Justice and the Law Officers
Good afternoon, everyone. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions. In order to get in as many people as possible, I would be grateful for short and succinct questions and answers.
Licensing (Smartphone Booking Systems for Transport)
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the community safety aspects of the licensing of smartphone booking systems for transport services. (S4O-04214)
Although there are potential benefits to the use of smartphone applications, it is essential that the enforcement of legislation remains fit for purpose to ensure that people are kept safe. Recent developments, including those covered by evidence taken by the Local Government and Regeneration Committee in relation to the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, have further highlighted the need for review.
The Scottish Government expects every operator to work within the confines of the existing licensing regime, and it expects all drivers and vehicles to be licensed. Anyone acting as an unlicensed driver or operating outwith the relevant booking office licence will be committing an offence and could be liable for prosecution by the Crown.
I understand that companies such as the American-based Uber are currently applying for licences for such operations in Edinburgh and Glasgow, which potentially means a financial loss to the taxi and private-hire car trade and, in turn, to local authorities via licence fees for drivers and cars, should those services be introduced in Scotland. There are also the safety aspects of having drivers and cars that will not be regulated or scrutinised in the same manner as traditional taxi services. Can the cabinet secretary advise what the Scottish Government can do to ensure both the safety of passengers and the protection of jobs in the taxi trade?
The member raises an important point. We in the Government expect every operator to work within the confines of the existing regime. Along with the relevant stakeholders, we are reviewing the current legislation to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
We are aware of the concerns around the growth of mobile phone apps such as those run by Uber. We recently held an informal meeting with representatives of the trade, Police Scotland and local authorities as well as relevant academics to discuss the issue and to explore what options could be taken.
Although the taxi and private-hire car provisions in the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill do not specifically address the technological developments to which the member refers, the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides considerable scope for secondary legislation to address such issues. We have the ability to provide local authorities with clarification on issues such as best practice in this area.
I can assure the member that we are aware of some of the concerns around the use of such apps and organisations such as Uber. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to ascertain the best approach to address the matter under the 1982 act.
Parental Custody Disputes (Fathers’ Rights)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that more could be done to improve the legal rights of fathers in relation to parental custody disputes. (S4O-04215)
We would not propose any change to the law in the area of residence or contact provisions at this time.
The key principle in Scots law is that the welfare of the child is paramount, and the Government is carrying out work in a number of relevant areas. For example, we have chaired a working group on child welfare reporters and we are working to refresh the parenting agreement for Scotland, which can help separating parents to agree on future arrangements for their children.
I thank the minister for his reply, but does he accept that, when one parent has care and does not comply with a contact order, it is often too expensive for the non-resident parent to return to court?
I will explain what we try to do. Mr Mason will appreciate that, unlike the Administration south of the border, we maintain that legal aid is open to use for family cases. We try to ensure that people have access to the law to protect their interests. There are groups that can help individuals who need advice about what their options are for seeking contact with their children. I would be happy to meet Mr Mason, if he would find it helpful, to explain what more we can do to help.
Employment Issues (Justice Sector)
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with trade unions regarding employment-related issues in the justice sector. (S4O-04216)
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring positive engagement with trade unions across the range of sectors, including the justice sector. The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs and I regularly meet trade unions that represent police staff and the fire brigade.
In addition, I have also met unions that represent prison officers and prison governors to discuss matters of concern to them and to their members. As members will be aware, employment issues for staff are a matter for the relevant organisation in discussion with their respective unions. The Scottish Government does not engage directly in those negotiations.
I recently met the Community trade union, which raised specific concerns about issues that are faced by private sector employees who deliver justice and custodial services. I am sure that the cabinet secretary will agree that such staff have a key role in acting on behalf of the Scottish public. They have a difficult job and, while the environment is similar to that in the public sector, the mechanisms that are available to private sector staff can often be different.
Community has raised concerns about the effect that staffing numbers might be having on the personal safety and security of their members. Will the minister agree to meet Community representatives to hear at first hand about the excellent job that its members do and the issues that they face every day?
I am aware of the excellent job that such members of staff do within our private prison estate and the custody transfer services that are provided by private contractors. I am always open to engaging with trade union representatives. I also expect employer organisations to engage purposefully and meaningfully with trade union representation.
If Community has specific concerns about matters relating to the operation of contracts that are managed through the Scottish Prison Service, I expect it to engage directly with the SPS to raise those concerns. I am always open to engaging with trade union representatives and, if they wish to make representations to me, I am more than happy to consider them.
Has there been any recent dialogue between the Scottish Government and representatives of rank-and-file police officers? If so, what has been discussed?
I regularly meet the staff associations that represent police officers to discuss a range of different matters that affect its members. I met representatives from the Scottish Police Federation on 17 February and representatives from the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents on 12 March.
Police officers’ terms and conditions were discussed and the police negotiating board has taken forward some issues. The member will also be aware—and I am very proud of it—that, unlike the Westminster Government, we have retained independent national collective bargaining for police officers in Scotland.
I also met representatives from the Prison Officers Association on 18 December. That was an introductory meeting to discuss a range of issues that affect prison officers within the SPS estate.
Does the minister share my disgust at the disgraceful way in which Scottish Government contractors G4S have treated their guards, with some even being handed redundancy notices while they are handcuffed to prisoners? Will the cabinet secretary review that contract?
The member will be aware that the contract was set up when the previous Government privatised that particular aspect of the service and we have inherited the situation. I understand that the SPS, which is engaged with G4S on the issue, is in dialogue about how G4S has handled some of the issues. The member will recognise that some of the difficulties with the contract are the responsibility of his own party colleagues.
New Psychoactive Substances
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in tackling new psychoactive substances. (S4O-04217)
First, I thank Graeme Dey for his continued interest in this issue and for the work that he has done at the local level to tackle the problem with these substances.
In my statement to the chamber on 26 February, I set out the range of activities that the Government is leading and funding. I am pleased to confirm that progress is being made on all fronts, including the commissioning of research, the development of an agreed definition of NPS, and the development of details of a centre for excellence in forensics and guidance for trading standards and local authorities.
Officials are in close contact with the Home Office in respect of the work that is required to bring those substances under legal control, and we look to engage on the issue with our counterparts as soon as possible following the Westminster election. I have also written to invite the leaders of each group in the Scottish Parliament to nominate a colleague from each party to participate in a ministerial cross-party group to build on the encouraging political consensus in Scotland on tackling these dangerous substances.
I am sure that, like me, the minister will welcome the recent action that has been taken by the United Kingdom Government to introduce a 12-month ban on five different compounds—at least one of which, I understand, features in up to 60 per cent of the NPS trafficked in Scotland—while the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs decides whether permanent control measures should be put in place.
How will the Scottish Government, working with partners such as Police Scotland, raise awareness of the penalties that are now faced by anyone who is caught making, supplying or importing those drugs, and how will it enforce the ban?
I welcome the temporary banning order on the substances. Graeme Dey is right to say that the substances are now controlled under the terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. If any intelligence is received that they are being sold, the police will deal with the sellers as they would deal with those selling any other controlled drug.
Police Scotland has hand delivered letters to premises that are potentially selling the substances. The letter makes owners aware of the banning order and that a conviction for selling the substances could lead to up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Is the minister aware that there are an estimated 14 head shops selling NPS in Edinburgh? The scale of the problem in other parts of the country is less clear. Can he confirm the number of head shops across the country? If not, can he say what action is being taken to collect that data and to measure the sale of the substances, in an effort to properly assess the full extent of the problem and to establish a statutory strategy for dealing with the increasingly worrying problem?
I agree with Margaret Mitchell that we face a big challenge in understanding the full extent of NPS use in Scotland. Clearly, investigating what the statistics show is one of the key tasks that we will, I hope, take forward in the ministerial cross-party group.
Margaret Mitchell is quite right to highlight the number of head shops. Indications are varied with regard to the numbers. I have heard estimates that there are more than 40 in Scotland, although that might not capture all the NPS-selling activity, as some new psychoactive substances are sold through shops that are not necessarily identified as head shops.
We will try to get a clearer picture on the scale of the problem at a national level, and I give an assurance to Margaret Mitchell that I will keep her informed of progress in that area.
The minister will be aware that I have received a petition from several thousand concerned people in Forfar who do not want another head shop in their town. Will the minister agree to meet me so that I can talk through these issues with him and we can see what we can do?
Certainly. We are supportive of the excellent efforts to deal with NPS in the member’s local area and have previously commended authorities in Angus for their work. I would be happy to arrange a meeting with Nigel Don to discuss the position and the concerns of the community.
Reconviction Rates (Drug Treatment and Testing Orders)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to reduce reconviction rates among offenders given drug treatment and testing orders. (S4O-04218)
Drug treatment and testing orders are a high-tariff disposal that is aimed at individuals with entrenched drug misuse problems who offend as a result of their addiction and would otherwise face a custodial sentence.
The Scottish Government recognises that DTTOs have the highest reconviction rate of all court disposals. Over the past decade, there has been consistent progress in reducing the figures. Since 2002-03, the overall reconviction rate has fallen by nearly 18 per cent, from 75 to 62 per 100.
The Scottish Government will continue to work with delivery partners to ensure that DTTOs are targeted on the most suitable offenders who will best benefit from the intensive demands of that regime.
The minister will be aware that recently published figures confirm that almost two thirds of such offenders reoffend within a year. That is an upwards trend, and the situation serves neither justice nor the offender. Does the minister agree that that is profoundly unsatisfactory, and is he prepared to instruct a review of how such offenders can be given more effective disposals on conviction?
The figure of two thirds that Annabel Goldie quoted is in line with the figure that I outlined in my first answer. However, as I indicated, there has been a reduction since 2002-03.
Turning to the more substantial point that Annabel Goldie raised, we keep these matters under review. An evaluation of the period from 2002 to 2004 found that DTTOs have a positive and dramatic impact on drug use and offending, which is sustained for at least six months after the end of an order. We are also looking at the importance of the DTTO2 variant, which mainly impacts on women and children and seems to have had some success in terms of dealing with reoffending behaviour.
I am happy to deal with the matter in correspondence with Annabel Goldie if there is any specific detail that she is looking for to help inform her work.
Question 6, in the name of Gavin Brown, has been withdrawn for understandable reasons.
Drug Abuse (Offenders)
To ask the Scottish Government how it assists offenders in tackling drug abuse problems. (S4O-04220)
All offenders receive a healthcare assessment at their reception point in prison. The assessment includes questions on substance misuse. Those who are identified as having a drugs issue and test positive for drugs are offered a continuation of any community-based opiate replacement therapy or are prescribed treatment. Prisoners are offered the opportunity to engage with addiction services while in prison, where they can access harm-reduction information, brief interventions for drugs misuse and assessment by an addictions caseworker, which includes onward referral on release.
The national prisoner healthcare network’s substance misuse workstream is currently finalising a report with recommendations to ensure a consistent approach to the management of substance misuse in the prisoner population, based on the recovery-oriented care model. The report is due to be published in September this year.
I was going to ask a supplementary question about drug treatment and testing orders but Annabel Goldie pre-empted me. Perhaps it is a question of great minds thinking alike—or perhaps not.
DTTOs appear to be having some impact on reducing reconviction rates. How will the minister build on that? Can he bring other measures into play to help to reduce reconviction?
Absolutely. Adam Ingram raises an important point. A process evaluation that was published in July 2010 suggested that the DTTO2 is particularly effective in targeting women offenders, as I said in my response to Annabel Goldie.
A further internal evaluation of the pilot scheme in late 2014 found that the service continues to achieve its aims of reaching lower-tariff offenders and effectively targeting women and young people, who are more likely to complete a DTTO2 than a full DTTO. That disposal continues to enjoy overwhelming support from sentencers and is associated with reductions in recidivism.
There are clearly other measures outside the conventional DTTO, which is perhaps more onerous for some people to comply with. We will continue to keep under review the range of measures that we have to help to reduce reoffending. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice is particularly keen to tackle the issue.
Antisocial Behaviour (Glasgow Provan)
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to tackle antisocial behaviour in Glasgow Provan. (S4O-04221)
The Scottish Government is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour to improve the lives of all our communities.
I am pleased to inform Paul Martin that the multi-agency tasking and co-ordinating process that has been developed by partners including Police Scotland, Community Safety Glasgow, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the British Transport Police has led to combined year-on-year reductions in antisocial behaviour across the Provan area as a whole.
Partnership working is central to tackling antisocial behaviour robustly and meaningfully. The collaborative work between Police Scotland, housing associations and Community Safety Glasgow has targeted the issues surrounding gang fighting between rival groups in the traditional schemes, as those behaviours have been a blight on the area for decades.
The importance of that work cannot be underestimated and we must continue to drive it forward. That is why I am pleased to confirm that the multi-agency tasking and co-ordinating process is being reviewed to bring on board more partner agencies and ensure that the good work that has been achieved can be sustained and built upon in the longer term.
A great deal of positive work has been done to tackle gang fighting in Glasgow. Despite some of the publicity in respect of Easterhouse, positive things are going on in that part of my constituency. However, it is still considered to be the case that antisocial behaviour has been underreported, which is related to the fact that a cost is still associated with calling the 101 service.
Does the minister agree that there should be no cost to anyone, no matter which mobile operator they deal with, when they make a call to the 101 service? Will the Government fund it to ensure that it is free?
I welcome Mr Martin’s positive comments and appreciate the constructive tone of his question.
On 101 calls, it is worth pointing out that there is a fixed cost of 15p, irrespective of the length of the call, the time of day that the call is made or whether it is made from a landline phone or a mobile. Police Scotland’s website states that the reason for charging a levy on calls is that a cost has always been associated with non-emergency calls.
Having said that, I appreciate Mr Martin’s point. We try to make sure that local communities have as much access as possible so that they can report incidents. Clearly, if a crime is in progress or if there are fears for someone’s safety, I would encourage people to phone 999. We will certainly take on board Mr Martin’s point in our negotiations.
Custodial Estate for Women (Consultation)
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making regarding its consultation on the future of the custodial estate for women. (S4O-04222)
Throughout March, a series of public consultation workshops were held in the eight community justice authority areas across Scotland. In addition, separate events were held with Scottish Prison Service staff and with women who are currently in custody. The views of the families of women in custody have also been taken into account.
My officials are now looking at best practice in other jurisdictions, and we will host an international symposium for academics and expert practitioners at the end of May. That work will ensure that we learn from innovation across the world as we develop our new approach to custody for women. However, although we are committed to providing high-quality custodial facilities for women, custody must be seen as a last resort as part of the sentencing options. Our wider aspiration is to reduce the use of custody as a disposal, with as many women as possible being supported in the community.
With regard to the future of Cornton Vale prison, does the cabinet secretary agree with me that we need a facility to emerge that is a highly regarded centre of excellence as part of the custodial estate for women—one that utilises the expertise of the highly trained staff who currently work at the prison?
The member raises a good point. The use of the Cornton Vale site is being considered as part of the overall plans to reshape our female custodial facilities across Scotland. Any facility that is based at Cornton Vale would have to be a new, fit-for-purpose facility, not one that makes continued use of the existing facility. However, developing a new custodial environment is only part of our overall policy to improve the outcomes for women offenders, and we will be working to ensure that custody is used as infrequently as possible and is seen as a sentence of last resort.
Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment
Question 1 has not been lodged and a less than satisfactory explanation has been given in the name of Drew Smith.
Waste Spreading Review (Update)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the review of waste spreading, including sewage sludge. (S4O-04225)
The review of waste spreading is under way. The Scottish Government—in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water—has held a number of meetings with stakeholders to better understand the key issues regarding the spreading of sewage sludge on land.
In particular, my officials have met representatives of communities in the member’s region to hear their concerns. We want to make sure that, when sewage sludge is stored or spread on land, it is done safely and does not cause nuisance or inconvenience to the public. As part of the review, we are looking closely at the legislation, processes and guidance underpinning the practice, and further meetings with key interests will take place in the coming weeks.
As the cabinet secretary has met constituents in my area, he will be aware of the problems that are associated with the spreading of sewage sludge in the Falkirk area—in particular in Shieldhill, Slamannan, Avonbridge and California—which has created intolerable living conditions for residents and has affected their health, including the health of those suffering from respiratory ailments.
The spreading of sewage sludge has also resulted in the cancellation of a primary school sports day, because of the stench making children physically sick in the playground. Given that this unacceptable situation has persisted for several years, what is the cabinet secretary doing to address those problems now?
Margaret Mitchell conveys some of the concerns that communities have expressed about the issue. Of course, I listened closely to those communities, which is why I gave instructions to begin the review. I assure her and other members in the chamber that the review will take into account and treat seriously the issues raised. I hope to have a report back from the review group around summer this year.
I welcome the review. Along with concerned constituents, I will meet Scottish Government officials next week.
The inconsistencies in the treatment of sewage waste—as explained to me by SEPA—are unacceptable. Some waste is only dried, while other waste is treated as well. That depends on the availability of facilities.
In announcing the review, the cabinet secretary stated:
“I am confident this review will”
enable the Government to
“strike the right balance between the benefits of using sewage sludge and the controls that protect both the public and wider environmental interests.”
Will he clarify whether the review will consider the appropriateness of spreading human sewage on land at all? Will he make available for members of the public and members of this Parliament the review’s terms of reference?
I remind members that we are talking about an activity that has been carried out safely for many years in Scotland. However, there are issues, which members have rightly raised. The review’s purpose is to look at those issues and at any other issues that anyone wants to bring to our attention.
A remit is in place, and I am happy to write to the members who have raised the subject today and any members who may raise it afterwards. I reiterate that the review will take quite a while, but we will give members the opportunity to feed into it directly. It would be helpful to hear of any comments and experiences on behalf of constituents.
The review of the spreading of sewage sludge is welcome. However, I urge the cabinet secretary and the Scottish Government to consider increasing the capacity for the incineration of sewage pellets, as is the norm in other northern European countries. That would go some way towards helping residents who suffer regularly from the stench from sewage sludge that is applied to farmland in Scotland and in particular in the Upper Braes area of my constituency.
As Angus MacDonald will be aware, regulations and a waste hierarchy are already in place. Incineration of sludge can be part of energy recovery as long as it takes place at appropriately equipped licensed facilities, but there is a hierarchy and incineration has a certain place in the pecking order, so other options are preferred for dealing with sludge. Nonetheless, I reassure Angus MacDonald that incineration is certainly one option that is available at present.
Local Authority Flooding Data Sets (Light Detection and Ranging Technology)
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in rolling out access to local authority flooding datasets that have been developed through the use of LIDAR technology. (S4O-04226)
Light detection and ranging technology provides topographical information, which is a viable tool in flood modelling across large areas. Two phases of data collection have been undertaken since 2010 to target areas that have been identified as vulnerable to flooding. That has been a multi-agency project, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has, as part of its contribution, been in direct contact with local authorities to inform them of the technology’s availability and of relevant licensing requirements.
Does the minister agree that the high level of detail that LIDAR datasets provide is the best defence against flooding, as long as councils have the right tools to enable them to use the data in full? If so, will the Government do all that it can to ensure that councils have the right tools? Will the minister support collaborative procurement of the best available software to deliver on agreed planning policy objectives in that field?
We are seeking to develop an appropriate mechanism to allow wider sharing of the data among agencies. That is being picked up as part of the open data initiative, and in the meantime we are providing wider access to public bodies case by case. To receive the data, each public sector organisation must sign a licence agreeing to the terms and conditions of its use.
As for making the data available more widely, the procurement exercise for the projects recognised the potential wider value of the data across the public sector, and it allows wider use that is for the public good. Public authorities involved in flood risk management already have access to the information and can use it more widely under the terms of the licence. We are looking at developing practical ways in which the data can be made more widely available.
Water Quality (New Building Developments)
To ask the Scottish Government who is responsible for ensuring the water quality in relation to new building developments. (S4O-04227)
Scottish Water is responsible for ensuring that drinking water that is supplied to the boundary properties is wholesome, as defined by the Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014. That duty is regulated by the drinking water quality regulator for Scotland. The developer is responsible for ensuring that infrastructure on a new development is of a satisfactory standard to ensure that water quality is maintained and to enable adoption by Scottish Water.
I have highlighted to the minister the issue in the New Farm Vale estate in my constituency. The problem that residents in the estate face appears to cut across a number of Government departments, as Scottish Water sits in the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities and planning sits in the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights.
Ask a question, Mr Rowley.
My constituents have been let down by the failure of the system to ensure that developers put proper water and sewerage infrastructure in place. Will the minister meet me to discuss that and the fact that the issue runs across three Government departments, and to consider how best we can take the matter forward?
I agree that the situation at New Farm Vale is completely unacceptable. The Government is working with Scottish Water to understand the full scale of the problem. It is important that solutions are found, as malfunctioning sewerage systems have, as the member will agree, significant public health implications. Ideally, the infrastructure should be vested in Scottish Water. However, we need to understand the remedial costs for each case and how those can be funded.
I understand that Mr Rowley is due to meet Scottish Water to discuss what options are available in the case of New Farm Vale. I have asked the Government and Scottish Water to work together to understand whether any further measures can be implemented to minimise the likelihood of such problems occurring in the future. I am more than happy to meet Alex Rowley to discuss the issue further.
Scottish Food (Promotion by Local Authorities and National Health Service Boards)
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing in this year of food and drink to encourage local authorities and national health service boards to promote Scottish food. (S4O-04228)
The Scottish Government is working with the Local Authority Caterers Association and Education Scotland to deliver year of food and drink activities across schools in Scotland. That includes the development of theme days and a food calendar for school meals. In addition, a schools local provenance handbook is being developed to identify and promote local school meal suppliers.
We are also in discussion with the NHS on what further steps it can take to raise the profile of Scottish food, building on the good progress that it is already making to source local healthy produce. For example, the NHS is working closely with the Soil Association to seek the food for life catering mark, which signals a commitment to local food and provenance.
Does the cabinet secretary believe that there is even greater scope for local authorities and NHS boards to lead by example and, whenever possible, procure local food for their use and ensure that there are no irrational barriers to the purchase of local produce in their procurement processes? Is he aware of any local authorities or health boards that are following good practice and could be used as an example for others to follow?
Many local authorities, in places such as Ayrshire and Tayside, have been setting good standards of practice, and many others are upping their game. I believe that there is still lots of scope for improved sourcing of local produce in the public sector, particularly among local authorities and the NHS, but I also believe that good progress has been made and that the issue is much higher up the agenda than ever before. In the coming months and years, we will continue to make good progress. As part of becoming a good food nation, we have to ensure that people in hospitals, care homes, prisons and, of course, schools and elsewhere can access Scotland’s fantastic larder.
I am sure that we all agree that it would be in the interests of the health of many people in Scotland if a much higher percentage of fresh local food was used in schools and hospitals. Will the Government undertake, in partnership with Food Standards Scotland, to actively and vigorously promote appropriate public sector procurement practices to further that objective?
As I said in my earlier answer, a number of public agencies are already involved in taking forward the agenda with their members, such as the Local Authority Caterers Association and Education Scotland. The new food standards body has a slightly extended remit compared with that of the old body and, I hope that it will take more of an interest in such issues. I will ensure that the body is aware of the member’s interest. All of Scotland’s public sector and all the agencies have to rally round the cause.
Will the cabinet secretary ensure that there will be funding from Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish seafood partnership so that there will be a seafood cooking facility at this year’s taste of Grampian festival, as there has been in previous years?
I think that I have attended virtually every taste of Grampian since I was appointed minister, and I know that the events are fantastic showcases for local produce in the north-east of Scotland. I recall last year attending the seafood tent, which was a sell-out; some of the local companies had to send for fresh stock by noon because their stock was so popular. The seafood tent is certainly an asset to taste of Grampian. Taste of Grampian has received a grant from EventScotland to help celebrate the year of food and drink. I hope that the showcasing of seafood is part of the plans. I am sure that it will be, but I will double-check that that is what the grant is being used for.
Tourism (Opportunities for Farms and Other Rural Businesses)
To ask the Scottish Government how the rural affairs directorate is helping farms and other rural businesses take advantage of the opportunities arising from the tourism industry. (S4O-04229)
The Scottish Government and its agencies continue to work with our rural businesses to recognise and build on the potential growth opportunities that tourism affords. More than £28 billion was distributed through our last rural development programme to a range of tourism-related businesses, to support the rural economy, and our new programme will build on that success and continue to make funding support available for tourism-related actions across rural Scotland, involving many of our local businesses.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that local authorities should do their best to help rural businesses and farms, by being less obstructive and cutting a bit of red tape, unlike the City of Edinburgh Council, which has refused a simple request from the owner of Craigie’s farm outside Queensferry, in my constituency, to erect roadside signs in order to attract the ever-growing number of tourists and locals who wish to use its new services?
Craigie’s farm shop and restaurant, just outside Edinburgh, is a fantastic location. I have been there at least two or three times over the past few years and John Sinclair, the chap who runs it, does a lot to support local food. The local authority, like the rest of the public sector, should support his efforts. On the question of boosting that location’s tourism potential, such locations play a crucial rule in local food tourism and I agree that sometimes we are too heavy handed regarding the brown tourism signs. Perhaps the local authority should do what it can to support John Sinclair’s efforts to make an even bigger contribution to local tourism.
Question 7, in the name of Neil Findlay, has been withdrawn and a satisfactory explanation has been provided. Question 8, in the name of Rhoda Grant, was not lodged and a less than satisfactory explanation has been provided.
Potato Industry (Support)
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the potato industry. (S4O-04232)
The Scottish Government provides scientific and technical advice to the industry and conducts diagnostic surveillance and scientific research on a number of plant health-related issues. We provide funding of around £4 million per year to potato-related scientific research in Scotland and we facilitate worldwide trade in seed potatoes by hosting inward missions with the British Potato Council, to improve contact with foreign officials with the aim of influencing import conditions in visitors’ countries. That demonstrates to potential export markets the quality benefits of Scotland’s high-held status and worldwide reputation as a producer of quality seeds.
The potato industry is worth a total of £4.7 billion to the United Kingdom economy, with seed exports alone contributing £209 million to the Scottish economy and retail sales valued at £117 million. Average yields have increased by 18 per cent in the past 20 years. What further action can the Scottish Government take to ensure that the humble potato is promoted across Scottish Government policy documents, to highlight this inexpensive source of nutrition?
There is a lot of work under way. Richard Lyle quite rightly highlights our tattie sector’s important role in Scottish agriculture and our food sector. It is a particularly valuable sector to Scotland, which is worth about £170 million a year. Scotland is a world leader in producing seed potatoes, as I am sure that many members are aware.
A lot of thought is going into promoting more than ever before the health benefits of potatoes, for which there is cross-party support. Recently events have been held in the chamber, which the Scottish Government supports. NFU Scotland has encouraged the British Potato Council to use a much higher proportion of statutory levies to fund promotional work to highlight the health benefits of potatoes. Perhaps that is one way by which we can address the decline in consumption that has been experienced in recent years. Our tatties in Scotland are of fantastic quality and are very tasty, and they are good for you as well.
Single Application Form for Rural Payments and Services (Extension to Deadline)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will seek an extension to the deadline for the registration of single application forms for rural payments and services. (S4O-04233)
The member will be pleased to know that I announced on Wednesday 15 April that Scotland will extend the application period for farmers and crofters to submit their single application form by a month, giving a new deadline of 15 June.
I am sure that it is a huge relief to the whole rural sector that the deadline has now been extended. It has been made clear in the farming press that farmers remain angry that their concerns, which were expressed as early as December last year, were not addressed when the problem first arose. What assurances can the cabinet secretary give that lessons have been learned from this regrettable situation, which has cost £130 million of taxpayers’ money? Can he provide a categorical assurance that it will not have an adverse impact on the timing of farm payments next December or delay the Scotland rural development programme application process?
The investment to which the member refers is an investment in the new common agricultural policy, which must be delivered over the next five years, and is not simply a response to the difficulties that we have encountered over the past few weeks, although I readily accept that those difficulties have caused enormous frustration for some farmers and agents in Scotland.
The chamber will recognise that the new CAP is complex. This is a transition year in which the first few weeks were always going to be challenging, and we have to learn lessons from those challenges—I very much accept that. However, we are making progress and many farmers are determined to submit their applications online. I remind the chamber that, since day 1, farmers and agents have been able to submit their applications on paper as well, and many have done so.
We are working flat out to fix some of the information technology issues. Even the agents to whom I have been speaking and the farmers who are frustrated at some of the flaws in the computer system are determined that online application is the way forward. It brings advantages, as errors in the application forms can be fixed straight away instead of leading to enormous delays, which sometimes occur with paper submissions.
Payments were normally due in December under the old policy, and we hope to continue that under the new policy. We are doing our best to stay on schedule and, as the months go by, I will keep the chamber and the industry up to date on the payment schedule.