SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Highlands and Islands Transport Authority
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made towards the establishment of a Highlands and Islands transport authority. (S1O-3163)
The Deloitte & Touche study published on 13 March concluded that there was insufficient support in the region for the establishment of a Highlands and Islands integrated transport authority at present. However, the Executive believes that an authority should remain a real option for the future. We will work with partner authorities to explore the matter further. In the meantime, we recognise that the status quo is no longer acceptable and have identified short-term actions to improve transport provision in the region.
Does the minister agree that the transport problems of the Highlands and Islands can be addressed fully only through a transport authority, a policy that the Labour party has promoted for many years? I recently visited Shetland, where there are real concerns about whether there will be an authority. Will the minister take on board those concerns and ensure that the momentum for an authority is not lost? Will she bring an update report to the Parliament before the end of the year?
I assure the member that we are very aware of the sensitivities in different parts of the Highlands and Islands. That is why I agreed with Shetland Islands Council's suggestion on exploring a strategic relationship with the future transport authority. All the authorities in the region want a full relationship in that regard. We need to consider the exact details and scope of the authority's work and, as Rhoda Grant suggested, we must ensure that the momentum is kept up. I give the commitment that we will consider the issue further with a view to progressing it and we will bring a report to the Parliament for future consideration.
Does the minister recognise that the most recent report on this matter identified serious problems for transport in the Highlands and Islands, not least the fact that the area has 36 per cent of the trunk roads yet receives only 20 per cent of trunk road funding? Will she recognise the massive disappointment that many people in the Highlands and Islands feel about the fact that, despite the report's recognition that the way to the future and to better provision of services is through joined-up transport authorities, she remains unable in principle to give a commitment to set up those authorities?
I very much disagree. The whole point of the survey was to bring together the interested parties. We are establishing the Highlands and Islands transport authority. That is a serious business and we need to do it properly. We need to ensure that we put in place the funding mechanisms and we need to consider the implications that an authority will have for the Executive, as we provide many of the lifeline services for people in the Highlands and Islands. That is why I gave a strong commitment, which was warmly received by the Highlands and Islands transport forum, to continue to work with other agencies. Together, we intend to move forward and to consider the real possibility of a transport authority for the Highlands and Islands.
The minister will be aware of the great disappointment in Argyll and Bute and throughout the Highlands about the Deloitte & Touche report that was published a couple of weeks ago.
A question, please.
I welcome the minister's commitment to make further progress.
Question.
I hope that the minister is still aware of the bid by all the agencies in Oban for a prospective Highlands and Islands transport authority to be located there. I hope that she will keep that in mind.
I think that there was a question there somewhere.
I think that the question was on whether I was aware that people in Oban are keen for the town to be the future location of such an authority. I am happy to inform the member that I am well aware of the case, which was put to me strongly when I visited Oban recently. I am also aware of the keen interest that has been expressed in Inverness and Stornoway—
And Wick.
—and now Wick.
Foot-and-mouth Disease (Rural Businesses)
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is considering that will help tourism and rural businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. (S1O-3154)
We are working with the public agencies and with colleagues in UK Government departments to identify urgently what measures need to be put in place. Those measures include targeted marketing campaigns by visitscotland both in the UK and overseas. UK ministers have directed the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise to take a very sympathetic approach to businesses of all sorts that are experiencing financial problems, and to show maximum flexibility in the deferment of payment of taxes and national insurance contributions. The Department of Social Security is, likewise, showing maximum flexibility in relation to jobseekers allowance.
Although I am grateful for that answer, is the minister aware of the depths of the financial crisis that faces businesses in Dumfries and, increasingly, in other parts of Scotland, such as Lochaber and Badenoch and Strathspey, where businesses face bankruptcy and financial ruin? Does she agree that the package that she has announced—although it was long—contains no specific pledge of any money whatever? Will she please think again on the basis that the package is, quite simply, inadequate?
I gave a commitment to a specialist tourism recovery plan that would make specific provision for Dumfries and Galloway, which has been so seriously affected by recent events. My colleague Ross Finnie—who is leading on our behalf the efforts that are being made—has put in place the economic impact assessment working group, which is working daily on the impact that the crisis is having in rural Scotland. A number of ministers have visited Dumfries and Galloway and I will visit the area in the next few days to see how the situation is developing. There is a huge amount of activity going on and we look for the support of Opposition parties in dealing with this unprecedented crisis in rural Scotland.
Further to the answer that the minister gave to Fergus Ewing, will she say what resources—additional to current resources—she has given to the local enterprise companies? What resources has she given to the area tourist boards to assist businesses to get out of the mess that they are in?
I talked about the crucial first steps that have been taken on the deferment of tax payments. On the additional resources that will be required through the enterprise network and visitscotland, the candid answer is that it is not possible to specify at this stage the extent of the additional resources that will become necessary as the crisis unfolds. I can give an assurance on behalf of the enterprise networks that they are committed to giving extra resources to the areas that are worst affected. The Scottish Executive is also committed to providing additional resources to visitscotland. Those resources will be targeted particularly at the recovery plan that will be needed.
Will the minister advise me whether the Scottish Executive or the UK Government have examined the possibility of lottery funding being used for short-term assistance to visitor attractions that might close permanently if they are not given assistance soon?
As part of the totality of the recovery plan that will be needed for the tourism industry, we are looking at every possible source for the finance that will be necessary. That will perhaps include looking at lottery funding.
The minister has given a full and fair account of the measures that are being proposed and I endorse much of what she has said. In view of the losses that are being incurred throughout the country by tourism-related industries—about which we have heard quite a bit—does the Scottish Executive have any plans to allocate additional funding to the promotion of tourism in the Highlands, and particularly in the Borders?
There is no doubt that the recovery plan that will be needed and that will have additional resources associated with it will need to be targeted at the areas that are worst affected by the current crisis.
Local Authority Staff (Pensions)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether council employees transferring from Argyll and Bute and Highland Councils to BEAR Scotland Ltd will receive pension benefits comparable to those that they held with the councils. (S1O-3171)
As the First Minister said on 15 March in response to Bruce Crawford,
I thank the minister for her reply but ask why she has refused to reply to the numerous letters on this subject that she has received from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities transport spokesman and the convener of the Highland Council. Why did the Scottish Executive not follow the UK Cabinet Office guidelines, which state that when contracts are transferred pensions should be "broadly comparable"? Why did the Executive not place an obligation on BEAR to provide comparable pensions for loyal council workers who have spent their lives making our roads safe?
It is important to say that I have received a number of representations on this issue, not just from COSLA but from the trade unions that are involved in the transfers. I have given a commitment to look at the issue carefully and explore our legal entitlements and obligations. I am actively considering the issue and will respond to members and the outside representations that I have received once we have a final answer.
Jamie McGrigor referred to the Cabinet Office guidelines. Is the minister aware of what paragraph 14 of annexe 4 of the guidelines states? It says:
As Bruce Crawford well knows from his previous career in Perth and Kinross Council, dealing with employment issues and legal provisions is complex, and we have to act within the law. The Cabinet Office statement of practice does not explicitly address the circumstances that apply in this case, which are that the contracting authority—the Executive—did not seek to transfer any of its staff to a new employer and that staff transfers were not involved when the contracts were first placed. I was advised that, for that reason, there were legal and practical difficulties in imposing the contract conditions to which the member refers. The legacy of the drafting of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations is that pensions are not covered by the regulation. That is a matter of regret to many of us, but that is the statutory position.
Has the minister received any feedback from local authorities on whether local authority road staff are likely to be made redundant following the issue of the roads maintenance contracts?
We are not yet in a position to say how many people will transfer under TUPE and how many may be made redundant. The early indication is that the number of redundancies is not likely to approach the figure of 3,500 that was mentioned in the chamber. Of course, any redundancies would be a matter of regret.
I have a feeling that that question and answer were out of order, but never mind.
Higher Education (Funding)
To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council consultation paper on teaching funding, in particular in relation to the impact of SHEFC's proposals on the funding of higher education art, design and architecture courses. (S1O-3180)
The current consultation is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and the sector. However, we will want to assure ourselves that the final proposals minimise disruption in the sector and deliver the Scottish Executive's priorities.
The minister will be aware that Glasgow School of Art, in my constituency, has an international reputation, which may be at stake if its assumption is correct that the proposals would mean a reduction of 14 per cent in teaching grant. Although I welcome some of the changes, such as those relating to premium funding, which will increase the number of disabled students, I remain concerned about the impact on Glasgow School of Art. What measures does the Executive propose to take to address those primary concerns?
In recognition of the fact that changes could have a particular impact on small institutions, I am delighted to confirm that, at SHEFC's meeting in March, the council agreed to designate both Glasgow School of Art and Edinburgh College of Art as small specialist institutions. Therefore, those institutions will be eligible for additional funding that might be required to recognise their situation. That is consistent with efficient management.
The minister will be aware of the evidence taken by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee yesterday on the SHEFC review of teaching and research funding. Does she share the concern expressed by Universities Scotland that the proposals are not based on evidence? Does she accept as significant the opinion offered by Universities Scotland that implementation of the proposals should be deferred until full consideration can be given to them and consultation conducted on them, given that the deadline is 31 March?
I am hopeful that we can make progress and reach agreement. Therefore, I am pleased to note that SHEFC and Universities Scotland have agreed to hold joint meetings to discuss the way forward and to consider the follow-up to the consultation. I have no doubt that some of the general anxieties that surround this issue will be alleviated by SHEFC's announcement today of the best settlement for almost 20 years for the funding of universities in Scotland.
Employment Opportunities (Women)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve employment opportunities for women in the light of the gender differences highlighted in the Equal Opportunities Commission report, "Just Pay: Making Work Pay for Women". (S1O-3150)
With a range of key partners, the Scottish Executive launched its close the gap initiative on 8 March. That initiative aims to raise awareness of the pay gap between men and women and to promote good practice to address that issue.
Is the minister aware that Aberdeen has the widest gender pay gap in Europe, at about 31 per cent? It is likely that the gap is partly due to the concentration in the oil industry of engineering and technical jobs, which, traditionally, few women have taken up. Does she agree that much more needs to be done to break down job segregation on the ground of gender, which will involve a lot of work with industry and schools?
I find it hard to disagree with anything that Elaine Thomson said. We are aware of the geographical and sectoral variations in the gender pay gap. She is right to highlight the specific problems in Aberdeen. We must widen employment opportunities for women, and I am keen to take her comments on board. I should point out that Scottish Enterprise Grampian will launch its women into the network programme on 18 April.
Does the minister agree that one problem is that women are not encouraged to take up careers that are not thought of as being for women, in areas such as science, technology and engineering? The oil industry is short of properly trained people and, unless we encourage women into engineering, we will create problems for ourselves in the future.
I will take it that Maureen Macmillan asked a question.
There was a question at the beginning.
We must challenge the stereotyping of jobs, and our support for learndirect Scotland and careers Scotland will widen opportunities and choice for women.
I remind members that the standing orders require questions, not statements.
Foot-and-mouth Disease (Disease Surveillance)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review disease surveillance arrangements in Scotland in the light of the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. (S1O-3164)
A thorough review of all aspects of the outbreak will be undertaken once the disease has been eliminated.
The minister will be aware that, last night, Professor Anderson, who is an eminent adviser to the Government on foot-and-mouth disease, linked the present epidemic to the rundown by successive Governments of veterinarians, veterinary laboratories and veterinary services. Professor Anderson said:
That was a neat way of linking two quite unrelated subjects.
I recognise the need for surveillance to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, but is it absolutely necessary for private landowners to stop public access to land that may be hundreds of miles away from the nearest outbreak? Public bodies such as the Forestry Commission, Historic Scotland, the National Trust and British Waterways seem to be following suit. Some overseas tourists are afraid to come here because they perceive Scotland as akin almost to a leper colony. Will the Scottish Executive ensure that surveillance leads to the communication of adequate and accurate information to enable responsible access to the countryside, so that tourists are not unnecessarily deterred from coming to Scotland?
If the purpose of Dennis Canavan's question was to stop people being deterred, I have to say that his use of the words "leper colony" was not exactly helpful.
Local Government (Arm's-length Companies)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance to local authorities on their continuing responsibility for, and relationships with, arm's-length companies that are wholly or partially owned by local authorities. (S1O-3143)
We have no plans at present to add to the guidance on that subject, but we are consulting on local authority trading matters.
I am glad to hear that consultation is taking place. Does the minister agree that new Labour Executives at national, UK and local government level have to accept ultimate responsibility for publicly owned assets or facilities? When he is in discussions with local authorities, will he consider whether more attention should be paid to how arm's-length companies work? He should look at the position in Edinburgh, which exemplifies the problem.
You must ask a question.
The senior councillor who is the executive member for recreation has said that he is unable to give any answers about what the arm's-length company Edinburgh Leisure does. The councillor who is the executive member for economic development has refused to discuss public appointments.
Order.
Will the minister look at how the City of Edinburgh Council operates its arm's-length companies?
All local authorities receive guidance from the Accounts Commission for Scotland on how to regulate their relationship with arm's-length companies, trusts and other organisations that the local authorities have decided are best fitted to deliver their public services. Those matters are for councils, which are accountable to their local electorates and may act within the powers that they have; they are not matters for the Parliament or for ministers. I am sorry that SNP members continually come to the chamber to undermine the authority of councils in their territory.
What does the minister intend to do to improve the transparency of arm's-length companies? He is right in saying—
Let us have a question.
With due respect, the question is about the arm's-length companies and what the Executive intends to do about them.
He may be, but you are not. I am sorry, Mr Gorrie, but you must stick to a question.
What is the minister going to do to make the untransparent things transparent? That is a straight question.
Absolutely.
As I indicated, local authorities receive guidance from the Accounts Commission on what the relationships ought to be and on what ought to govern them. The guidance specifically sets out what councils should consider in forming such relationships. However, it is ultimately for the councils themselves to decide how to handle those relationships; they are accountable to their electorates for those decisions.
Judiciary
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the judiciary is more representative of the communities it serves. (S1O-3169)
As I announced in a written answer to the Parliament on 14 March, we will set up an independent judicial appointments board that will recommend names to the First Minister for appointments of judges and sheriffs. Merit will be the criterion on which judges and sheriffs are appointed, but part of the purpose of the board—particularly the lay membership—will be to ensure that the people whom it recommends understand the communities that they serve.
Does the minister agree that the project of making the judiciary more representative of Scottish society cannot be a mere numbers game? Does he accept that appointments must not be made as an exercise that results in unrepresentative tokenism? Does he accept that the process of change should not result in a broadening of the establishment at the expense of the depth of the representation within it?
I reaffirm that merit will be the overriding criterion. I do not want to pre-empt the work of the board, but I am aware of work in other jurisdictions where similar boards encourage applications from a wide range of people from within the legal profession. What the Executive is doing to widen access to higher education also ought to allow more people, in due course, to aspire to become judges and sheriffs.
Will an age limit be imposed on newly appointed judges? If so, what will that age limit be, given that justices of the peace who are more than 70 years of age are no longer allowed to preside in courts?
There is a statutory retirement age for judges. I do not want to fetter the board, but I will say that it might be odd to appoint someone with only a few months to go. However, I reassure Mr Young that there is a statutory retirement age for judges.
Question 9 is from Cathy Jamieson.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The minister did not answer the question.
With respect, that is not a point of order. I call Cathy Jamieson.
But what is the age?
Unemployment (East Ayrshire)
Thank you, Presiding Officer. I will attempt to be more courteous.
The Scottish Executive is very conscious of the particular problems of areas such as East Ayrshire. In recognition of that, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire has been awarded an additional £4.7 million over the past two years to implement its Ayrshire strategy for jobs. East Ayrshire has also been designated as an action area for jobs. Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is working in areas such as Muirkirk, Logan and Craigens, all of which, I believe, are in Cumnock in the member's constituency.
I welcome the overall drop in unemployment and the actions that have been taken, but are there additional plans to ensure that the work that has been started in the areas that have suffered most in terms of job losses continues and that there are sustainable jobs for those vulnerable communities?
In the recent budget, it was announced that we will extend for a further three years the funding for the action areas for jobs that I have just mentioned. The policy is resulting in a fall in unemployment in East Ayrshire at three times the rate in the rest of Scotland.
Will the minister explain why last year the Government removed access to regional selective assistance from much of the Cumnock and Doon Valley area of East Ayrshire, where economic activity rates are especially low? Will she revisit that perverse decision in light of the fact that the number of jobs in East Ayrshire has decreased by 18 per cent over the past decade?
I have just mentioned that unemployment in East Ayrshire is falling at three times the rate in the rest of Scotland. As for assisted area status, under the new European rules, the coverage for the rest of Scotland is something like 48 per cent—less than half—whereas I am happy to recognise that 80 per cent of the population of East Ayrshire is covered by access to assisted area status.
Water Rates
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the decision to remove water rates relief for voluntary and charitable organisations. (S1O-3151)
The Executive has no plans to review the decision made by the water authorities.
Is the minister aware that the decision will cost Scotland's voluntary and charitable organisations tens of millions of pounds? Those organisations are campaigning to persuade the Scottish Executive to have a change of heart. Voluntary Service Aberdeen wrote to me last week saying that its bill will increase from £9,462 to £87,243 if the relief is removed, which is a 900 per cent increase.
A question please, Mr Lochhead.
That body runs schools for children who have special educational needs, residential homes and carer centres.
We must have a question.
Now that we seem to have a new minister for the water industry, will he adopt a new approach to the issue and revisit it as a matter of priority?
My difficulty, of which Mr Lochhead is aware, is that the water authorities are applying the law, which states that the water authorities shall endeavour to ensure
Will the minister clarify whether Sam Galbraith's recent promise to the Transport and the Environment Committee that the water authorities will provide free installation of meters to charities will be extended to other voluntary organisations? The minister has just said that free meters will be provided to all voluntary organisations. Some clarity is required. Will he make it clear whether that offer applies to organisations that are genuinely voluntary organisations but that are not necessarily registered charities?
As I understand it, the offer applies to all affected organisations.
Urban Regeneration
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to regenerate urban Scotland. (S1O-3148)
We have a wide range of programmes to regenerate urban areas. They include the social inclusion partnerships programme, the better neighbourhood services fund and the physical and economic regeneration activities carried out by agencies such as Scottish Homes and the Scottish Enterprise network.
Can the minister advise on the discussions that her department has recently been involved in regarding the establishment of a land renewal programme for Glasgow, which has been under consideration for five years, and whether we are any nearer to a positive decision?
My predecessor, Wendy Alexander, would be more than happy to confirm that announcement. The interests of Glasgow are very much at the top of the agenda in our department. I am happy to pursue these issues with Glasgow. Land issues are significant and we are in discussions with Glasgow about how we develop brown sites. We intend to take that seriously.
Does the minister agree that the participation of local people in SIPs is vital and that community development workers play a key role in that participation?
Absolutely. As a former community development worker, I should declare an interest. They make a significant contribution to the development of local participation. At the heart of the SIP programme is a commitment to community participation. The voice of local people is crucial if we are to get right our policies on poverty and urban regeneration.
Following this morning's debate and the recommendations in the report on drug misuse in deprived communities produced by the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee, which the minister convened, will the minister do her utmost to fulfil the recommendation that SIPs should work closely with drug action teams in respect of the resources that SIPs get specifically to tackle drug misuse?
I am happy to give that commitment. I see the importance of close relationships between SIPs and DATs. We still want to encourage local activity on the part of SIPs, because they are beginning to engage in progressive work, much of which is still to be developed. There is a place for independent intervention on the part of SIPs, but partnership is the answer, and we need to encourage it.
Renewable Energy
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that Scotland benefits from the announcement on 6 March 2001 by the Prime Minister of additional funding for renewable energy projects and, in particular, whether it will set a higher target for the Scottish renewables obligation. (S1O-3155)
The allocation of the extra £100 million for renewable energy that the Prime Minister announced will be the subject of a report, which is expected this autumn, by the UK Government's performance and innovation unit. I will stay in touch with the Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry on the matter. The target for the renewables obligation was one of many issues that a recent consultation covered. I will make final decisions on the issues in the light of the responses that are received and an announcement will be made in due course.
I thank the minister for his answer. Does he accept that a target of 18 per cent from renewables by 2010 is not very ambitious, given that when large hydro and other already approved schemes are taken out, the real increase is only about 5 per cent? Given that European assistance may be available to boost renewable energy—Mario Monti, the competition commissioner, has backed the principle of very generous terms for state aid—will the Executive pursue European Union assistance and a share of Mr Blair's £100 million with some vigour, to achieve more investment in renewable energy and to raise our target?
I acknowledge that a significant number of representations about the target have been made. A target of 18 per cent is exactly that. We may reach it, or we may exceed it. I will be happy to discuss what Nora Radcliffe said about Mario Monti with officials and to have further discussions with Nora Radcliffe.
The extra money is welcome, but does the minister agree that we must continue to pursue the way in which the renovation of hydro is treated, as at present it attracts no resources from the SRO? Our existing hydro benefits the Scottish environment, but money and hydro will be lost as a result of its treatment under the new rules.
To be brief, I agree with everything Andy Kerr said.
Opencast Mines
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure public safety in and around existing and former opencast mines and quarries. (S1O-3149)
A robust planning policy framework and a range of other regulations govern operations in and around such sites.
I am grateful for that answer. Will the minister undertake to investigate the serious concerns of residents from Croy and Kilsyth in my constituency, where houses and play parks near working and disused quarries go largely unprotected? [Members: "Constituency?"] Locals are worried about child safety near open drops of up to 100ft. Will the minister examine that issue and how those areas might be protected?
I am aware that Cathie Craigie has a strong interest in that issue as the local constituency MSP. I give a commitment that the issue will be taken up by North Lanarkshire Council as part of the operation and management of local mines. As the member will be aware, mines are dangerous places. That is why we have planning guidelines and health and safety regulations, which guide the operation and management of sites. If the member wants to write down a particular question, I will be happy to respond in writing.
St Vigeans School
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement with regard to the possible closure of St Vigeans school near Arbroath. (S1O-3162)
The Scottish Executive will advise Angus Council of our decision on its closure proposal as soon as we have fully considered the proposal. At present, it is not possible to say when that might be. We appreciate that the authority, the parents and the pupils will be anxious to hear the outcome at the earliest date.
If further considerations remain, will the minister undertake to ensure that the views of parents of pupils at that small local school will be given the utmost consideration before any formal decision is made?
The views of parents will be a key consideration in our review of the closure proposal and the recommendations that we expect to receive soon from civil servants.
Single European Currency
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11460 by Susan Deacon on 6 December 2000, why guidance was given to health boards and trusts on how to plan for entry into a single European currency and which other public bodies have been given similar guidance. (S1O-3139)
As part of the Government's prepare-and-decide policy, national health service Scotland bodies were asked to undertake a measure of pre-planning for possible UK entry to the single currency.
As there is no intention at present to join the euro, can the minister go a little bit further and detail the costs and man hours that were incurred?
The people who were involved would have been finance and information technology staff. The amount of work that they did would have been just a few days. The cost for the whole of the United Kingdom for all services is £10 million, so, clearly, the cost to one service in Scotland is infinitesimal. It is sad that the Conservative party has nothing to say in the forthcoming general election, except a deplorable European policy. [Applause.]
Order.
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