Infrastructure, Investment and Cities
The first item of business is portfolio questions. To get as many people in as possible, I would be grateful for short and succinct questions and answers.
Ayrshire Economy (Air Passenger Duty)
To ask the Scottish Government how the devolution of air passenger duty will help the Ayrshire economy. (S4O-03911)
The Scottish Government’s plans for a devolved air passenger duty will greatly assist the Ayrshire economy and the wider Scottish economy. We are committed to an initial 50 per cent reduction in APD and will move to full abolition when public finances permit. That will help all of Scotland’s airports to compete more fairly and to secure new and existing routes.
Our analysis has suggested that a 50 per cent cut could deliver more than 1 million additional passengers annually. It will enable Glasgow Prestwick airport to approach airlines more confidently in the pursuit of new route opportunities. Ryanair has indicated that, if APD was abolished, it would double its passenger numbers in Scotland, which would provide significant benefits to passengers, businesses and our tourism sector as well as to the airports involved.
We have urged the United Kingdom Government to act on the Smith commission recommendation and devolve APD now. That view is shared by Scotland’s main airports, which have written to each of the Westminster party leaders to urge quick progress.
As the cabinet secretary said, Michael O’Leary said in response to a question at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly that he could double the number of passengers coming to Prestwick if APD were to go. Will the cabinet secretary assure me that, if the power over APD is transferred under the Smith proposals, it will be enacted as soon as possible to maximise the benefits for the wider economy in Ayrshire?
It is incumbent on us to act as quickly as possible when we have the power, but the first thing that has to happen, as Willie Coffey knows, is that the power has to be devolved. We continue to press the UK Government to devolve APD as a matter of urgency.
A number of studies in recent years have shown the negative economic impacts of APD as applied by the UK Government, and Scotland’s airports frequently tell us that APD represents a barrier to route development efforts. We have seen from the sale of slots and the withdrawal from routes the impact that APD is having on airlines. The chancellor’s recent decisions to remove the two highest APD bands from April and to abolish APD for children under 12 from May have attracted good UK media coverage, but the economic impact on Scotland is expected to be limited.
The devolution of power seems to be slow. It was first agreed in 2009, but it has followed the same kind of process as the Chilcot report—both processes started in 2009, but neither has really produced anything yet. It is not so much a breakneck pace as a brass-neck lack of action on the UK Government’s part.
The minister will be aware that I share his intent when it comes to the reduction or abolition of air passenger duty. However, in relation to the question that was asked, what evidence does he have to suggest that the reduction or abolition of APD would benefit Prestwick? Is there a dangerous possibility that it might boost the airline industry and other airports without benefiting Prestwick at all?
I have answered that question previously. I cited the example of Ryanair, which has said that it expects a higher increase at Edinburgh airport—I think that the passenger numbers involved are about 1.5 million. Ryanair has forecast a million new passengers for Prestwick, if APD were completely abolished, and doubling the current numbers has also been mentioned.
In contrast to the comments made by Mr Johnstone’s colleague Gavin Brown, who questioned the benefit to flights going from Scottish airports of any reduction in APD, the fact is that, if we make it easier for people to reach their holiday destinations from Scottish airports, we will improve the economic performance of those airports as well as the situation of all the jobs that support the airports’ operation. The York Aviation study gives us that evidence, as does Ryanair. We are confident that, if we can get on and do it, and if the UK Government ever gets round to devolving APD, we could see huge benefits for Prestwick and all of Scotland’s airports.
Glasgow Queen Street Station (Renovation)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to minimise disruption to passengers and businesses during the renovation of Glasgow Queen Street station. (S4O-03912)
Network Rail and ScotRail are working together to deliver the redevelopment of Queen Street station. In addition, Transport Scotland and its industry partners are working alongside Glasgow City Council, Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Passenger Focus and Strathclyde partnership for transport to develop a robust management plan that will ensure the absolute minimum of disruption to the travelling public.
I welcome the planned upgrade of the station, which is the third busiest in Scotland, as part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow improvement programme. However, the project’s construction period is planned to last for four years, until 2019, and I have concerns about the work having a negative impact on how Queen Street connects with other modes of transport and about access for disabled passengers. Will the minister assure me that passengers’ access will not be impeded in any way and that the refurbishment will go through perhaps even sooner, rather than later?
This far out from the start date, it is difficult to say that the project will go more quickly than planned, but I will commit to ensuring that there is consideration and oversight of all the relevant issues, including access, the benefits of the work, connecting with the Edinburgh to Glasgow improvement programme and the partnership with Glasgow City Council and others. We want to ensure that they are all tied in together, and I will work closely with our agencies to make that so.
There are massive benefits in the station redevelopment and they should be realised. I am sensitive to the issues of access and so on and I will make sure that we all have sight of them as we work our way through. To assist members with all the issues around the rail improvement project and the station’s upgrade, I intend to hold a presentation, at which members will be able to hear of all the factors that relate to this multimillion-pound work and how it will bring immense benefits to the country.
This is an exciting time for Glasgow and for Queen Street, which is in my constituency. The minister mentioned benefits. What improvements will be brought to commuters and businesses at Queen Street?
Like Sandra White, I am excited by the project, as members would expect. The benefits of the £120 million redevelopment will transform Queen Street station into a world-class, 21st-century integrated transport hub. Capacity will be future proofed well into the next decade, and passengers who use the newly redeveloped station will benefit from improved accessibility, enhanced station facilities and direct access to the Buchanan Galleries development.
Given that the work will take place on a live railway and an operational station, it is inevitable that there will be some disruption, but we will try to minimise that and maximise the benefits that emerge from this exciting project.
Can the minister say anything about whether we can encourage passengers who are going from Queen Street to Edinburgh to use the excellent low-level service through Airdrie and Bathgate?
I agree with John Mason on that point. We will use a range of diversions to maintain as much of the network’s connectedness as possible. That is why the line there will be of such benefit, in addition to what was first envisaged. We will use everything that we can to minimise disruption to the travelling public, in order to continue to give the rail network the support that it deserves and to continue to increase passenger numbers.
Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Services
To ask the Scottish Government what assurance it can provide that Clyde and Hebridean ferry services will not be privatised. (S4O-03913)
The next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract will comply with European law and be tendered in the same way as the current contract’s tender process was undertaken between 2005 and 2007. The contract will be awarded to the operator that submits the most economically advantageous tender. Notwithstanding the need to tender the services, the operator will have to comply with a service specification defined by the Scottish ministers and will be subject to stringent contract-management arrangements, as the current operator is. We cannot prejudge who the successful bidder will be, but I confirm to the chamber that the Clyde and Hebrides services will remain under the Scottish ministers’ control throughout the contract.
Hear, hear.
I thank the minister for his answer, although I am not sure whether islanders and others who rely on the ferry services will be entirely reassured. Is he aware of the anxiety that the services might be sold off to a company such as Serco, just as the Government sold off the overnight sleeper service to London? Will he assure islanders that services will at least be retained as one bundle and will not be sold off individually so that private companies can select the most profitable elements?
The answer to the direct question that the member asks is yes—the routes will be packaged as one bundle. We will be clear in the specifications that are required to address the needs of the travelling public. I am very sensitive to islanders in my capacity as the Minister for Transport and Islands.
I do not accept in its entirety the characterisation from Ken Macintosh. The process is the same one as the Labour Party deployed when it made such decisions. We will ensure that the islanders get the best possible service and we will keep a close oversight of the tendering process. We cannot and must not prejudge the outcome of that process; indeed, it would be illegal to do so.
I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to these vital services. Will the minister update the Parliament on the roll-out of the road equivalent tariff for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services later this year?
The RET for passengers, cars, small commercial vehicles and coaches will be rolled out to the remaining Clyde and Hebrides routes in October this year, as we committed to do in the ferries plan. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our island and remote communities, and the RET underpins the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing a single overarching fares policy across Scotland’s entire ferry network. I know that delivery of the RET to the remaining Clyde and Hebrides routes will be warmly welcomed by those communities.
Further to Ken Macintosh’s question, will the minister confirm the exact timing for the tender? Will he involve the island authorities in the tender process? Does he agree that an integrated public sector operator is good news for jobs, services and fares?
I am happy to write to the member with the exact details of timescales, if that is of assistance.
There has been engagement with the island authorities and I give a guarantee that it will be on-going. I have been clear with island authorities that, as we conduct our business in the way that we propose in the prospectus for Scotland’s islands, there will be even deeper and wider engagement on such matters.
There will be more consultation. I will give David Stewart and any other member who is interested the exact specifics on the timetable for announcing the successful bidder.
North Lanarkshire Council (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met North Lanarkshire Council and what was discussed. (S4O-03914)
I had the chance to visit North Lanarkshire in my previous position as Minister for Transport and Veterans to witness the progress on the rail network in the area as part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow improvement programme. However, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet North Lanarkshire Council in my new role.
Given that Ravenscraig is now a major national priority, will the cabinet secretary consider what more support the Scottish Government can give in order to attract investment? For example, could the growth accelerator model unlock more funding than the tax incremental financing approach? Will he agree to meet me and other interested parties in the near future?
I am more than happy to meet John Pentland to discuss the issues that he raises. Some of them are impacted by the Glasgow and Clyde valley city deal that has been struck, of which North Lanarkshire Council is, of course, a key part. As the member will be aware, the council has prioritised a number of projects as part of the city deal. I have not yet seen an approach involving the growth accelerator model, but I am more than happy to discuss that with the member and others whom he wants to bring to the meeting when it takes place.
North Lanarkshire Council, like other councils, is experiencing service cuts and job losses because of underfunding of the council tax freeze. Does the minister agree with John Stevenson of Unison, who said last week that, if there were 40,000 job losses in any other sector, there would be calls for an inquiry from politicians?
Perhaps Neil Findlay’s colleagues should not have voted for the Tory austerity programme at Westminster, because that is the source of the cuts.
Answer the question.
Perhaps Neil Findlay could also take up the issue with his colleague Liam Byrne, who was the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and who left a note with the last word of the previous Labour Government saying, “There is no money.”
Just once, answer the question.
Mr Findlay! Enough!
That is the legacy that Labour left us, so perhaps Neil Findlay should apologise to those 40,000 employees for the part that Labour has played in the cuts to local government.
Rail Investment
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the rail investment proposals in the Industrial Communities Alliance’s paper, “Tracks to Work”. (S4O-03915)
The Scottish Government welcomes the report and agrees with the need to rebalance the United Kingdom economy away from overreliance on London.
We also recognise the critical role that the rail industry plays in supporting our businesses and communities by connecting towns, cities and rural areas and by improving access to employment and education.
We have embarked on a five-year, £5 billion programme of railway investment across the network, including key projects such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow improvement programme, the Borders railway, Aberdeen to Inverness line improvements and the Highland main line rail improvements.
I thank the minister for his response. What investment specifically is planned for the Glasgow south-western line in order to improve the frequency of the service? Also, are there any plans to add a new rail halt at Mauchline?
When rolling stock is available, from December 2017 an enhanced timetable on the Glasgow-Dumfries-Carlisle route can be operated. There will be more frequent services, better connections, on-board catering and refreshed rolling stock, plus dedicated great Scottish scenic train journeys. That demonstrates Scottish ministers’ commitment to improving rail services and connectivity across the Scottish network.
The Scottish Government has no current plans to open a railway station at Mauchline. Funding for new railway stations can be considered under the £30 million Scottish stations fund, which aims to lever in third-party funding to promote and improve the new stations. However, the responsibility to demonstrate the need for station improvements lies with the relevant promoter—for example, local authorities, regional transport partnerships or developers. I would be more than happy to work with Adam Ingram on such an application.
Much of the investment in rail infrastructure has been in the central belt or in city areas. Borders rail is a notable exception to that. “Tracks to Work” makes the point that reopening existing lines is a cheaper alternative to investment in new services, and that the investment generates growth through jobs—for example, 1,000 workers are employed on the Borders railway. Many of the lines that were closed in Scotland—
And the question is?
Many of the lines are in rural areas where there is poor connectivity and little access to jobs, so does the minister have any plans to reopen any previously closed lines? That would give a welcome economic boost to those areas. Is that something that the minister is willing to consider in future planning?
Of course the Scottish Government would be happy to consider any approach to extend and reopen lines. The Borders railway is a great example of how we are doing that. The stations fund will also unlock opportunities to lever in external funding to open up stations, so we encourage partners to be as creative as possible, and we will happily extend and expand the rail network. However, we are bound by the financial constraints that we are presented with, largely through capital reductions from Westminster, which should be challenged.
We take a proactive and encouraging approach. I encourage everyone to bring forward proposals to extend rail because we know that it is increasingly popular and will serve Scotland well in regard to the sustainability agenda in the future.
Road and Rail Network (Aberdeenshire)
To ask the Scottish Government what improvements are planned to upgrade the road and rail network in Aberdeenshire. (S4O-03916)
The Scottish Government is addressing years of underinvestment in the north-east. We are currently committed to schemes that include the Aberdeen western peripheral route, Balmedie to Tipperty road improvements, Aberdeen to Inverness rail improvements, Inveramsay bridge and Haudagain roundabout, and which total almost £1 billion. By 2030, the planned £3 billion investment on dualling the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen will provide further vital improvements that will benefit the area.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that extremely positive answer. Does the cabinet secretary agree that that action is in keeping with the Government’s proposal and strategy for economic growth, that it will provide jobs for the north-east and that it is testament to the Government’s plans to secure employment in the north-east?
Dennis Robertson’s question is very topical, given some of the recent developments in the north-east. The Scottish Government fully appreciates the important role that investment in road and rail infrastructure plays in the creation and sustainment of jobs in the north-east, which is demonstrated by the programme of investment that I have just outlined.
As an example of that, the construction of the AWPR alone is expected to lead to more than 14,000 jobs being generated over the first 30 years after the scheme opens, and it is estimated that it will generate more than £6 billion in additional income for the north-east by reducing cost to businesses and providing opportunities for increased sales.
We can contrast that positive action by the Scottish Government with the dithering over oil taxation that we are currently seeing from the United Kingdom Government, which demonstrates that the Scottish Government is doing the job that is necessary to ensure that we increase economic activity and job opportunities in the north-east.
Culture, Europe and External Affairs
We move to portfolio questions on culture, Europe and external affairs. I offer my apologies to members who have questions but whom I have been unable to call this afternoon.
Broadcasting (Meeting with Ofcom)
To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet Ofcom to discuss broadcasting. (S4O-03921)
I am due to meet Professor Philip Schlesinger, the Office of Communications content board member for Scotland, on Wednesday 28 January, and a meeting is currently being arranged with the chair of Ofcom at her request.
Given that the Scottish National Party is the third-largest political party in the United Kingdom, what does the cabinet secretary feel about Ofcom’s position with regard to preventing the SNP from appearing in the general election broadcasts that are currently being discussed? The SNP is being excluded, along with parties including Plaid Cymru and the Greens, but Ofcom appears to be proposing that the UK Independence Party, which is tiny in comparison with the SNP, may be given a position in those debates.
Ofcom does not regulate debates. I believe that Dave Thompson’s point is about consultation of the major parties. The SNP is now the third-largest party in terms of membership in the United Kingdom, and I think that the decision not to consult is both illogical and undemocratic.
I make it clear that, when I meet Ofcom, I will be doing so as the relevant cabinet secretary dealing with the SNP Government’s policy. The issues that Dave Thompson raises are quite rightly dealt with by the relevant party spokesperson.
Major Events (Promotion)
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote major events in Scotland. (S4O-03922)
This year, Scotland will play host to a fantastic programme of major events, which include the world gymnastics championships, International Paralympic Committee swimming and eventing, and European judo and orienteering championships, as well as the Davis cup, the open golf championship, the Turner prize and the MOBO—music of black origin—awards.
Having further enhanced our reputation as a world-leading events destination through the highly successful delivery of last year’s major events, the Scottish Government will continue to ensure that Scotland has a rich and sustainable programme of events that are promoted effectively at home and internationally.
With the aim of maximising economic impact, major events are promoted through VisitScotland’s international and domestic campaigns using a wide range of marketing channels, including social media, public relations, television advertising and direct mailing. Last year, the VisitScotland consumer website alone had approximately 14 million unique visitors.
The cabinet secretary mentioned the open golf championship, which is coming to St Andrews in July. What will the Scottish Government and its agencies do specifically to ensure that we maximise the economic opportunity for Fife that will result from that event, which will attract a worldwide audience of many millions, and to ensure that as many of those people as possible come to visit Fife in the years to come?
A range of activities, and not just that one event, are taking place in Murdo Fraser’s region—Mid Scotland and Fife—next year. He will recognise that I am not the minister who is responsible for tourism, but I am happy to ask the relevant minister—Fergus Ewing—to give Murdo Fraser an idea of how the Government is helping to support VisitScotland to ensure that people stay longer and spend more money in order to boost the economy and the benefits from the open golf championship
Creative Scotland (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Creative Scotland and what issues were discussed. (S4O-03923)
The Scottish Government and Creative Scotland have regular meetings at all levels covering a broad range of issues. Those include monthly formal update meetings through the sponsor team, and regular meetings about specific projects. I last met Janet Archer, the chief executive of Creative Scotland, last Thursday at the brilliant opening concert of Celtic Connections celebrating Martyn Bennett’s work. Last week, I announced the appointment of Richard Findlay as the new chair of Creative Scotland and I am sure that members will want to wish him well in his role.
The cabinet secretary will be aware of the evidence to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee this morning from the film industry, which raised concerns about Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. In March last year, Scottish Enterprise published a report backing a film studio, but we have heard nothing since. How would the cabinet secretary respond to concerns that there is a lack of vision and leadership for the film sector in Scotland, in contrast to the growing film sectors in Wales and Northern Ireland, and that we are missing out on significant productions?
The Government has provided significant support for the film and television industry. I point to the total figures for screen support from 2007 to 2013-14. We inherited a budget of £16.2 million for screen support in 2007, and that went to £21.6 million in 2013-14.
I absolutely share the focus and determination in relation to permanent film studio provision in Scotland. It is important not only to attract inward investment but to help the indigenous industry. Neil Bibby will be aware that several privately funded studio proposals are currently being consulted on and, while that is happening, it is difficult for the Scottish Government to provide public funding without breaking European Union state aid rules. He will undoubtedly be familiar with the situation in Spain, where there was significant clawback of public funding for a studio because it was seen not to comply with EU state aid rules.
Having said that, I am absolutely determined that we make progress and I look forward to discussing issues to do with the creative industries generally and, I suspect, film in particular with the relevant committee when I give evidence in the next few weeks.
Brief questions and answers would be appreciated.
In light of what the cabinet secretary just said, in 2013 the Scottish Government made the specific commitment to the film industry of a £2 million grant; why has that money not been spent?
I am sure that the member will examine the budget proposals: it was not a £2 million grant; it was a £2 million loan fund. It is for the private sector to decide whether to access the loan fund. Were there to be market failure, that funding could be used differently with the public sector. However, we have made that provision and it is available for film support.
Given the strength of feeling that the film industry expressed this morning, including claims that Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise are not fit for purpose, will the cabinet secretary hold an urgent meeting with Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to address the concerns?
I have yet to read the full Official Report of what was said this morning, but I have met and regularly meet a number of the people who gave evidence and I am familiar with some of the issues. There are some issues with how we balance the economic enterprise focus that Scottish Enterprise has and the lead role that Creative Scotland has in relation to the arts and screen. That is not a new issue—it is a long-standing one—but it must be resolved. I share Claire Baker’s point and the points that were made this morning that it should be resolved. I will take responsibility for achieving that.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Claire Baker refers to a continuing inquiry by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, which is to take evidence from Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise next week. It is inappropriate that she raises the subject in the chamber this afternoon.
Thank you for your point of order, Mr Robertson, but it is not a point of order. Members are free, by and large, to raise whatever issues they choose in the Parliament. That is what it is for.
Holocaust Memorial Day
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to recognise Holocaust memorial day and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2015. (S4O-03925)
The First Minister will attend the national Scottish holocaust memorial event 2015 in Ayr on 27 January to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The Scottish Government has financially supported the development of the 2015 event through a grant of £8,000 to Interfaith Scotland. I will attend the Glasgow schools holocaust memorial event and a holocaust memorial day reception in the Scottish Parliament.
Like all of us, the minister will have been appalled by the recent rise in anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom and Europe, which has led to acts of violence and indiscriminate murder. What will the Scottish Government do to help to counter anti-Semitism and ensure that Jews feel safe and welcome in Scotland?
I thank the member for that important question, and I absolutely share his concern about anti-Semitism and the horrific actions that took place in Paris, including those incidents that were specifically targeted at the Jewish community. All of us are united in our condemnation of those events and in our feelings of hurt about them. The Scottish Government values the important role that the Jewish community plays in enriching our lives in Scotland.
On the wider issue of hate crimes, it is important to say that hate crimes decreased between 2012-13 and 2013-14. However, between June 2014 and 20 January this year, there have been 57 reported incidents of anti-Semitism. That is, by this Government’s standard, 57 incidents too many.
The Scottish Government works closely with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and many other organisations to stamp out anti-Semitism. For example, the Scottish Government-funded speak up against hate crime programme will continue to reassure people in the Jewish community that we absolutely appreciate their contribution to Scotland and we will continue to work closely with them so that they feel safe here.
Budget Priorities 2015-16 (Culture, Europe and External Affairs)
To ask the Scottish Government what the budget priorities are in 2015-16 for the culture, Europe and external affairs portfolio. (S4O-03926)
The culture, Europe and external affairs portfolio budget has been prioritised to maintain delivery of front-line services, including free access to our national museums and galleries, to deliver key capital projects in the cultural and heritage sectors and to maximise our international profile.
The full explanation of 2015-16 budget priorities for the portfolio are set out in chapter 11 of the Scottish Government draft budget for 2015-16, which was published on 9 October 2014.
According to the Scottish Parliament information centre, the portfolio has gone from having 1 per cent of the total Scottish budget in 2010-11 to 0.8 per cent and now, in 2015-16, to 0.7 per cent. Why is that?
I am happy to provide further detail in writing after this question time. Some of the decrease is due to internal transfers between different areas in Government, such as the money that was earmarked for the years of homecoming and so on, which are precisely the areas that I have discussed with the Education and Culture Committee when I have given evidence to it this year and in previous years.
We have maintained our international development fund and have maintained the grants that Historic Scotland gives to provide for renovation, heritage and so on. We have protected our national companies and our national collections, and we have protected Creative Scotland. Actually, we have achieved a tremendous amount.
The member should reflect on the significant cuts that have been experienced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Arts Council England, which the Labour Party has said that it would maintain. If he talks to people in the culture sector in Scotland, he will see that they would far rather have a Scottish National Party Government protecting their cultural services here in Scotland, because the prospect of what is happening down south is distressing for the artistic and cultural community.
How many of the organisations that receive money from that ever-decreasing budget are living-wage employers?
In relation to not only this question but the next question, I would say that, as we go forward to the 2015-16 budget, there will be some increases in our budgets, with the Europe and external affairs budget rising to £17.9 million, culture rising from £150.6 million to £174.7 million and Historic Scotland rising from £37.8 million to £40.1 million.
I am happy to give the member information in relation to the organisations that she asks about. The ones that are part of the Government’s public pay policy pay the living wage. I was particularly pleased that National Museums Scotland Enterprises was one of the first organisations that is not part of the Scottish Government’s pay policy to implement the living wage for its staff.
Everybody knows that workers in all organisations in the Scottish Government’s pay policy benefit from the living wage and that those who earn less than £21,000 will benefit from an increase. That matters a lot in the culture and heritage sector, which has more people on low pay than other sectors.
Culture and Heritage and External Affairs Directorates (Staff)
To ask the Scottish Government how many of its staff work in the culture and heritage and external affairs directorates. (S4O-03927)
There are 50 people who work in the directorate for culture and heritage, which comes to a full-time equivalent of 47.4. There are 92 people who work in the directorate for external affairs, which comes to a full-time equivalent of 89.6.
Within the cabinet secretary’s wider portfolio, there are low-paid staff working in National Museums Scotland. Those who have been employed since 1 January 2011 now work in a two-tier workforce and receive up to £3,000 less than their colleagues who were there prior to that date. Will the cabinet secretary ditch the scripted rhetoric on low pay and actually do something to help some of the lowest-paid workers in her portfolio?
If the member had been listening to my answer to Anne McTaggart, he would realise that there have been more challenges in this portfolio than anywhere else. We have heard about the tightness of budgets but, despite that, many very dedicated people are working in our collections and in other areas of culture and heritage. The member will have seen the number of stewards at Historic Scotland properties.
We have ensured that they have a living wage, which was not provided when the Labour Party was in government. We have also ensured that those earning under £21,000 have got their uplift, too—a significant number of them operate in the sector. I have spoken to a number of trade union representatives and to the chair and chief executive officer of NMS. I want to see a resolution.
The member is misleading when he implies that people are receiving or have had pay cuts. Nobody has received a pay cut and nobody will receive a pay cut.
Iraq (International Development Support)
To ask the Scottish Government what international development support it is providing for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. (S4O-03928)
The Scottish Government’s international development fund currently focuses on providing support in seven priority countries. In addition, over the past two years we have responded to humanitarian emergencies in the Philippines, Gaza, Syria and west Africa. We have previously assisted in Iraq, with money that was confiscated from the Weir Group. We do not have plans to extend that in the current international development funding round.
We are, of course, closely monitoring the situation in Iraq, and we are very concerned about the plight of the people who have been affected by the on-going violence carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant—ISIL—against innocent civilians, which we condemn in the strongest possible manner.
The minister will know from meetings and correspondence with me that suggestions have been made about how the pharmaceutical sector could help to address the humanitarian crisis and about how Scottish Water could use its expertise in refugee camps, for instance. I wonder what formal contact the Scottish Government would consider making to the Kurdistan Regional Government to ascertain what specific, bespoke and added value could be brought to the international aid effort in Iraq and the wider region. Will the minister meet me to help to co-ordinate those efforts and to see what Scotland can do to play its part in addressing this international crisis?
I recognise the work that Bob Doris has done with the people of the Kurdish region. Since his last meeting with the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Alex Neil, officials have contacted the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, which told us that the industry generally works with International Health Partners to donate medicines to places in need. ABPI has contacted IHP and is still awaiting a response but, on the back of Mr Doris’s questions, I will certainly chase that up myself.
Regarding Scottish Water, the issue has been raised previously, and the Scottish Government contacted Scottish Water to see what work it could do with the region of Kurdistan. The appropriate details were passed on to the Kurdistan Regional Government, and it would be for the KRG to liaise directly with Scottish Water to determine whether or not some assistance can be given.
I am more than happy to meet the member and to meet representatives of the KRG—which we do on a regular basis.
Pròiseact nan Ealan (Funding)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland regarding long-term funding for the Gaelic arts agency, Pròiseact nan Ealan. (S4O-03929)
The Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages met the chief executive of Creative Scotland on 11 December 2014 and discussed Creative Scotland’s support for Gaelic projects and initiatives. In that discussion, the role and funding of Pròiseact nan Ealan was discussed. Ministers are aware of PNE’s strong record and are keen for it to continue and to be built on in the years ahead.
I recognise the cabinet secretary’s and the Scottish Government’s strong support for Gaelic to date. However, the decision by Creative Scotland not to award annual client funding is clearly disappointing, especially given that Bòrd na Gàidhlig submitted a letter in support of PNE’s application. PNE has now placed its staff under a protective notice of redundancy.
Given the cabinet secretary’s widely recognised support for the Gaelic language, she will appreciate the impact of the decision, so I ask her to ensure that Creative Scotland revisits the decision.
Creative Scotland has the role and responsibility to make its own decisions, and difficult decisions had to be made. We should remember that there were £212 million-worth of applications for an available budget of £100 million.
I reiterate that we want PNE to succeed in future. It did not previously have foundation funding; it had annual project funding, which it is still eligible for. I strongly recommend that it applies for project funding. My message is about as clear as I can possibly make it about my confidence in the organisation’s ability to succeed.