SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Education, Tourism, Culture and Sport
Green Tourism Business Scheme
To ask the Scottish Executive when VisitScotland will publish a brochure to list and promote members of the green tourism business scheme. (S2O-2462)
Membership, by listed tourism businesses, of the green tourism business scheme is promoted through the national tourism website visitscotland.com. This information is also available at www.greentourism.org.uk. Any further measures to publicise the information are a matter for VisitScotland.
I point out that 18 months ago VisitScotland promised members of the green tourism business scheme such a brochure, but it has not yet come to fruition. I would be grateful to the minister for any encouragement that he can give to VisitScotland to enable a brochure to be produced, because we need to promote green tourism businesses.
I am happy to take up the member's request and to report back to him on it. I assure Mr Ballance—as I often have in the chamber and in discussions—that we value the contribution that green tourism can make to the development of our overall tourism product. We hope to continue dialogue to ensure that we have that commitment over the next few years.
Skye Bridge Tolls
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the impact of Skye bridge tolls on the tourism industry of Skye and Lochalsh. (S2O-2403)
There has been no specific assessment of the impact of Skye Bridge tolls on the tourism industry of Skye and Lochalsh, but we have not seen any evidence of visitors to the island being discouraged by tolls.
I am sure that the minister is aware that tourism and related activities are the main economic planks of Skye and Lochalsh. As we approach the coming tourism season, will the minister encourage his Cabinet colleagues to honour the commitment in the partnership agreement to remove the discredited toll regime from the Skye bridge, in order to support the area's economy?
As the member is aware, we are in discussions and negotiations about how to deal with the Skye bridge toll regime. That issue forms part of the broader discussions that I, along with fellow Cabinet ministers such as the Minister for Finance and Public Services, will need to have in the near future. Between 2001 and 2002, traffic across the bridge increased by 8 per cent. Since 1996, traffic across the bridge has increased by 17 per cent. There is still an opportunity. I am sure that the member agrees that the fundamental issue is that we increase opportunities for tourism in Skye and Lochalsh by continuing to make progress on investing in the marketing of Scottish tourism, both nationally and internationally. We hope that in that way tourism investment in the economy—about which the member is right to care passionately—can be delivered.
That is an interesting reply. Given that last year the minister made it known that £27 million in bridge tolls had been collected and that the terms of the tolling licence, which were to collect £23.64 million at 1990 prices, may now have been fulfilled, what is his response to the opinion of Mark Poustie, professor of law at Strathclyde University, that there is now
That question does not fall within my ministerial responsibility. I am sure that the Executive ministers responsible are addressing the concerns to which the member refers. The critical issue is how we deliver on both the partnership commitment that has been mentioned and the partnership commitment on tourism. The evidence of the past few months suggests that the new money that has been injected into Scottish tourism will benefit the Skye and Lochalsh area and, I am sure, its inhabitants.
As the minister knows, the cost of crossing the bridge was frozen in December 1999 and it will never increase—that is thanks to the Executive's intervention and it obviously benefits both locals and tourists. An issue that is constantly raised by my constituents, and indeed by tourists, is that books of tickets are valid for only one year. Given that the price will not increase, will the minister consider discussing with the Minister for Transport a change to the rules to allow books of tickets to be valid for two years?
I am happy to take that matter up with the minister who has responsibility for it. We can address those broad issues, but I welcome the initial comments in the member's contribution. We have made substantial inroads in relation to the cost-effectiveness of the bridge tolls, and our ambition is to assess the future viability of tolls, not just on the Skye bridge, but elsewhere in Scotland.
Secondary Schools (Principal Teachers)
To ask the Scottish Executive what recent consideration it has given to the role of subject principal teachers in secondary schools. (S2O-2413)
Staffing structures and the role of subject principal teachers in schools are matters for each local authority to determine.
Is the minister aware of the concern that some schools are implementing the McCrone proposals in such a way that many subject principal teacher posts are being abolished? Given that such teachers form the backbone of the management and delivery of the academic success of a good school, will the Executive issue guidance to ensure that such posts continue, especially in essential subjects such as English and mathematics? All pupils study those subjects at some stage in their school careers, and they need to be led by teachers with specific qualifications rather than by general factotums with, perhaps, no experience of teaching some of the subjects for which they are supposedly responsible.
I am sure that highly qualified principal teachers, who apply their management skills in schools, will be alarmed to be described as "general factotums". I am aware that concerns have been expressed in some parts of Scotland about how changes in education are being managed. However, following the McCrone agreement, in which there were a number of changes to promoted posts and the abolition of assistant principal teachers, assistant head teachers and senior teachers, scope has opened up for local authorities to take a wider look at the management of schools. As a result, in some parts of Scotland, the responsibilities of individual subject principals are being merged into a faculty of like subjects. It has been shown that where that is happening, it is working extremely well and, in one sense, it is strengthening management capacity at that level in schools. It is certainly not diminishing the management of subjects.
First, I have to say that I am a member of the Educational Institute of Scotland. On principal teachers, I understood that the main concern was about certain management duties such as setting examination papers. Will the minister give us a commitment that, if there are on-going concerns such as that which Dennis Canavan raises, he will meet the EIS and other stakeholders to iron out the issues?
As Sylvia Jackson is aware, I meet trade unions as often as I can. I hope to meet with the EIS in the not-too-distant future, just as I have met with it, and other organisations that represent staff, in the past. I always listen to what those organisations have to say, and if there are things that we can do to take action to support staff, we will seek to try to do them. However, we will do that within a negotiated framework. Significant changes are taking place in the management of Scottish schools, and those changes have been agreed by the trade unions, the employers and the Executive as part of the new negotiating arrangements. We are putting a lot of additional support into schools to help senior staff with management tasks; more than 3,500 additional support staff have been introduced in recent years to help with those tasks. I am always sympathetic to arguments and I act when it is appropriate to do so, but I would not want to act against change that is benefiting Scottish schools.
Is the minister aware of the great geographic disparity in the development of curriculum faculties? In some areas, that development is governed by the location of departments rather than their subject matter—for example, departments on the ground floor are put together, which is corridor management rather than professional mentoring.
Fiona Hyslop is right in that faculty departments are not a direct, negotiated part of the McCrone agreement and its outcome, but they are a consequence of other changes that are taking place. Of course, nothing ever stands still in the management of schools and in the development of how we manage them. I stress that faculty departments should be organised around similar subjects, rather than on the basis of shared geographic space. I have heard tell of the latter situation and it seems a slightly odd way of going about things. Nonetheless, such decisions are taken at local level. Practice is developing and we want to share best practice throughout Scotland as effectively and quickly as we can, so that there is more consistency. We will continue to drive that forward in appropriate ways.
Education (Improvement)
To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 is making to the improvement of education in schools. (S2O-2456)
Under the 2000 act, authorities are focussing on improvement and on delivering the national priorities in education for pupils in their schools. We have a framework to monitor and report on progress.
The minister will be aware that this is national epilepsy week. I congratulate the Executive on its support for today's launch of Epilepsy Scotland's updated guidelines for teachers on managing epilepsy. Will the Executive consider issuing guidance for local authorities to ensure that all staff who work directly with the public receive some kind of epilepsy awareness training?
I am happy to acknowledge the point that Des McNulty made. Indeed, I gather that Euan Robson has just come from launching the guidelines. One of the things that I mentioned in my first answer is that local authorities are pursuing our five national priorities, one of which is inclusion and equality. That priority is designed to focus on exactly the type of issue that Des McNulty raised, and to ensure that nobody is disadvantaged in the school system because of a condition that might disadvantage them if we were not paying close attention to the situation. I will be happy to review with my officials the kind of advice that is currently available on epilepsy to see whether it requires to be improved and to embed it more firmly in practice and in teacher training.
Route Development Fund (Impact)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the impact of the route development fund on tourism. (S2O-2426)
VisitScotland uses the United Kingdom international passenger survey to assess the number of visitors from overseas to Scotland, which has been rising strongly since the start of the route development fund. However, most of the new routes have been operating only for a short time and precise analysis will have to wait until we have a full year of operation to measure.
I thank the minister for his response. Given the recent failure of the Duo airline and the adverse effect that that kind of failure might have on Scottish tourism, can the minister promise to look at how Scotland can be promoted further in those regions that have just lost a direct air link to Scotland?
The marketing strategy that VisitScotland deploys is independent of the route development fund. The strategy can complement that fund, but it can continue even if an individual route fails to do so. Certainly, we will carry on marketing within Germany and Italy in particular, which are the areas in which Duo operated, to ensure that we pick up the tourism market there as well. Again, with reference to responses to earlier questions, the additional injection of marketing money will address most of the tourism issues and I hope that we can continue to grow Scottish tourism, compared with the difficult period of over two years ago.
The minister may be aware that I have had informal discussions with the First Minister regarding the creation of a route development fund for freight. Can he tell me whether any progress has been made in creating such a fund and how that might impact on Glasgow Prestwick international airport, Scotland's fastest growing airport?
I am thinking of requesting a job transfer this afternoon because that is the third transport question that I have had. However, I do not want to frighten the coalition partners in that respect.
Secondary School Teachers (Recruitment)
To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals are being considered to address any present difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified secondary school teachers in an area such as the Highlands. (S2O-2387)
As the member will know, the recruitment of teachers is a matter for each local authority. However, the Executive works with local authorities and other interested parties to address recruitment issues.
As the minister will be aware, in constituencies such as mine—that includes, by definition, some of the most remote parts of Scotland—there are huge difficulties in hiring teachers for places such as Kinlochbervie. That is despite the best efforts of the Highland Council. Indeed, recruiting teachers for Wick and Thurso is not easy. What will the minister's officials do to address that? Ultimately, regardless of where they come from, children have a right to be taught the core subjects that are necessary for their education. I am interested to hear the minister explore that issue and give us his thoughts.
I am aware of the issue that the member has described, not least because he has raised it so assiduously in the past. Vacancy rates in Highland secondary schools are running at about 2.5 per cent, compared to about 1.7 per cent across Scotland. However, I appreciate that particular problems might arise in specific schools, such as that in Kinlochbervie, which Jamie Stone mentioned.
Will the minister confirm whether everything is being done to encourage online and distance learning, especially for specialist subjects throughout schools in the Highlands, where the number of pupils in each school might not always justify a teacher? Such developments would not only increase access, but provide a wider range of subjects.
I am pleased to confirm that that is being developed. The University of Aberdeen and Highland Council are, I understand, working in partnership on that, as is the University of Dundee. The fact that distance learning allows people to be taught within the secondary or primary schools in their localities is a useful development. We will watch how the pilots go and develop them further as necessary.
Disruptive Pupils
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help teachers to deal with disruptive pupils as part of its strategy to reduce antisocial behaviour. (S2O-2392)
In the past year, significant progress has been made in supporting teachers to establish positive behaviour. The recommendations of the discipline task group and many other initiatives are being implemented.
Will the minister co-operate with the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Communities to ensure that antisocial behaviour is addressed within as well as outwith schools? Given that the one often influences the other, the education people could help those who deal with the social aspects of the problem if they co-operated better.
I am happy to confirm that I always co-operate with Margaret Curran—anybody who does not do so perhaps takes their life in their hands—and that ministers are in close co-operation and dialogue with each other on those matters.
Vulnerable Children (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to provide more support services for children who are vulnerable as a result of substance abuse by their parents. (S2O-2389)
We are determined that vulnerable children in Scotland, including those who are affected by the substance misuse of their parents, should receive the support and protection that they need. Details of the action that is being taken will be set out in the response that we are currently preparing to "Hidden Harm: Responding to the needs of children of problem drug users", which is a report that was published last year by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. We are also driving forward our reform programme for child protection, following the publication earlier this year of the children's charter and framework for standards for child protection.
Research has thrown up the frightening statistic that up to 6 per cent of children under 16 have a drug-abusing parent—twice as many as in England and Wales. Only a small number of drug projects are aimed at the huge needs of those children. What action is the Executive taking to ensure that drugs treatment agencies for adults are recording essential data about the children of the clients presented to them? Does the Executive agree that if those agencies do not know about that large percentage of Scotland's children, it is failing to help them?
As I said, there was a UK-wide report called "Hidden Harm: Responding to the needs of children of problem drug users". It estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 children in Scotland were affected by parental drug misuse. As I have said, officials are preparing for publication this year the Executive's response to the 48 recommendations in the report. We await with interest the outcome of the kinship care study that is currently being undertaken and sponsored by the social work services inspectorate.
Finance and Communities
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support and increase the engagement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the life of Scotland. (S2O-2467)
The Scottish Executive has already provided £700,000 to national LGBT organisations. In March this year, we announced funding of a further £512,000 to the Equality Network. The Executive is strongly committed to active, sustainable involvement with LGBT communities on a very wide range of issues.
I thank the minister for her reply. Is she aware that LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland have both been turned away by the community fund, which has de-prioritised work with LGBT communities? Will the minister undertake to investigate the funding of LGBT community organisations as a vital way in which to include them in the life of Scotland?
I recognise the role that those organisations have to play. That is why our officials are already in discussions with them about the loss of their grant, and to consider what areas we would have an interest in providing additional funding to sustain and in what areas we could offer other kinds of support in the forthcoming year.
Central Heating Programme
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on its plans to provide central heating in households occupied by senior citizens. (S2O-2414)
We have made excellent progress with that part of the central heating programme aimed specifically at the over-60s. So far, 20,000 systems have been installed and we aim to install a total of 40,000 systems by 2006. In addition, the central heating programme in the local authority and housing association sectors will also benefit many senior citizens. I should also mention that I recently announced that we are extending the programme, to replacement of partial or inefficient systems in the homes of those who are over 80.
Many people, especially pensioners, are very grateful for the installation of central heating. However, is the minister aware of complaints from pensioners who were excluded from the first phase of the programme because they had central heating systems—albeit in many cases ones that were inefficient or even not working and therefore incapable of providing adequate heat? Will the Executive confirm that those people are now eligible to apply? Will the Executive also undertake a national advertising campaign to encourage such people to apply? Can the minister give an indication of how long such applicants will have to wait to get a proper, efficient heating system installed in their homes?
As I said in my original answer, we have extended the programme to replace inefficient or partial systems in the homes of over-80s. We will need to consider whether we should reduce that age still further. We introduced the scheme at the behest of many MSPs, and we are responding to the demands that MSPs are presenting to us. However, we also need to ensure that pensioners are aware of the provision. We have been working with the power companies to ensure that, when they are approached, they inform pensioners and others of the availability of the scheme, thereby ensuring that they receive the benefits of it. The length of wait will depend on how many people apply to the scheme. Our ultimate aim is that people receive the service as quickly as possible, and I believe that we are on target to achieve that.
I welcome the extension of the central heating scheme to pensioners who are aged over 80 and have partial or inefficient heating systems. However, many of the pensioners whom I represent are less than 80 years old and have partial and inefficient central heating systems. The scheme is partly about energy efficiency, and the energy that they are using is not being used efficiently. Can the minister give a time scale for the introduction of proposals to extend the scheme to all pensioners who have partial or inefficient central heating systems?
I can only repeat that we will consider that in due course, once we have finished the targeting that we are doing at the moment. Members will appreciate the need to target the most needy first. All pensioners will be entitled to the warm deal programme, which can offer them effective measures to deal with energy efficiency. If Cathie Craigie wishes, we can provide her with additional information on that for her constituents.
Binge Drinking (Deprived Areas)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the issue of binge drinking in deprived areas. (S2O-2425)
The Executive has a communications campaign to reduce binge drinking, which is focusing particularly on young people throughout Scotland. Our plans for liquor licensing reform, which were published on 17 May, include a number of proposals to reduce the impact of binge drinking on communities, including improved monitoring of compliance with licence conditions; a crackdown on irresponsible promotions; and giving communities a stronger voice in licensing decisions.
Does the minister agree that the problem of binge drinking in deprived areas often stems from boredom, especially among teenagers? Does she agree that, as well as raising alcohol awareness, any measure to tackle binge drinking needs to provide suitable alternatives to excessive drinking?
Yes, I acknowledge that. I strongly believe that we must provide a range of facilities, services and opportunities for young people to create a diversion from damaging behaviours. We must ensure that the services that we create around alcohol—in which we have made considerable investment—are sensitive to the needs of young people. We should do that in a balanced way, alongside the proposals that we are introducing and the huge investment that we are making in community and other services. That should allow us to meet the needs of young people as Mike Pringle has outlined.
Does the minister share my concern that, over the past two years, Albyn House—a designated place for people with alcohol problems in Aberdeen—has seen a 25 per cent increase in first-time admissions? I found that out last week. What role does she see in future for such designated places? Will she give extra support to them so that binge drinkers are dealt with safely and given appropriate information to try to deal with the problem in the future?
Although I am not familiar with the specific example to which Richard Lochhead refers, I am sure that my colleagues will pursue any specific matters that are drawn to their attention. Cathy Jamieson will look at the issue in the near future. We have a problem with binge drinking in Scotland, and it is something that we must take seriously. We must consider service provision in response to that, but we must also understand some of the underlying causes behind young people engaging in binge drinking and the serious, damaging behaviours that follow. The Executive is taking the matter seriously in responding to antisocial behaviour and in terms of liquor licensing and the services that—as Richard Lochhead rightly points out—need attention.
Does the minister agree that resources are all-important in this area? Does she share my concern that the bids from the local alcohol action plans, which are crucial to tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland, amounted to more than 15 times the money that the Executive could provide? What additional resources is she going to provide to enable us to make the national alcohol plan an effective reality?
I acknowledge the work that Keith Raffan has done over many years in the Parliament. When we worked together on the committee that considered the drugs report, he emphasised the need to develop alcohol services in Scotland. In response to that, the Executive has doubled the money that it gives to those services and it now provides £8 million.
The other designated place, run by the Church of Scotland, is in Inverness. People are often taken there from accident and emergency wards, and by the police, to be given advice and support. Given the minister's commitment to services, will she visit the Church of Scotland's designated place at Beechwood House in Inverness, with a view to rolling out that excellent service throughout the rest of Scotland?
In the interests of cross-party working, I would be happy to visit the project that the member mentioned. She might know that I plan to go to Inverness in early summer. Given that the general assembly of the Church of Scotland is meeting in the chamber across the road from here, it is proper that we agree to pay attention to the services and the significant work of the Church of Scotland in this area.
Question 4 is withdrawn.
Fresh Talent Initiative
To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities the accession of 10 new member states to the European Union provides for the fresh talent initiative. (S2O-2434)
As well as providing long-term prosperity, stability and improved security for all citizens of Europe, not to mention new tourism and cultural opportunities, the new member states will provide a positive opportunity to bring to Scotland the talent and skills that will contribute to our economic success and allow for the development of individuals.
Will the minister assure us that the Executive is encouraging greater co-operation among Scottish universities to attract young talented people from eastern Europe to come and study in Scotland?
Indeed, yes. As well as the negotiations that we have had with the Home Office about the extension of visas, the Executive is supporting the postgraduate scholarship scheme and the work experience scheme in order to secure work-related placements. We are also working with our first-class universities to ensure that they not only market themselves abroad, but have the tools, equipment and resources to attract skills to Scotland and retain them once they have come to our shores.
Given that the fresh talent initiative is aimed mainly at university students and that Scotland already has an abundance of graduates, some of whom find it difficult to get jobs that are commensurate with their qualifications, how can the initiative be aimed at those in eastern Europe who are skilled in the trades that are needed in Scotland? Is that a future priority for the Executive?
The challenge is worldwide and the competition for people is intense. Individual economies and companies are chasing talent all over the world. It is unfair to say that the fresh talent initiative is designed only for students. It is designed with reference to key skills and managed migration to Scotland. When the First Minister and I were involved in the launch of the initiative, we met the consuls and consuls general from throughout Europe and beyond and we focused on students and people with skills in civil engineering and architecture, for example. We have confidence in the Scottish economy and we have to attract such people to our shores. We also have to use the talent that we have in Scotland. The fresh talent initiative is all embracing. It is about ensuring that young Scottish graduates stay in Scotland and that those who have left Scotland come back to work and live in Scotland and contribute to our economy. It is about attracting well-qualified and talented people, not just university students, to our shores.
Glasgow Housing Stock Transfer
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow housing stock transfer has achieved all its objectives. (S2O-2397)
Not yet. The aim of the Glasgow housing stock transfer is to promote long-term and sustainable improvement in the city's housing. Significant progress has been made to date and I expect many more tenants to see real improvements to their housing over the next few years as the investment programme accelerates. Communities Scotland will continue to monitor the Glasgow Housing Association's overall performance and specific progress against the transfer objectives.
The minister will be aware that I represent the community of Dundas Vale, which has within its complex a community hall that is the life-blood of many elderly, church and other groups. Is she concerned that one of the first acts following the transfer of stock to the local housing organisation was that the locks were changed without warning and the hall was closed for six weeks, leaving local tenants and residents mystified about the policy of tenant participation? Notwithstanding the reasons why the hall closed—minor health and safety problems—does she agree that one of the main purposes of housing stock transfer is to increase the involvement of tenants in their communities and environment? Does she further agree that the type of action that I have described is not consistent with or in the spirit of Executive policy and that LHOs should be careful about the message that they are sending out?
I absolutely appreciate the spirit in which Pauline McNeill expresses her comments. I am not aware of the situation that she describes, but I will look into the generalities of it. The situation should be dealt with more specifically by the regulator, but I am happy to talk to Pauline McNeill once I clarify the details. She will appreciate that it is difficult to respond to an individual case at question time.
Is the minister aware of the proposals that the GHA has made and approved not only to vet tenants who wish to become members of the board, but to have its chief executive sit on the board? The GHA is the only housing association in Scotland to do that. Does she agree that those proposals undermine the democratic process of stock transfer and tenants associations, that they lead to an obvious conflict of interests and, as has been said before, that they go against the ethos of tenant participation, which was one of the original objectives of the transfer?
Overall, I am tempted not to agree because, as Sandra White is well aware, in formulating its transfer policy the Executive set up Communities Scotland as the appropriate regulator. It is the job of Communities Scotland to regulate the GHA, which is an independent organisation. Communities Scotland looks into any complaint or appeal that concerns registered social landlords and ensures that such complaints or appeals are acted on in accordance with its constitution. As is proper, ministers operate at arm's length from Communities Scotland as it undertakes its duties as regulator. As far as I am aware, Communities Scotland has said that any changes that have occurred recently in the GHA are within the governance arrangements and are appropriate within the regulatory regime.
Environmental Improvements (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific support it is providing to cities and towns to carry out environmental improvement work. (S2O-2407)
The Scottish Executive provides a range of support to cities and towns throughout Scotland through their local authorities and other agencies for a wide variety of environmental improvement projects.
I am sure that the minister will agree that Stirling Castle and its immediate environs should be the jewel in Scotland's tourism crown. Therefore, I hope that he will confirm that he shares my dismay that the area around the castle, which should be a honeypot for tourists, has been held back by the drastic need for environmental improvements and investment. Add to that empty shops, schools in danger of closure, the loss of post offices and deep social problems and the picture is far from rosy. We need a vision of what can be done, which should be delivered by a multi-agency task force. Is the minister prepared to use his good offices to facilitate such an approach?
Bruce Crawford raises the topic of the wider opportunities that our properly co-ordinated regeneration strategy provides. The strategy takes into consideration many of the elements that he outlined in his question. However, we should give due credit to the local council, which is working in partnership with enterprise agencies and others on the renewal of housing and on the industrial opportunities to be provided by investment in enterprise parks.
Does the minister agree that significant environmental improvement work in our towns and cities can be carried out through the construction of new housing? Following the recent welcome announcement of £15 million to regenerate Cultenhove and Cornton in my constituency through the community ownership housing programme, will he say how that programme will be rolled out across Scotland?
I must be honest and say that I would have to refer to the minister who has responsibility for that matter. However, the member's example highlights the interventions that the Executive seeks to make in order to regenerate communities. We acknowledge that we have to take an holistic approach to these issues and to look across what Bruce Crawford called the offices or the bureaucracy of the Executive to ensure that we target resources and get best value for that money.
General Questions
Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the full retention of in-patient provision at the Glasgow homeopathic hospital. (S2O-2454)
That is an issue for Greater Glasgow NHS Board in the first instance. If the board proposes a significant restructuring of services at the Glasgow homeopathic hospital, it would have to consult fully on the issue and submit its proposals to me for approval.
I note the minister's reply. The Glasgow homeopathic hospital—and in particular the integrated care unit, which is earmarked for closure as part of Greater Glasgow NHS Board's funding cuts—is unique in Scotland and indeed has been uniquely successful in areas where the national health service can offer no other resource. Does the minister agree that the proposed cut is being made purely and simply on financial grounds and that there is no pretence to its having any medical basis? Does he also agree that we have enough trouble with things that do not work as we would like them to without the scandalous proposal to close a facility that very clearly does work? Does he accept that he should take a close interest in such a national facility?
I described my role in my answer to Mr Brown's first question. However, I will say that everything that I have heard about the hospital suggests that it provides an excellent model of patient-centred and holistic care. Moreover, as Mr Brown has reminded us, it takes patients from many boards throughout Scotland. I am sure that Greater Glasgow NHS Board will want to bear those two points in mind when it considers its position on the matter.
Is the minister aware of the concern—not to say consternation—that has been caused by the proposal to close a modern and successful in-patient facility at the homeopathic hospital, which is located in my Glasgow Anniesland constituency? There is a clear belief that the proposal is rushed, insensitive, short sighted and ill conceived and that it will quite rightly meet with outright opposition. Will he assure me and all members that he will accept only the result of a consultation that is based not on cost cutting but on clinical need? Furthermore, will he accept my invitation to visit the hospital to see the good work that it does in taking an holistic approach to treatment?
I repeat my position on this matter. However, I am keen to take up Bill Butler's offer to visit the hospital and to see at first hand what I have heard about. I mentioned that I had heard good reports about the hospital and I should point out that Mr Butler was one of several people who talked to me about it—I know that he held a meeting on the matter last week.
Is the minister aware that many of the patients whose experiences of the homeopathic hospital have resulted in positive outcomes have been long-term users of other NHS services that have not proved successful for them? Without the facility, they would continue to use those services. Does he therefore agree that closing the in-patient facility would not represent a long-term cost saving?
I am certain that Greater Glasgow NHS Board will want to bear the member's point in mind and that, as Bill Butler said, it will consider the fundamental clinical issues. However, if it intends to save costs through the proposal, it should also bear it in mind that the patients who would have received treatment in the hospital will have to be treated elsewhere.
Does the minister recall a debate last month at the University of Edinburgh during which, in answer to a question, he outlined his personal commitment to homeopathic services? Would it not be better for him to intervene in the situation now instead of waiting for the plans to arrive as a fait accompli on his desk?
I have made some fairly positive remarks about the homeopathic hospital in my answers this afternoon and I have willingly agreed to Bill Butler's suggestion that I visit the hospital, but I outlined my formal position on the matter in my first answer.
Fuel Prices (Rural Communities)
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact that rising petrol and diesel prices have made on remote rural communities. (S2O-2383)
The Executive appreciates the concerns of people throughout Scotland, particularly those in remote and rural communities, about rising fuel prices. As the member knows, the price of fuel has increased due to recent significant increases in crude oil prices. Fuel taxation is a reserved matter and Scottish ministers will continue to ensure that Scotland's interests are placed firmly on the Whitehall agenda through direct contact with United Kingdom Government ministers.
In his capacity as a member who represents an Aberdeen constituency, the minister will be aware that, when oil prices last rose significantly, oil companies not only were required to pay additional taxation on profits from higher oil prices, but were asked by the Exchequer to pay a windfall tax on their additional profits. It is reasonable to expect that that additional income to the Exchequer could be used to offset tax at the petrol stations. That would keep fuel prices down without reducing revenue in any way. Will the minister take an early opportunity to make that suggestion to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to ensure that he does not make an enormous profit out of the hardship of those who need transport in rural areas?
I am certain that the chancellor is considering those matters, which will be decided at Westminster. He takes a close interest in Scotland and particularly in our rural communities. Oil prices are at a 20-year high and it is predicted that they will remain high for a considerable time. There is also talk of pressure on gas production, which means that gas prices might be affected during the next 12 months. Those are important issues not only for rural communities, but for communities and businesses throughout Scotland. The Scottish Executive will monitor the situation closely and will make representations to the UK Government whenever that is appropriate.
Fines (Payment System)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to improve the system for the payment of fines. (S2O-2390)
I call Nicol Stephen—sorry, I mean Cathy Jamieson.
I thought that perhaps Nicol Stephen would answer the question on my behalf.
Is the minister aware that, on average, every year during the past 10 years some 7,000 people have had proceedings taken against them in Scottish courts because they failed to buy a television licence? Many of the people who are fined in those circumstances default on the fine and find themselves back in court, where they receive a custodial sentence or a community disposal. That process uses up valuable court resources. Does she agree that the time has come to end the criminalisation of individuals who do not have a TV licence and that the matter would be better dealt with through civil proceedings similar to those for council tax arrears? If so, will she make representations to her colleagues at Westminster and ask them to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949?
The question raises a number of issues. First, it is important that we do all that we can to ensure that, when fines are imposed for whatever reason, we use sensible means to collect them, we make it easier for people to pay and we ensure that the proper enforcement procedures are in place. I do not want people to end up in our prison system because they have problems paying fines. That is why we are beginning to use alternative measures such as supervised attendance orders. I hope that Mr Matheson will be prepared, as I will, to consider what is happening south of the border in relation to the collection of fines. Changes there have meant that people are not constantly returning to the courts so that fines can be enforced, because fines officers now have improved powers to collect.
What progress has been made in decreasing the number of women in prison in Scotland for the non-payment of fines—fines that were imposed in the first place for crimes connected to poverty, such as not having a TV licence or soliciting?
I refer Elaine Smith to some of the general comments that I have just made about fine default and the measures that we have put in place. We acknowledge that women often end up in custody because of the non-payment of fines. That can have an especially detrimental effect on families, which, again, is something that I want to avoid. We will continue to focus on alternatives to custody. We have opened the 218 time-out centre in Glasgow, which provides an alternative to custody and deals with some of the vulnerable women who might otherwise have ended up in places such as Cornton Vale.
Petrochemicals Industry
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken in respect of the petrochemicals industry since the recent announcement by BP plc regarding the future of its olefins and derivatives division. (S2O-2431)
Although petrochemicals industry support is a reserved matter, both the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley are working to achieve a sustainable future for petrochemicals at Grangemouth in view of the industry's importance to the local and national economy.
The minister will be aware that more than 1,000 jobs have been lost in Grangemouth over the past three years, to bring the three BP companies together as one company, to improve production and to provide synergies. The decision to split the company now is very short sighted. People are concerned about their jobs and about health and safety issues. Will the minister do all that he can to protect those jobs and perhaps convince BP that its decision is wrong?
At Cathy Peattie's invitation yesterday, I was happy to meet trade union representatives from the plant. They carefully explained their concerns to me. On the basis of that discussion, I undertake that ministers will write to Lord Browne—the chief executive of BP—to explore with him how the efficiencies that have been gained through the integration of the three existing business streams at Grangemouth will be protected under the company's current proposals.
Scottish Water (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Executive when it next intends to meet representatives of Scottish Water. (S2O-2402)
Ministers and their officials have a close working relationship with numerous representatives of Scottish Water and meet regularly.
The minister will be aware of the story today in The Press and Journal, which reveals that Scottish Water has ignored and hidden from the public the findings of an independent report and has pressed ahead with plans for a completely unsuitable waste screening plant in Stonehaven. Does the minister believe it appropriate for Scottish Water to be less than straightforward in its dealings with the public? Can the Executive, as the majority shareholder, take action not only to prevent that fundamentally flawed scheme from proceeding, but to change the way in which Scottish Water, which is a public company, operates?
I am indeed aware of the matters raised in The Press and Journal this morning because the member wrote to me on Tuesday to advise me of the serious allegations that he wished to draw to my attention. The appropriate response for me is to say to the member that I take the allegations seriously. I will investigate the allegations fully with Scottish Water and will respond in detail in due course.
Is the minister aware of the situation in Campbeltown, where people are having to live with sewage not only lying in the streets but floating in the harbour? What is Scottish Water going to do about it?
I am well aware of that situation and of a number of alleged failures in the operations of plants. George Lyon has been in correspondence with me for some time on those matters, which I have taken very seriously and raised with Scottish Water. In essence, they are operational matters but they affect the public interest. As the minister responsible, I have sought responses from Scottish Water. I will respond to members once I have had a reply from Scottish Water.
On the same subject, the minister will be aware that serious failures have occurred not only at the new sewage plant in Campbeltown, but at the new plant in Inverary. Flooding is the main problem in Campbeltown, but in Inverary the installation of the new plant has resulted in a constant problem with sewage odours. Both problems appear to have been caused by fundamental design failures and Scottish Water's continuing inability to correct them, which mean that Scottish Water now has little credibility left with my constituents. I request that the minister urgently investigate the cause of the problems and Scottish Water's continuing failure to correct them. I ask him to bring to a halt the work on the many other sewage treatment plants in Argyll and Bute until Scottish Water can sort out the stinking mess that it has created in Campeltown and Inverary and put in place a design team that is able to design plants that are fit for purpose.
Again, I do not wish to comment in detail on the allegations that the member has put to me over recent weeks. I have called for a report and will respond once I have heard both sides of the argument. I am reluctant to intervene, in particular on the issue of whether the same design team that is in place today will be in place tomorrow. I do not want to stop the progress on works if that is not appropriate. Once I have received a response from Scottish Water, I will respond to the member.
Water infrastructure has suffered from underinvestment for a long time. How will the Executive support the implementation of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 and the multiple public goods over and above water supply that that act will bring?
As the member will be aware, we will be embarking on the review of quality and standards III shortly. That process will involve wide and full public consultation. Members of Parliament, the relevant committees and the public will all have the opportunity to contribute to an assessment of the relative priorities—not only those of meeting the statutory requirements as regards water quality and sewage disposal, but, as the member mentioned, those relating to the much wider issues that are covered by the legislation. That will require hard decisions, as there is not an unlimited amount of money. We will have to balance the matters that are dealt with in the water framework directive against the statutory requirements under the other environmental legislation. That will form part of the full process of the consideration of Q and S III.
Retirement Home Owners
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of retirement home owners who own a share in the equity of their property. (S2O-2375)
We have no plans on that issue. The Executive's property law reforms in the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 will help owners to take decisions in sheltered and retirement housing. However, those reforms are concerned with property ownership. In a shared equity arrangement, the needs of occupiers who do not own the properties are dealt with in individual contracts.
I thank the minister for his reply, from which it is clear that he is aware of the anomalous situation in which the elderly people who are living in retirement complexes and who own a share in the equity of the property rather than the property itself do not benefit from the protection and control that the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 offers. Will he assure me that that is the result of an oversight by the Executive during consideration of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill and that he will explore the possibility of using the Tenements (Scotland) Bill to rectify that oversight, if that is possible?
The Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 is concerned with property ownership. In shared equity arrangements, the owners do not own the property, so what the member described as an oversight is not actually an oversight. We do not plan to amend the Tenements (Scotland) Bill to take account of that issue, as the bill deals with ownership in tenement blocks. The difficulty in the situation that Ken Macintosh describes is that there is a different legal arrangement.
If we are brief, we will just have time for question 7.
Strathclyde Passenger Transport<br />(Rail Services)
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-2239 by Nicol Stephen on 6 May 2004, how many passengers used Strathclyde Passenger Transport-supported rail services in each year since 1995. (S2O-2380)
Information for the years 1995-96 to 2002-03 is given on page 5 of the recently published "SPT statistics & trends 2003", a copy of which is available in the Parliament's reference centre. Passenger numbers in the year to March 2004 were 41.1 million.
I thank the minister for his helpful answer. That document shows that numbers reduced significantly year on year until last year, when they increased, which I welcome. However, does he agree that that increase was perhaps attributable to the increased use of Prestwick airport and the number of flights coming into it? Is he aware that the rail station there was funded by Prestwick airport and that it is operated and maintained by Prestwick airport? Given the contribution that the airport makes to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive, will he look at the funding for the operation and maintenance of that rail station into the future?
I was going to make the unfair political point that the figures are now well above those during the final three years of the Conservative Government. However, Mr Gallie moved on to the issue of Prestwick airport and I am pleased to support his view that we must strengthen services to that airport. The Prestwick rail link has an important role to play in that respect and I am anxious that the working group that has been established with Network Rail, the Strategic Rail Authority, the local authority and the airport operator should make significant progress over the coming months to try to achieve exactly the objectives that I am sure Mr Gallie wants to be achieved.