build affordable housing. Investment in the area is therefore a priority for the development funding that is available to Fife through the Communities Scotland affordable housing investment programme. This year, we have increased development funding to Fife to around £13 million—almost 50 per cent above historic levels.
I thank the minister for that encouraging news. Will he join me in welcoming Fife Council's decision to make use of the new power that was introduced by the Liberal Democrat-Labour Executive to reduce the council tax discount for second homes and to invest that money in new affordable housing? Does he agree that that power needs to be backed by appropriate planning controls to ensure that the land is available for new affordable housing developments? Will he agree to look seriously at any application—if one is received—from Fife Council to designate areas such as St Andrews and the east neuk of Fife as pressured areas to ensure that any new affordable housing that is provided is not lost to the right to buy?
Iain Smith raised three important issues, over and above the financial issue that I raised in my answer. New affordable housing is important, and I remind members that it will increase by 46 per cent throughout Scotland over the next three years. There is the issue of the release of land. I was in Fife this morning, opening a Women's Aid refuge, and the land supply issue in particular was flagged up to me. There are big planning issues there, which I am told will be addressed locally. We are considering that within the wider context of planning modernisation.
Audiology Services
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving audiology services. (S2O-5014)
We are making good progress towards modernising audiology services. Modernisation funds have initially been spent on equipment, information technology, accommodation, staffing, training and digital hearing aids, and we are seeing positive results from that investment. We expect to meet our partnership agreement commitment that the national health service will be in a position to offer digital hearing aids in all cases where they represent the most clinically effective option by March 2006.
Does the minister agree that, despite the substantial investment that the Executive announced about this time last year, far too many people have to wait far too long for access to the best and most appropriate hearing services? That includes infants in my constituency who are awaiting a cochlear implant or older adults who still apparently find themselves at the back of the queue for digital hearing aids. Does she agree that there is a need for urgent, continuous funding in audiology services? Will she consider utilising all sources or avenues of funding as well as spare capacity in the private sector to address those unacceptable delays?
I agree whole-heartedly with what the member says. I believe firmly that the current wait for hearing aids is unacceptable. That is why we have put in place the modernisation process and plans. Furthermore, £17 million has been made available to NHS boards over the period from 2003-04 to 2006-07, and I announced recently that a further £5.5 million has been committed to the recurring funding of audiology services from 2006-07 onwards. That should allow NHS boards to recruit and retain the extra staff that they need. We must monitor closely the development of the modernisation project, and we need to continue to consider all sorts of different ways in which to reduce waiting times as a matter of urgency. That includes considering partnerships between NHS boards and the private sector.
I appreciate that a great deal is being done to try to bring down waiting times for access to audiology services, but is the minister aware that the Royal National Institute for Deaf People is extremely concerned about the postcode lottery that still affects some people? In some areas of the country, services are getting better, whereas they do not seem to be improving in other areas. Can the minister give me any idea of what specific measures are being taken to deal with that aspect of the difficulties around audiology?
I recognise that there are considerable differences between the approaches of different NHS boards. The target date of 2006 applies to all NHS boards in Scotland, and the way in which each board moves towards that target depends on the development of its audiology services at the time when the modernisation project started. I receive regular updates from my officials on the progress that is being made towards the 2006 deadline and I am happy to provide the member with information on that. We need to consider more broadly the issue of waiting times, and I am happy to keep the member updated on any thinking on that.
Today, two constituents of mine, Mr and Mrs Duncan, are visiting the Parliament. Mr Duncan has been waiting since last March for his appointment to have hearing aids fitted. Can the minister reassure Mr and Mrs Duncan, and indeed the Parliament, that they are not being discriminated against, as they fear, because of the fact that Mr Duncan is above retirement age?
I can give that assurance absolutely. As I have said, we are very much aware of the waiting times and the other problems relating to the issue. I represent a Lothian constituency and have people coming to my surgeries with similar problems. To reassure Mr Duncan, I can say that we are working as hard as we can. We inherited a situation in which access to hearing aids was difficult. Also, the development of technology has moved quickly in this area. The assessments that people require for digital hearing aids are more complex, which requires the professionals involved to undergo more complex training.
On audiology services for children, does the Executive carry out any assessment of the effectiveness of audiology assessment services that were formerly carried out on a mandatory basis by health boards but which have been moved away from that? Is the minister satisfied that, at a local level, there is sufficient mandatory testing of children's hearing to detect at an early age whether children have hearing problems that can be properly investigated and assessed?
The issue of newborn hearing screening is important to us. We are reviewing the progress of NHS boards in introducing that screening. The expectation is that newborn hearing screening will be available in all NHS areas by April.
I am confident that the minister is aware that investment in audiology services is necessary if we are to achieve our partnership agreement targets on the provision of digital hearing aids. However, does she agree that there are areas of identified need, such as Inverclyde royal hospital in Greenock, which deals with high numbers of people who suffer from industrial deafness? Will she investigate that matter with Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and agree to meet me to discuss the issue in the near future?
I am aware of some of the issues around industrial deafness and the particular problems that are faced by people in Mr McNeil's constituency. I am more than happy to meet Mr McNeil to discuss specific measures that can be taken in relation to that matter.
Schools (Leadership)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to improve leadership in schools. (S2O-5003)
Our agenda is set out in our document, "ambitious, excellent schools". As part of that, we will establish a leadership academy with support from the Hunter Foundation.
Does the minister agree that good leadership in schools depends on good support from local authority education departments? What is the Executive doing to encourage local authority education departments to support leadership?
Cathy Peattie raises two good points. Strong leadership is important to the whole of the education system. Excellent schools are delivered, in part, by excellent head teachers who motivate teachers; in turn, excellent directors of education can help to motivate and stretch head teachers.
Primary Schools (Music Lessons)
To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of primary school pupils has received, or is currently receiving, music lessons. (S2O-5031)
The five-to-14 curriculum guidelines on expressive arts advise that all pupils in primary school should learn to sing and play instruments within a timetabled class music lesson. Inspection evidence suggests that this is happening.
I thank the minister for that answer, which nevertheless does not seem to be terribly clear. I thought that the Executive's ambition was to ensure that all primary school pupils learnt an instrument. Have more primary school music teachers been taken on in the past two years to cope with what I would have thought would be extra demand?
I cannot give the member that precise information, but I will find it and write to him. There has been a major investment of £17.5 million over three years in the area, and it may interest the member to know that the number of presentations at standard and higher grade has risen in recent years, so there is some cause for pleasure.
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