Contents
- Scottish Parliament Thursday 22 June 2000
- McCrone Report
- Petrol and Diesel Prices
- Scottish Criminal Record Office
- Business Motion
- Care Standards Bill
- Milestone House Hospice
- Question Time
- First Minister's Question Time
- Bail, Judicial Appointments etc (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
- Bail, Judicial Appointments etc (Scotland) Bill: Financial Resolution
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- Decision Time
Question Time
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Genetically Modified Organisms
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its guidelines on field trials for genetically modified crops in the light of the comments of the UK Minister for the Environment on 14 June 2000 regarding contamination and the distance between GM crops. (S1O-2000)
A review is already under way. The UK review of separation distances announced on 8 June will consider the adequacy of the existing arrangements. As I think the member is aware, the separation distances that are in place in relation to the farm-scale evaluations are intended to minimise the possibility of cross-pollination with adjacent crops.
Is the review likely to be completed in advance of this year's harvest and will crops that are being grown within the current separation distance from existing GM crop trials be considered suitable for human consumption after the review?
The issue of when the examination will be completed is in the hands of those who are conducting it, I am afraid; I cannot force their hand, but they are very well aware of the need for urgency. They are also having to consider the precise circumstances under which the Advanta incident arose. Although the UK authorities are in contact with the Canadian authorities, we are having to press them for the relevant information. It will be difficult to conclude the review without that information, but the need for urgency is well understood.
In the light of the revelation about the mis-selling of GM-contaminated seeds, will the minister say whether there is any thought of trying to get compensation from Advanta?
The question of compensation arises after a demonstration of loss. At present, the only persons who have been affected by the contamination of hyola are the farmers who initially planted it for commercial purposes. In law they are the only persons who have yet demonstrated loss and are therefore the persons to whom Advanta's loss adjusters are speaking to reach a settlement.
Were no checks made at the scientific trial at Daviot when the scandal with Advanta's GM-contaminated seeds first broke? If not, why not and what sort of trial is it? If checks were made, why were we not told before now?
Mr MacAskill will understand that it is usual in this country when goods are bought that are allegedly fit for purpose for that to be taken in good faith. Until the incident in question, there was no instance of such GM contamination. I can only assume—and I cannot speak for those who are conducting the trial—that the purchase of a well-known variety of seed as the comparator crop was done in good faith. In terms of the timing, the Scottish Executive, in collaboration with the National Farmers Union, has been compiling a list of all those affected. It was in the course of doing so that we became aware that the Daviot trial was implicated. As soon as we became aware of that, we took action to check what the complications might be, as I have already announced.
Skye Bridge
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish DTZ Pieda Consulting's report on the Skye bridge which was prepared between May 1998 and June 1999. (S1O-1972)
Sarah Boyack is unavoidably away, as she is attending the Council of Environment Ministers. I can, however, confirm that the report is being published today. Sarah is sending a copy to Mr Munro and placing one in the Scottish Parliament information centre.
I am sure that the minister will appreciate that the report is long awaited. Will he lend welcome support to Highland Council's decision to seek an opinion on whether there is a case for a judicial review on aspects of the Skye bridge? Will he ensure that his colleagues in the Executive take all possible steps to refute the suggestion that VAT should be applied to bridge and road tolls?
As John Munro knows, VAT is a European issue and will be decided in Europe. The United Kingdom is pursuing vigorously that issue and we are of the view that we have a strong case. However, the European Court of Justice will make the final decision. The position of Highland Council is entirely a matter for that council.
Given that Europe's most senior legal officer claimed that Britain is breaching European Union regulations by failing to levy VAT on the bridge tolls, I trust that the minister will concede that there is more than a fair chance that VAT will be applied. Campaigners claim that more than 700 coaches a year no longer make the crossing to Skye, with a loss of revenue of at least £1 million annually for the island. The application of VAT could mean that tolls on the Skye bridge would rise to almost £100 for a return trip by coach. Will the Executive acknowledge that the toll regime is haemorrhaging away income and revenue from an already fragile economy? Does the Executive have the courage to act now, before the situation worsens?
The answer is no. Irene McGugan talks about the number of coaches, but the number was falling for years before the bridge was built—[Interruption.] Members may not like that, but the fact is that the number of coaches was falling for years before the bridge was built, and the present situation is a continuation of that decline. [Interruption.] Settle down.
Irene McGugan did not acknowledge that the number of coaches on the Armadale ferry has increased. She must look at the picture in the round. It is incumbent on all members to bring to the chamber the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Air Quality
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote better air quality in Scotland. (S1O-2024)
In January, the Minister for Transport and the Environment launched in the Scottish Parliament the revised, and overall more challenging, air quality strategy for Scotland. The revised strategy lays down air quality objectives and dates in relation to the eight pollutants of most concern to human health.
In addition, this year the Scottish Executive expects through the Scottish Parliament to implement European Union legislation on the sulphur content of liquid fuels and two directives on air quality, with the overall aim of further improving air quality in Scotland.
I thank the minister for his reply. Does he agree with the findings of the recent Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution report and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's "State of the Environment: Air Quality Report"? Those reports showed high levels of carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in Scotland's cities, particularly in Aberdeen, and demonstrated clearly the need for urgent action to curb the continued growth of car use in tackling congestion.
Those are exactly the reasons why the air quality strategy to which I referred required local authorities to review and assess air quality within their areas. Local authorities must ensure that areas of particularly poor air quality are dealt with. I understand that Aberdeen City Council is nearing the end of its air quality review, so it is too early to pronounce on the situation in that city. However, where an air quality objective is unlikely to be met, the authority will be required to declare an air quality management area and to draw up an action plan in order to remedy the situation.
Will the minister acknowledge the huge benefits brought by the nuclear generation industry to the control of air pollution? Will he give an assurance that the Scottish Executive will underline the importance of that industry to UK ministers, so that they are not tempted to follow the environmentally unfriendly actions of the German Government?
The key point is that the Executive will continue to consider air quality in the round. Many factors contribute to the problems of pollution, such as ozone, which is different from other particulate matter problems. Elaine Thomson pointed to traffic and congestion as being key contributors to our pollution problems and the Transport (Scotland) Bill will help us to take action on that. We must consider all the factors that contribute to poor air quality in order to produce a strategy that will improve the air in Scotland.
Roads (A701)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the information provided by Midlothian Council regarding its proposals for the A701 upgrade is in the public domain and, if not, whether it can be made available to public scrutiny. (S1O-1997)
Documents relating to the notice of intention to develop are available for inspection at Midlothian Council's offices at Fairfield House, Dalkeith.
I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth if the minister will make Midlothian Council do the same in relation to the huge 50 ft by 50 ft crater that has opened up on the site of the proposed road. It probably calls for a geological survey, and I ask the minister to ask Ms Boyack—when she returns—to request one immediately.
To continue the search for truth, I point out that that is a matter solely for the local authority. I remind the audience that the local authority engaged in a substantial roadshow—[Members: "Audience?"] There are people in the gallery. The matter must be raised with Midlothian Council. It is appropriate that it is dealt with at that level.
Is the minister aware that, in the local inquiry into the proposed Gowkley Moss biotechnology development, Midlothian Council gave information that appeared to indicate that the realignment of the A701 was not strictly necessary?
That matter is best dealt with directly with the local authority rather than through the Executive. Midlothian Council is responsible for the proposal and that is the best place to deal with it.
Carers
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the recent report by the Carers National Association Scotland on "Caring on the Breadline". (S1O-1985)
I am aware of the report, which focuses on benefits, pensions and employment opportunities for carers. The Scottish Executive is committed to supporting carers under its strategy for carers in Scotland but it has no function in relation to those reserved areas. The Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of matters, including carers issues, and I will ensure that the interests of Scottish carers are represented.
Does the minister realise that carers in Scotland are fed up with lip service from Holyrood and London? They want action. Will the minister give a commitment that, in the one area where he has responsibility, he will implement the recommendation to abolish charging for essential, non-residential community care services? Will he make representation to the Secretary of State for Social Security to extend eligibility for the invalid care allowance to people aged over 65?
It is not the case that we have delivered only lip service to carers in the past year. We have delivered a doubling of the resources earmarked for carers services and those resources are now—in discussion with carers—being applied to improving the range of services available for carers. We have also undertaken the biggest ever social services, Scottish Executive, Scotland Office campaign to identify hidden carers and ensure that they are put in contact with the services that they need.
What about charging?
One of those services is welfare rights advice to help carers to maximise their benefits and income. Charging for social work services is entirely a matter for local authorities, which can choose whether or not to charge. Some do and some do not. I am conscious, however, that there is a great deal of inconsistency across Scotland in the way in which those charges are applied. The joint futures group is working with me—we meet again on Monday—and this is one of the matters that we are considering.
When will the carers legislation working group, which was established last year as part of the Executive's strategy for carers, report on its findings? Will proposals to establish a legal right to respite for carers be included in that report?
I thank Elaine Smith and acknowledge her interest in this matter, as expressed during the recent carers week. The carers legislation working group was one further aspect of the carers strategy announced to Parliament in November. We had a choice whether to pursue carers legislation quickly—everyone agreed that it was needed—or to do it in careful consultation with carers organisations. The organisations have taken the time to meet on a number of occasions to develop proposals for me. I have not set a deadline, but I expect their proposals to go out to public consultation later this year.
“Towards a Just Conclusion”
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish "Towards a Just Conclusion". (S1O-2007)
The action plan for "Towards a Just Conclusion" will be published on Monday.
It has taken a bit of time, but I welcome the document. A lot of people have been holding their breath about what it will say.
Reports in the press, emanating from the Executive, have covered cases of cross-examination. Does the minister agree that most people are concerned about the lack of balance in court cases? Can he give us a wee snippet of the action plan? Is he likely to tell us that, if an alleged victim's sexual history is allowed to be discussed in court, the sexual history of the accused would also be allowed to be heard?
We have made it absolutely clear that the Executive's policy is to end the practice of cross-examination of a victim by the accused in sex cases. We find such cross-examination inappropriate, offensive and unnecessary. We will be bringing forward proposals in Monday's announcement. I do not wish to go into that announcement in detail now, but it will cover that issue as well as cross-examination on sexual history. We have also undertaken to bring forward specific legislative proposals for the Parliament to consider after the summer recess.
The Deputy Minister for Justice will know of concerns expressed at the Justice and Home Affairs Committee by Victim Support Scotland relating to the connection between the work carried out on "Towards a Just Conclusion", the work of the victim steering group and the work of the Lord Advocate's feasibility study. Can the minister explain how those different strands of work on policy for victims are being joined up?
Those are separate pieces of work but, as Malcolm Chisholm suggests, they are inextricably linked. I do not want to go into too much detail—this forms part of Monday's announcement, which will include specific statements on how we will respond to recommendations on victims issues in "Towards a Just Conclusion"—but we will have things to say about our desire for specific actions to be taken now and in the medium term.
Oil Industry
To ask the Scottish Executive what role it can play in encouraging better collaboration between oil producers and the oil fabrication industry in order to develop a long-term strategy for Scotland's oil fabrication industry. (S1O-2014)
At the end of last year, in response to the problems facing the fabrication sector and at the request of ministers, Pilot—the successor to the oil and gas industry task force—set up a fabricators support group. That enabled the industry, Government, the fabricators and all other interested parties to work closely together to assess the issues facing the sector and to reach agreement on how a smaller, but still viable, fabrication sector could continue to operate.
I take it from the minister's response that he recognises the need to maintain our skills base and our production yards if we are to take advantage of any future orders. Is the minister prepared to keep the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee up to date about the on-going discussions with those various parties?
The answer to the latter point is yes. I look forward to an early discussion with the whole committee or with individual members on this important subject.
Duncan McNeil is right to highlight the serious concerns facing the oil fabrication industry given the prospect that no large structures will be built in the United Kingdom in the years ahead. That is why it is vital that the new group works with Government and with the industry to do the two things that Duncan McNeil has suggested: first, to ensure that we have the skills base; secondly, to ensure that we have capacity. I hope to be able to report to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee and have further discussion on the matter after the summer recess.
In the research work that the minister plans to do over the summer, will he consider comparable experience in other countries—such as Norway—that have discovered oil but have managed to sustain an oil fabrication sector and develop long-term benefit to their economy from oil? Does he think that a long-term development strategy for the oil fabrication sector would be assisted by a reduction in interest rates? How many representations has the Scottish Executive made to the monetary policy committee of the Bank of England arguing for a reduction in interest rates?
That could be described as a very wide-ranging economic question. On John Swinney's last point, we are always in discussion with our colleagues at Westminster about issues that affect Scotland and about which we feel passionately.
John Swinney is right to say that we need a long-term strategy to take us forward. We can learn from experiences elsewhere, but there is a huge problem in moving from traditional structures that employ large numbers of personnel to structures in which we must examine decommissioning, diversification, subsea submersibles and a range of new technology. If we are to survive in the future, we must go up the value-added chain. That is an objective that all members should support. We need to have dialogue in the chamber and I hope that the matter can also be discussed in committee.
Will the minister agree to seek the establishment by oil companies of a contingency fund to assist areas that are dependent on fabrication but that experience a downturn?
I welcome Rhoda Grant's question because we are examining the possibility of an oil fund. Through Pilot—of which Helen Liddell is the chair and Brian Wilson is the vice-chair—three Scottish ministers are examining the matter. Such a fund will be discussed at a Pilot meeting. In the absence of such a fund at the moment, we are—through the partnership action for continuing employment programme—giving every support to existing employees. While we concentrate on gloom in the chamber, let us remember that Alasdair Morrison took part in the launch of 720 jobs in Forres. That is a new way forward, but we must assist the employees and the companies that face difficulties because of the Barmac rundown.
Will the minister enlighten the chamber about his strategy for economic opportunity in the new phase that the oil industry is entering with decommissioning? There are great opportunities at the fabrication yards not only to build things, but to take things apart and, possibly, recycle them.
I am quite happy to accommodate that bit of instruction. The interesting point is that decommissioning lies ahead, but most of the big oil companies that have large production fields in the North sea are seeking to get every possible extra ounce out of the fields. They are doing that with new technology, but large structures continue to be used. Decommissioning is, I am afraid, some time off, but it is part of the agenda that we are addressing.
Genetically Modified Organisms
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the soya bean used in, and leaking in some cases from, breast implants is derived from genetically modified or non-genetically modified soya bean plants. (S1O-1981)
Medical devices are regulated at UK level by the Medical Devices Agency. I am advised by the agency that the soya bean oil that is used as filler for that type of implant does not contain genetically modified material.
I thank the minister for that answer. Has she done all that she can to make ladies aware of the danger of leaking Trilucent breast implants? What research is the Executive undertaking to ensure that there are no potential long-term risks from those implants? Are there any other types of reconstructive surgery that use soya bean oil implants?
As I said, the regulation of medical devices is carried out at UK level, but the Scottish Executive co-operates fully in that process. It is in all our interests to ensure that any form of implant or medical device is as safe as possible.
Regarding the breast implants with which particular difficulties have been identified or which may give rise to difficulties, we have co-operated fully with the steps that have been taken by the MDA to ensure that information is disseminated throughout the NHS and to women who might have had such implants in Scotland. In that way, the appropriate measures can be taken. We will continue to co-operate on such matters with colleagues.
Will the minister investigate the even more widespread fears in the European Commission and elsewhere about silicone implants? They have been banned in Canada and the USA after thousands of women claimed that their health was ruined. Does the minister realise that the 1988 clearance of silicone by the Department of Health and Social Security was based on a ludicrous investigation of this women's issue by 15 male doctors? Will she consider urgently the banning of those unnecessary and appalling cosmetic implant operations in Scotland?
I feel strongly that we are dealing with a very sensitive issue and that it is important that all our comments are couched in suitable terms. I am happy to give Dorothy-Grace Elder an assurance that the Scottish Executive will always act on research evidence, where that is available, and participate, where that is appropriate, to ensure that any treatments and procedures that are offered to patients in Scotland are as safe as possible. We adopt a very precautionary approach. The regulatory regime that is in place, including the work of the MDA, is precautionary in nature, as evidenced by the withdrawal of the soya bean oil implants in recent weeks. However, we must not scaremonger or unnecessarily frighten women who have opted to have this treatment if the evidence does not suggest that they should be worried.
Rail Freight
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is making any further progress in encouraging the movement of freight by rail. (S1O-2029)
I am replying on behalf of Sarah Boyack. The freight facilities grant allocation for 2000-01 has been increased by £1 million from £6.1m to £7.1m, and that will enable further awards of grant to be made. As the minister responsible for forestry, I am particularly keen to take advantage of opportunities to have timber moved by rail.
I welcome the Executive's policy of reducing lorry traffic on Scottish roads. The minister mentioned timber production. I understand that production from Scotland's forests will double over the next 15 years. What is the minister doing to ensure that as much as possible of that timber is moved by rail?
At present, Scotland's forests are producing about 4 million tonnes of timber. That amount will double—rising to about 8 million tonnes—in the coming years. That is equivalent to about 300,000 lorry movements per year, many of them on Highland roads in remote areas. We want that freight to transfer to rail or sea wherever possible and we are making freight facilities grants available for that purpose. It is very disappointing that English Welsh and Scottish Railway is failing to respond to some of the opportunities. We would like the company to perform much better and to carry more timber by rail. I hope to meet the chief executive of EWS rail freight shortly to discuss that and other matters.
I found the minister's response very interesting. As he is aware, Scotland's timber harvest is set to double over the next 15 years. Kielder forest is the biggest forest in the UK. I refer the minister to the Scott Wilson report. Is the minister aware that the main recommendation under freight options for the southern half of the proposed Borders rail link was for further study into the potential export of timber from Kielder to the south, using the southern section? Given what the minister has just said, will he undertake to instruct further study into the freighting of timber from Kielder forest along the southern section of a Borders rail link?
Freight can be carried by rail only if a railway exists. At present, there is no southern section of a Borders railway. As Christine Grahame knows, the proposal for a Borders railway is under consideration. Sarah Boyack is well aware of the case that has been made.
Rural Telecommunications
To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the adequacy of telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. (S1O-2001)
We are aware of the importance of this issue, particularly if we are to achieve our vision of a globally competitive digital Scotland. Our initial assessment—based on research that has already been done and that is shortly to be published by Scottish Enterprise—is that currently telecoms coverage and capacity are good. However—and it is an important however—there is a lack of competition and choice outside the central belt, which could restrict access to broadband technology in the future. The Executive is considering with the enterprise networks and telecoms companies what action is needed to address that.
It is true, particularly with regard to the latest technology, that provision in urban areas is diverging from that in rural areas. Is there not an argument that, just as the Government is responsible for transport infrastructure, it should take some responsibility for communications infrastructure in rural areas, particularly where there is evidence that the market is not providing that infrastructure adequately?
That is a fair point. We have already seen significant investment in the Highlands with, for example, companies such as Cap Gemini Ernst & Young UK Ltd expanding their telecommunications activity. Companies such as Iomart and British Telecommunications plc are investing heavily in that part of rural Scotland. Telecommunications and other communications investment is an issue of growing importance. There may be aspects in which public investment, alongside investment by private companies, is appropriate.
Scottish Prison Service (Drugs Testing)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount is that will be provided to support the revised Scottish Prison Service drugs strategy and what percentage of that total will be spent on mandatory random testing. (S1O-1989)
In 2000-01, the Scottish Prison Service estimates that it will spend about £17 million on drugs-related matters, of which around half will be spent on care and treatment. About 2 per cent will be spent on mandatory random testing.
That seems to be a dramatic increase on the figure of £8 million that was given in the Scottish Prison Service press release just a week ago. Perhaps the minister can explain the discrepancy. Is he aware of the increasing number of those working in the drugs field who question the value of mandatory drug testing, believe that it may even drive prisoners towards hard drugs, and feel that the money would be better spent on treatment and rehabilitation? Will he also give the Executive's latest figures for heroin use in Scottish prisons compared with five years ago?
Drug testing evidence shows that heroin use in prison has fallen year on year since testing began, from 16 per cent of tests in 1996-97 to 9 per cent of tests last year. That shows that mandatory drug testing has not produced an increase in heroin misuse in prisons.
On the first point, if Mr Raffan assesses my previous answer, he will find that £17 million will be spent on drugs-related matters in 2000-01, of which around half will be spent on care and treatment. That amount is roughly equivalent to the £8 million that is set out in the new Scottish Prison Service strategy document.
Will the minister indicate how much of that budget will be allocated to the training of nursing and medical staff in dealing with drug problems in prison? If he cannot give the figure, will he undertake to ensure that there is adequate provision in this respect?
I cannot give an exact figure, but I will write to the member. However, I can say that the Scottish Executive is drawing up a new training specification for addictions workers and that the Scottish Prison Service is actively involved in that work.
Stonehaven to Glasgow Rail Link
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that direct rail links between Stonehaven and Glasgow are protected. (S1O-1973)
In the absence of Sarah Boyack, I will say that Stonehaven has been properly identified as rural. ScotRail has a contractual obligation to maintain an agreed minimum level of services from Glasgow that stop at Stonehaven. The Scottish Executive, in its directions and guidance for the replacement of the Scottish franchise, will build on the franchising director's insistence that current levels of service should be secured as a minimum.
Is the minister aware that while ScotRail is investing a welcome £1.2 million in refurbishing Stonehaven station, it has just cut direct services to Glasgow, so that there is no service in the morning after 7.19? The Executive has a policy of developing an integrated transport system for the people of the north-east, the heart of which is to persuade people to leave their cars at home and take the train. Does he recognise that the decision to cut services from Stonehaven to Glasgow is a matter not just for the rail authorities, but for the Executive? Will he ask Sarah Boyack to knock some heads together to sort this out?
I am aware of the point that Mr Rumbles raises. One of the problems of answering such questions is that one has to consider the timetables. All proposed timetable changes must be presented for consideration to passenger transport executives, user representatives, local authorities and the shadow strategic rail authority before they can be adopted. I advise Mr Rumbles that in this case, that process was applied to the changes to summer services between Stonehaven and Glasgow. I accept, because I have looked at the service reductions, that they cause considerable inconvenience. The authorities to which I referred were consulted, and it is a matter of concern that the issue was not raised by the relevant local authorities, which had the opportunity to deal with the issue.
When I last checked, the direct rail link between Stonehaven, Aberdeen and Glasgow ran through Dundee. Bearing that in mind, will the Executive ask the train operating companies why most of the investment, the best of the rolling stock and the bulk of the staffing is concentrated in central belt links, such as the one between Glasgow and Edinburgh, while the rest of the country, such as the north-east of Scotland, has to settle for second best? Indeed, the Borders has no rail links at all. Surely, sooner or later, someone has to wake up to the fact that privatisation of the railways has not worked and should be brought to an end.
Sarah Boyack answered a similar question two weeks ago, and made it clear that while we all welcome the investment that is being made in new coaches, there is no question but that we wish that to be accelerated. Sarah Boyack would confirm that she gave that answer. We wish to see better rolling stock throughout Scotland, but it is a matter of the investment being put into place.
Housing
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make Glasgow a special case and grant it additional funds to implement the new licensing system for houses in multiple occupancy. (S1O-2017)
Mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation has been introduced by an order under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. It is expected to be fully self-financing, as the act requires licensing authorities to ensure that the total amount of licence fees receivable is sufficient to meet the costs of operating licensing systems that are established under the act.
I hear what the minister says, but with the massive cuts in local government funding, I cannot see how it is possible for the Glasgow City Council scheme to be self-financing. Surely the minister is aware that more officers are needed to enable that scheme to be implemented, and that that will cost more money. Does he agree with the results of the recent Evening Times poll, in which 93 per cent of readers said that Glasgow should receive extra money and should be a special case?
If the poll had also asked whether the public would accept licensing if it could be demonstrated that the money could be raised through the registration costs, there would have been even greater support for such a measure. All licensing procedures throughout local government are self-financing. Local authorities can prioritise within their budgets. Unlike Ms White, I have engaged in that process extensively in the past. We make choices about what is appropriate. In this case, we think that we can meet the costs without asking for further public funds.
Scottish Youth Parliament
To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to the Scottish youth parliament in the current financial year. (S1O-1980)
No application for funding was submitted, although support workers to the Scottish youth parliament were advised of the timing of the funding round and had access to grant application forms.
I thank the minister for the information contained in his reply. I am sure that he recognises and will value the contribution that the Scottish youth parliament can make in developing policies and providing a platform for young people's voices to be heard. Will the minister give a commitment that the Executive will properly fund and give administrative support to the youth parliament, so that this Parliament can listen to the voices of Scotland's youth?
We very much recognise the value of the youth parliament, which is why we gave it an initial grant of £15,000. My officials were in touch with the youth parliament on 5 June, to suggest ways in which we might take this process forward. We spoke to the parliament again at the youth summit on Monday this week and we are awaiting a reply.
Hospital Discharges
To ask the Scottish Executive what new initiatives are under way to improve the position regarding delayed discharges from hospital. (S1O-2032)
Reducing the number of delayed discharges is a high priority. A sum of £60 million is being made available, on top of existing record levels of funding in the national health service, to accelerate the delivery of a number of priorities, including a reduction in the number of delayed discharges. A learning network is being established to encourage the sharing of best practice.
I thank the minister for his answer and welcome the additional resources that have been made available. I am sure that they will be welcomed by MSPs from all parties—we have had much correspondence on this issue.
Does the minister feel that recent initiatives such as the opening doors for older people initiative in West Lothian, which enables older people to live independently in the community for longer, can make a long-term contribution to the problem?
Bristow Muldoon is absolutely right. In response to previous questions, I have pointed out that the audit of delayed discharge that is under way has revealed that there are some 42 reasons for delayed discharge. If we are ever to make a difference, we must think hard about long-term solutions, which will include joint working, rapid response teams to ensure that admission does not happen unnecessarily, and community rehabilitation to ensure that people can return to their homes once a care package is in place. There are good examples, and the purpose of the learning network is to ensure that good practice is spread throughout Scotland.
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Milestone House Hospice