SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport
Film Locations (Ayrshire)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote Ayrshire as a film location. (S2O-2875)
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I have facts on that issue, and if it would be helpful to the chamber I am prepared to answer for Frank McAveety.
I do not think that that is a point of order. If Frank McAveety is not here, I am afraid that we will have to move on. I call question 2—
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I can understand that we should move on if the questioner is not here, but the question is to the Scottish Executive, so surely any member of the Executive should be able to reply.
I could invite any member of the Executive to respond if they wished. It is very unfortunate that the minister is not here.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would be willing to return to the question after question 2 has been taken, if that would be of any assistance to you.
I am not in a position to answer the question, nor are my colleagues. However, it is obvious that something has happened to detain the minister, and I wish to apologise to the chamber on his behalf. The appropriate thing to do if the minister is not able to attend is to ensure that the questioner receives a full and detailed response. I am sure that the minister would be prepared to speak directly to the person who lodged the question.
I thank the minister for that, and I intend to proceed in that way. I have to take the questions in the order in which they appear in the Business Bulletin.
I have a genuine point of order this time, you will be pleased to note, Presiding Officer. It is one thing to respond to the person who has asked the question—I fully appreciate that intention—but it was open to other members to ask supplementary questions. I would prefer the question to be taken later, if the minister does appear.
I intend to go through the questions as I have them in front of me, and I intend to go through them question after question.
Schools (Class Sizes)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce class sizes in schools following recent representations from the Educational Institute of Scotland. (S2O-2871)
Average class sizes have been falling for a number of years and we are committed to further reductions in class sizes, in secondary 1 and secondary 2 maths and English and in primary 1, as increases in teacher numbers to 53,000 proceed.
I am sure that the minister will share the agreement of members throughout the chamber that a reduction in class sizes would not only benefit students, but be more conducive to staff delivering education in the classrooms. Does he agree that the EIS's suggestion that strike action is an appropriate method by which to achieve a promise of future reductions in class sizes is detrimental to that argument, and that the only people who would lose out in those circumstances would be the students?
Michael McMahon is correct to point out that certain benefits can flow from reduced class sizes. That is why the Executive is pursuing the policies I described. As I said in my initial answer, class sizes are falling; they have been falling consistently for some time, and they will fall further.
Does the minister agree that there is a need to reduce the maximum class size? We have a maximum class size of 33 for most classes, although it is different for practical classes. There are welcome moves to reduce the size of certain classes, but does the minister agree that if we are to introduce a flexible curriculum and deal with young people in the 21st century who need more attention, we should focus on reducing the maximum class size to 20 across the board?
As I indicated, the record of the Executive—with the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats working together—shows that we are reducing class sizes. We plan to reduce them further, with primary 1 classes being reduced to 25 pupils and S1 and S2 maths and English classes being reduced to 20 pupils. Only last week I announced that more physical education teachers will come into schools, and we have hinted that there will be more music teachers, drama teachers and teachers who support those with additional support needs. We will continue to deliver such class sizes as we move through our programme to recruit more teachers. As I said, we are recruiting more teachers at a time when our school rolls are falling significantly.
Publishing Industry
I intend to ask Jamie McGrigor to ask his question. I will then ask the members of the Executive who are here to note it and to ensure that he receives an answer from the minister, who is not here.
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the publishing industry. (S2O-2790)
Yes. Thank you.
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the publishing industry.
Sorry, Presiding Officer. I was unavoidably detained during the Scottish Arts Council book awards.
In the light of the fact that the Scottish Executive has presided over the destruction of the Scottish book retailing industry to the extent that there is not one substantial Scottish-owned book retailer left, and bearing in mind the importance of books to the intellectual life of a nation, what will the Executive do to redress the situation other than to produce yet more expensive reports, which have been condemned as meaningless by publishers such as Canongate in Holyrood magazine? When will the Executive enter into dialogue with the book industry and listen to its concerns?
I reiterate that we are in discussion with the Scottish Publishers Association to address many of the issues that face the publishing industry in Scotland. I note with interest that one of Scotland's publishers said today that it sees an opportunity for growth in the United Kingdom and international markets. At the event from which I have just come, the range of Scottish writers and publishers was evident and many of them are developing tremendous opportunities for publishing throughout Scotland. That is testament to the success of those writers and publishing companies, none more so than Itchy Coo, which has prioritised the development of books for children in the Scots language, which is one of our other key cultural commitments. I do not recognise the perception of the publishing industry that Jamie McGrigor put forward. I assure him that we are working actively to address the concerns of those in the industry.
I declare an interest as chair of the Scottish Library and Information Council. Does the minister agree that there is scope for Scottish books to be promoted in reader development in Scotland?
I know that the member has a keen interest in the work that she does with the libraries sector in Scotland. We have a role in using libraries and schools to develop support for young readers.
Schools (Scots Language Teaching)
To ask the Scottish Executive what innovative measures it is taking in schools regarding the teaching of the Scots language. (S2O-2822)
The Scottish ministers are responsible for the overall strategic direction of Scottish education. Responsibility for the detailed management and delivery of the curriculum rests with education authorities and schools. Learning and Teaching Scotland and other bodies provide advice on curriculum issues. A wide range of innovative measures is used in Scottish schools to teach the Scots language.
The minister will be well aware that commentators on the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages said that the Scottish Executive should
I recognise the member's interest in the subject and thank him for his question. He will know that the charter is not legally binding. Nevertheless, as a result of the report of March 2004 by the committee of experts on the charter, officials have embarked on discussions with the academic community on the production of a Scots language strategy. I understand that the Scottish centre for information on language teaching and research in Stirling is in active discussion with Executive officials on that point. We hope to produce a strategy by, optimistically, later this year or, more realistically, early next year. The matter is of considerable interest to the Executive and we will pursue it. As I said, I am grateful to the member for highlighting the issue.
The minister's reply is encouraging. Will he assure us that schools will at least not discourage the use of Scots? The feeling is that there is an active movement against the use of Scots, which is steadily diminishing. Just as we are supporting Gaelic more actively, so we should support more actively the use of Scots in all its varied forms throughout the country.
The member is correct. The Scots language is a part of our cultural heritage that we should not neglect. I am pleased to say that Learning and Teaching Scotland produces a range of support materials on the Scots language. I refer also to Itchy Coo, which does much good work in schools. It came to the high school in my home-town recently but, unfortunately, I could not be there at the time. That is an example of an organisation that promotes the language.
School Rolls
To ask the Scottish Executive what issues are faced by local authorities, such as East Renfrewshire, where school rolls are increasing. (S2O-2876)
Pupil numbers are generally projected to fall in the years ahead. The detailed management of short-term or localised increases in school rolls is a matter for the local authority concerned, but changing pupil numbers will be reflected in the grant aid that a council receives from the Executive.
I thank the minister for his reply and for recognising that constituencies such as mine in East Renfrewshire face issues. Will he consider sympathetically problems such as the pressures that the placing-request system puts on parents and officials and the difficulties in reducing class sizes when most schools are full to bursting? With reference to his last point, will he consider the time lag between the provision of increased central Government funding and increased school rolls? I ask him to bear the last point in mind, in particular, during the forthcoming review of local government finance.
I recognise the point that Ken Macintosh makes. There are a few local authority areas in Scotland—of which East Renfrewshire is one—where, notwithstanding the fact that school rolls will continue to decline in the future, there are currently increases in rolls in certain parts of the council area. I recognise that that can create complications with placing requests. We are considering commencing later this year a part of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 that relates to placing requests that has not yet been commenced. That should help to deal with the problem.
Does the minister agree that parents should be allowed to send their children to the school of their choice and that schools—especially extremely popular schools for which there is strong parental demand—should be allowed to expand?
When the Conservatives were in power, they introduced legislation to allow parents to make placing requests to schools at which they wanted their children to be placed. That has been part of the education scene in Scotland for a while. My objective is to ensure that no parent in Scotland has to exercise a choice in order to get a fundamentally sound education for their child. Such an education should be available in every community in Scotland and we are committed to ensuring that that is the case. Regrettably, the Conservative party's policy seeks to undermine that approach. It would leave what the Conservatives define as poor schools to flounder and die out slowly. We will stick by our schools and ensure that they improve. We will not cause chaos by taking a market-based approach to Scottish education.
Education Projects <br />(Transition from Primary to Secondary School)
To ask the Scottish Executive what education projects are available during the summer to help pupils' transition from primary to secondary school. (S2O-2872)
The member raises an important issue. The Executive is committed to ensuring that pupils have access to summer schools and camps that provide opportunities to experience new activities and to develop new skills. A wide range of activities is available for young people of all ages, including those moving from primary to secondary education.
Is the minister aware of the comments in section 4 of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education's report on personal support for pupils in secondary school, emphasising the importance of such support for pupils in transition years? Is he aware of the finding in the same report that provision across Scotland at present is patchy? Fife Council has allocated £872,763 from study support to innovative activities, to be provided jointly by education and community services, for underachieving pupils or pupils with social disadvantage. Early reports on the programmes are good. What steps is he taking to ensure that Fife Council's approach and similar examples of good practice in other authorities are publicised more widely and made generally available?
I recognise the work that Fife Council is doing—the member is correct to commend it. I understand that there are 12 summer schools for pupils between S2 and S4 who are at a significant social disadvantage. The Executive recognises that in Scotland we are not as good as we should be at spreading best practice. Local authorities would be well advised to look to Fife's example.
Culture Commission
To ask the Scottish Executive what role the new appointments to the culture commission will play. (S2O-2867)
We published the remit of the cultural commission on 22 April. The remit states specifically that the commissioners should operate to ensure that they fulfil the commitments that we set out in the statement.
The minister will be aware that concerns have been expressed about the composition of the commission and, in particular, about the lack of performing artists on the commission. Will he tell us what steps the Executive will take to ensure that performing artists have a role to play in the work of the commission as it proceeds with its important task?
The commissioners met early this week to discuss how they can ensure full participation in the commission for working artists in Scotland. The artists who were identified among the original group of commissioners will continue to play a role, but not necessarily the role that was first envisaged. Under the core commission team will be a series of working groups in which many individual artists and organisations in Scotland will be able to make a substantial contribution.
Finance and Public Services and Communities
Residential Properties <br />(Fuel Poverty and Energy Wastage)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to upgrade residential properties to help eliminate fuel poverty and address energy wastage. (S2O-2803)
The Executive has taken action on a number of fronts to help to eradicate fuel poverty and energy wastage, including insulating more than 195,000 homes and installing central heating and insulation in more than 38,000 homes, which has contributed to the dramatic fall in fuel poverty from affecting 35 per cent of Scottish households to affecting 13 per cent of all Scottish households.
Given that energy efficiency is often the poor relation in energy policy, I am encouraged by what the minister says about how we are upgrading housing stock. However, I ask her to look into a matter that has been raised as a concern with me. In the way that we fund housing associations, are we creating barriers to investing in small-scale renewable energy applications, which might be more expensive at the outset, but which have whole-life payback benefits?
I am not aware of any barriers to taking energy efficiency measures that stand in the way of our registered social landlords. However, I am more than happy to look into the matter further. Although I accept that, on occasion, such measures might seem expensive, if they bring long-term financial benefits and help to preserve the environment, I expect registered social landlords to be involved in such schemes.
Does the minister agree that the worst fuel poverty of all is when consumers do not have access to an electricity supply? Given the Government's targets on renewable energy, is she aware of a House of Lords report issued today that underlines the threat to United Kingdom power generation? What will she do to protect the vulnerable, the old and those with young families if they face a cut-off of their power supply?
The Executive has an excellent record of supporting the old and vulnerable in our society by relieving fuel poverty and ensuring that people can heat their homes and stay warm and safe within them. A combination of measures by our Westminster colleagues—on higher incomes, support measures and lower fuel prices—and work that the Scottish Executive has done has resulted in the stark figures that I quoted earlier on the reduction of fuel poverty.
I welcome the minister's commitment to consider the issues raised by Nora Radcliffe. There is a perception among some housing associations that, although there are many benefits to be gained from an integrated approach to energy efficiency, tackling fuel poverty and the use of small-scale renewables, some of them find it hard to work such an approach into their financial planning. A strong political lead and guidance from ministers would be welcome, because the few housing associations that are involved in such work in my constituency are making a big difference to people's lives.
I hear Sarah Boyack's concern and I reassure her that I will look into the matter further.
I congratulate the Executive—at least in this context—on having a target that is clear and unambiguous, unlike so many of its other targets. Does the minister recall our previous exchanges about whether administrative lines of accountability and processes are in place that will deliver on the policy? Will she assure us that a civil servant will get fired if the policy is not delivered? Of course, we would expect the minister to leave office, too.
I always remember my many discussions with Stewart Stevenson and I remember that he asked me that question in the Communities Committee, after having put the same question to my colleague Margaret Curran at the previous meeting. I am not looking for one civil servant whom I will blame if the policy is not delivered. The Executive takes responsibility for the success of the policy and will continue to make progress on it.
Antisocial Behaviour <br />(Light and Noise Nuisance)
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to deal with antisocial behaviour that causes light and noise nuisance. (S2O-2831)
The Scottish Executive intends to implement the noise aspects of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Bill later this year. The provisions will provide a quicker sanction in dealing with antisocial noise and add to the statutory nuisance tools that are already available to local authorities and the police under other legislation. With respect to light nuisance, the outcome of a relevant research project is expected later this year.
The minister is aware, as a result of the consultation on the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Bill and her work on the bill, of the difficulties that light and noise pollution cause in communities. Is she also aware of the particular problem of light pollution as a result of badly designed lights, particularly in urban areas, which causes difficulties for individuals such as amateur astronomers, who cannot view the night sky? Will she take that matter into account in her forthcoming consideration of light nuisance?
I reassure Ken Macintosh that I am aware of the issues that have been raised about light pollution and that I am aware of the concerns that many amateur astronomers have raised in the past about the pursuit of their interest. We will examine the information from the research project when it is available and we will consider whether there is a need for the Executive to take further measures to address the problem.
Affordable Housing
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to support affordable housing. (S2O-2863)
The Executive has been conducting a wide-ranging review of affordable housing in Scotland and I intend to announce the preliminary conclusions of that review within the next few weeks.
Does the minister acknowledge that, in addition to the Executive's many other policies to develop the Scottish economy, an adequate supply of affordable housing is crucial to the continuing growth of the economy? Is she aware that in Edinburgh and the Lothians in particular there is considerable pressure on affordable housing? What discussions has she had with local authorities in those areas to try to address the shortage of affordable housing?
I reassure Bristow Muldoon that I and my colleagues in the Scottish Executive understand the critical relationship between the supply of affordable housing and the facilitation of economic growth, which lies at the heart of the review that we are undertaking. We are of course in discussion with local authorities in Edinburgh and the Lothians to ensure that we develop appropriate policies that work for them and that help us to grow the economy. We are also in discussion with other key stakeholders such as developers and the registered social landlord sector.
The minister is aware of my concern that some current approved structure plans do not require quantified land releases for affordable housing and that local plans consequently do not treat land release for the affordable and market-led sectors equitably. Will she consider issuing supplementary planning guidance to structure plan authorities to require land releases for affordable housing either through structure plan reviews or by using the alteration-of-plan procedure?
I had a lengthy discussion on that issue last night at the cross-party group in the Scottish Parliament on affordable housing—a meeting that was brilliantly chaired by Mr Tosh. I am now at a sad stage of life and I find discussions on structure plans very interesting. Last night, I did not give Mr Tosh a specific answer—as he spotted—but I assure him that planning is a key part of our discussions on the supply of affordable housing. I do not think that, in the past, we ever marshalled the planning system and housing issues as we should have done. We all know the profound issues involved. We can make changes in one area that have an unintended consequence in another. We want to ensure that that does not happen. Detailed considerations will be part of our discussions. I will happily discuss the issue with Murray Tosh or the cross-party group and share our further thoughts.
I do not seek the same flattering reply that the minister gave to Mr Tosh. The issue of affordable housing covers more than the capacity to buy an affordable house; it also covers the capacity to rent an affordable house. What plans does the minister have to increase the supply of houses for rent? When will she review the right to buy?
There were a lot of questions there. I am glad that Brian Adam was not demanding a flattering response, because he would not have got one. I will withhold any other comment.
The minister has received representations, from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland among others, about her target of having 18,000 social rented homes by 2006. The institute has said that that target is woefully inadequate. Will she review the figure and increase it substantially? In evidence to the Communities Committee, the institute said that the net loss of social rented housing was 16,000. Will the minister therefore agree that the need to review the right to buy in the social rented sector is urgent and pressing?
My reply to Brian Adam is relevant to this question, too. We are implementing our policies through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. In areas where people say that the right to buy is having a drastic effect on the availability of housing, they can apply for pressured area status. The procedure for that is quite robust. One local authority is currently at the beginning of that process and we will wait to see what happens.
Green-belt Land
To ask the Scottish Executive how guidelines on building on green-belt land are being implemented. (S2O-2855)
The Executive's policy on green belts is set out in Scottish Development Department circular 24/1985. Local authorities designate green belts through their development plans. Decisions on individual development proposals are made in accordance with the development plans, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. We have commissioned research to evaluate the effectiveness of green-belt policy and to examine how it is being implemented.
I thank the minister for her answer. She may be aware of proposals in my region to build a school on a site in Silverknowes in west Edinburgh that is partly designated as green-belt land. Does she agree that that proposal to build on green-belt land should be resisted and will she ensure that, when the proposal comes before the Executive, ministers will seek to protect the green-belt land while ensuring that Craigroyston Community High School stays at the heart of its community?
I am sure that Mark Ballard would not expect me to comment specifically on the application to which he referred. Given that the application may come to the Executive at a later stage, I would not want to say anything that might be prejudicial. I point out to him that the designation of green belts is established through development plans in consultation with local communities. Therefore, green belts should be taken seriously. However, the situation is not that there should never be any development within green belts. It is important that we allow local authorities the flexibility to decide on individual applications on the basis of what is in a local community's best interests. It is important that, in this instance, we allow the local authority to pursue the best interests of its community. Obviously, should the application be referred to the Executive, we will bear in mind Mr Ballard's comments.
Is the deputy minister aware that I have written to the Minister for Communities about Dunbeth park in my constituency and the fact that school public-private partnership bidders have dictated the location of an all-weather, floodlit football pitch on a piece of historically and aesthetically significant green parkland in Coatbridge? The PPP bidders, as the main developers, seem to have circumvented the usual system of notices of intention to develop, to which local authority developments are subject. Does the minister share my concern that the views and objectives of PPP bidders are taking precedence over the concerns of the community? Will she undertake to look into that as a matter of urgency?
Again, I can only say that it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual circumstances at this stage. However, I am aware that Elaine Smith has written to the minister about the matter and I am sure that she will receive a response as quickly as possible. I reiterate that development plans should always be the major consideration when applications are considered. If a local authority believes that there are significant reasons for changing that procedure, they must be good ones that would benefit the local community.
Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 (Implementation)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable will be for the implementation of each of the sections of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. (S2O-2854)
Officials wrote to local authorities on 14 January 2004, setting out the indicative timetable.
I thank the minister for that reply, but I am not sure what to make of it. The Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 was passed over a year ago. The minister received a housing rights award for passing what Shelter dubbed as the most progressive homelessness legislation in western Europe. However, with the exception of the issue of priority need, changes to the homelessness test have yet to be implemented. When will she give notification of when the 2003 act will commence, of how much it will cost and of whether and how the Executive intends to pay for it? Does she accept that, apart from the hype associated with the bill's passage, the legislation has so far made little difference to the lives of homeless people?
I do not normally like to disagree strongly with Shiona Baird, but I am as perplexed about what she said as she appeared to be at my initial reply. I think that what she is saying about the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 is quite unfair. We have worked closely with stakeholders on its implementation. The monitoring group was set up immediately after the bill was passed to ensure that the legislation would be implemented in partnership with all the key organisations, including Shelter. A timetable has been agreed with the monitoring group and with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. The sector is well aware of what we are doing in that regard.
If a property was repossessed because, under the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Bill, the landlord received no rent and therefore could not pay the mortgage, what would happen to the sitting tenants? Would the lender have to register as the landlord?
Briefly.
As Mary Scanlon knows, we have had a big discussion about private landlords. All the details of that are subject to on-going consideration. I will be happy to discuss those details with the member.
General Questions
As question 1 has been withdrawn, we move straight to question 2 of the general questions.
United Kingdom Fishing Industry
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is taking forward the findings of the Prime Minister's strategy unit's report on the UK fishing industry. (S2O-2845)
We will be co-operating closely with all interested parties and other fisheries departments to prepare a response to the Prime Minister's strategy unit's report on the UK fishing industry.
I welcome that answer. Does the minister agree that the Scottish Executive, in consultation with our fishing industry, must take the lead on decisions to ensure a profitable and sustainable fleet? Will he reaffirm that the Executive is not contemplating any further decommissioning, but is considering the suggestions in the report that are useful, such as those on ensuring transparency in the catching figures and those on the use of different options for restricting effort?
I am happy to give the member the confirmation that he seeks. It was unfortunate that, when the strategy unit's report was published, decommissioning was concentrated on. The report suggests that a further reduction of at least 13 per cent is necessary to ensure a sustainable white-fish fleet in the UK. We need to examine the report and study its implications. I was at pains to point out that, in Scotland, there are no plans for further decommissioning of the Scottish fleet. There is much in the report that is to be welcomed and that we want to consider further in concert with the UK Government.
As the minister will be aware, the Prime Minister's strategy unit recommended a 13 per cent cut in the UK fleet and a tie-up for four years of a further 30 per cent of the fleet. In which Scottish ports does the minister think that any cuts or any pull-back might be sustainable, given that only 60 dedicated white-fish boats are left in Scotland? Does he accept that any further cuts would mean, in effect, that there was no Scottish white-fish fleet left?
No, I do not accept the basic premise of the question. I pointed out the detail of the strategy unit's report in my response to Richard Baker's question. We have no plans for further decommissioning in Scotland, so no Scottish ports face further decommissioning. However, as the member knows, the problem of the scarcity of cod in the North sea remains and must be addressed. The complexity of that situation will have to be tackled in the future so that there is a sustainable fishing industry that will sustain fishing communities in Mr Brocklebank's part of Scotland and in the rest of the country. That is what the strategy unit's report seeks to do and I welcome it for that reason.
Children (Physical Punishment)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the results were of the research that it commissioned from an independent contractor into the current incidence of physical punishment of children by their parents, as announced on 18 March 2002. (S2O-2792)
The results of the research are contained in the report "Disciplining Children: Research with Parents in Scotland", which was published on 18 September 2002. The research involved an exploration of the views and behaviour of around 700 parents in Scotland. Of the parents interviewed, 79 per cent were in favour of a ban on shaking, 79 per cent were in favour of a ban on the use of implements and 84 per cent were in favour of a ban on hitting on the head. The information helped to inform section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, under which those specific forms of punishment are prohibited.
Like the minister, I welcome the figures that were included in the report. Can she give the chamber information on the effectiveness of section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 in respect of a reduction in the incidence of visible harm being presented at hospitals or in other ways?
I cannot give the member information of the kind that he has requested. It is only some eight months since the act was implemented. We are not aware of any related cases that have come before the courts as yet or of any further research that has been done to follow up on the report. Obviously, any research would need to look at information that had been gathered over a period of time. As with all legislation, we will keep the act and its implementation and outcomes under review.
I have some good news for the minister. If we go ahead with the European Union constitution, whatever she and the Scottish Parliament think about the issue is irrelevant. Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union refers to
I am always delighted to get good news from Mr Gallie, although I have to say that that is a rare event. I want to put on record the fact that the Executive takes seriously the issue of respect for family life. Of course, we also take seriously the issue of protecting our children from inappropriate harm. That is what the act that we passed in the Parliament sought to do and those are the principles that will inform our future reform of family law.
Waste Water Treatment Plants<br />(Odour Emissions)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling odour emissions from waste water treatment plants. (S2O-2813)
As I detailed to the Environment and Rural Development Committee on 9 June, the Executive will be publishing the Scottish water quality and standards III consultation in July and the draft code of practice on odour control from waste water treatment works consultation in September 2004. Those will, respectively, consider the relative priority of odour control in future financial planning and provide best practice guidance for resolving odour problems. I also indicated that we plan to consider the statutory underpinning of the code of practice.
I welcome the minister's comments about his consideration of the need to give statutory force to the measures that he outlined in his reply. I urge him to move forward on the issue with some urgency, as my constituents who live close to the Seafield waste water treatment works have experienced problems for far too long. Will he acknowledge that odour greatly reduces people's quality of life, in the same way as other environmental nuisances, including noise, do? Given the Executive's commitment to an improved quality of life in our communities, will he ensure that the statutory and regulatory regime for odour control is given as much weight as other environmental issues are? Will he further ensure that the law takes seriously the concerns of communities on the matter?
I am happy to give Susan Deacon the assurance that she seeks. Indeed, I pay tribute to her and to those other members, including Marilyn Livingstone, who have raised the issue of odour control at our waste water treatment works. They have moved the matter up the political agenda so that it now ranks with issues such as noise pollution and—dare I say it—light pollution. As Susan Deacon is aware, any amendment to the law will be subject to our finding a suitable opportunity to make the legislative changes. It will also require the approval of the Cabinet sub-committee on legislation. I am therefore unable to elaborate further on the subject at present, apart from reiterating my intention to underpin statutorily the proposed code of practice. I am happy to meet the member and, indeed, the convener of the Environment and Rural Development Committee to see how we can best take forward the issue on a statutory basis.
The minister will be aware that the people of towns such as Inveraray and Campbeltown have been living with an appalling stink of sewage since Scottish Water fiddled about with their water works. Does he understand that people in those towns rely on tourism as their main income? What does he think that tourists will make of the stink? Will they come back next year?
I have great sympathy with anybody whose water works have been fiddled with. I am pleased to assure Jamie McGrigor and George Lyon—who has raised the matter as the constituency MSP—that we are considering seriously the problems that Jamie McGrigor identified in Inveraray and other places on the west coast so that we can secure technical solutions. Technical solutions exist, although they have financial implications. We must consider both those issues with Scottish Water.
Small Businesses (Support)
To ask the Scottish Executive what support it offers to enable small retail businesses to improve their premises. (S2O-2859)
The Scottish energy efficiency office offers energy and waste audits to small firms, including retail businesses, and can provide interest-free loans to businesses to improve their energy efficiency. Small firms also benefit from rates relief of between 5 and 50 per cent and have access to many of the business support services that the Scottish Enterprise network provides.
I particularly welcome the efforts to improve energy efficiency in small businesses. However, I am concerned that, when small businesses take action to improve access to their premises to comply with measures such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, they may pay higher rents as a result. On the other hand, when large retail developments are introduced, local authorities may take steps to improve access, such as signage and car parking, to try to encourage retail businesses to set up in the area. That approach does little to support small community businesses—
Do you have a question?
What steps will the Executive take to ensure that small businesses are on a level playing field in the retail sector?
The planning policy that applies to the retail sector supports development in city centres. It is clearly in the interests of smaller businesses and established businesses that that should continue to be the basis on which local authorities make judgments about applications of the kind that Mr Ballard describes. As far as other costs are concerned, in many cities—including my own—small businesses have banded together in city centre associations to provide mutual support for members in addressing some of their common concerns.
Christmas Day and New Year's Day Trading (Scotland) Bill
To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to responses to the consultation on the proposed Christmas day and new year's day trading (Scotland) bill. (S2O-2846)
The Executive will reserve its position on the proposed bill until we have considered the responses. Consultation will be important, as there may be a range of views on the proposals. The Executive will study the public response closely. We will wish to assess the balance of opinion on the slightly different issues raised by the proposals to ban large stores opening on Christmas day on the one hand and on new year's day on the other.
I am grateful to the minister for his reassurance that he will listen to the consultation responses. Does he agree that there is no evidence to suggest that the current practice of shops remaining closed on new year's day in Scotland has damaged tourism in Scotland? Does he agree that it is important that we listen closely to the views of all those who have an interest in the proposed bill, particularly the shop workers and ordinary men and women of Scotland?
Like others, I am encouraged by the increase in tourism that Scotland has witnessed around the new year period, which has been achieved despite the fact that large stores do not open on new year's day. However, we will wait to see what the retail industry and other interests have to say on the matter. Karen Whitefield is correct that the views of those who would be required to work on both Christmas day and new year's day should be listened to. Both days have become important family holidays and Christmas day still has a religious resonance with many people in Scotland. Any decision to open stores on those days would have a considerable social impact, which we would also want to consider.
ScotRail Franchise
To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits to passengers will be of the new ScotRail franchise. (S2O-2841)
The new franchise will bring in a number of improvements for passengers, such as improved punctuality and reliability of services; improved passenger safety and comfort, including higher standards of cleanliness, security and travel information; plans to reduce overcrowding so that no one should have to wait more than 10 minutes for a seat; and tougher penalties for poor performance.
I hope that the minister is right. Does he share my constituents' concerns that FirstGroup plc will run the train service in the same way as it runs the buses in my constituency? Timetables are changed without consultation and do not meet people's need to get to work, services are withdrawn and buses do not turn up. Can he assure me that that will not happen under the new ScotRail franchise?
I can, because the difference between bus services in Scotland and the ScotRail franchise is that the rail franchise is fixed and specified by the Executive and we have said that the basis of the new franchise will be at least the current level of service—the current timetable and current provision. We want to make improvements in all the areas that I have identified—punctuality, reliability, safety and comfort—but we also want to introduce new services. As Cathy Peattie is aware, there are a number of ambitious plans for new rail lines and rail services in Scotland that we intend to implement during the seven-year period of the new franchise.
Will the minister explain exactly how it is possible to guarantee that people will have seats within 10 minutes without a seat reservation system, which I suspect he does not want to introduce on commuter services?
The simple answer is that we need more capacity—in particular, more peak-time capacity—on our network. To start to achieve that, we have acquired 29 new trains through the rolling-stock operating companies and we are extending the platforms at 27 locations throughout Scotland. Moreover, we have made a significant increase in peak-time capacity on many of the main urban corridors—on the route between Glasgow and Edinburgh, there has been a 37 per cent increase in peak-time capacity—which will make a considerable difference to our ability to cope with the rising demand for rail services. The important thing is that we have rising demand for rail services in Scotland and we intend to meet that demand with the new rolling stock.
The minister gave guarantees to Cathy Peattie regarding the new franchise, but it appears that we cannot get any guarantees about the present ScotRail service from Edinburgh to Dunblane, which, night after night, terminates at Stirling. Would he like to assist me in trying to make the passage from Edinburgh to Dunblane more of a continuous journey?
I cannot guarantee that problems with individual services, breakdowns and the usual inconveniences that we seek to reduce and minimise in any public transport system will not arise from time to time. However, I would be delighted to assist Sylvia Jackson with the problem that she identifies. Any such problem should be kept to a minimum and, if it has been going on too long, I am always prepared to take action.
Renewable Energy
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting the development of renewable energy. (S2O-2839)
We are promoting the development of renewables in a number of ways, including the renewables obligation on electricity suppliers to source more electricity from renewable sources, the Scottish community and householder renewables initiative and the work of the forum for renewable energy development in Scotland, which seeks to accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as marine energy, biomass and hydrogen.
The minister is no doubt aware that all methods of producing electricity from renewables require the upgrading of the grid and that the erection of the necessary large pylons will have a visual impact on the landscape. Is he aware of the anxieties that that is creating in communities such as Ullapool, which depends on tourism for its economy? Will he reassure me that the needs of such communities to preserve the landscape on which their economies depend will be taken seriously in any assessment of or permission for an interconnector route?
Maureen Macmillan is absolutely right to say that, if Scotland is to realise its potential in renewable energy, particularly in the north and west of the country, the upgrading of the national grid will be an absolutely essential requirement. That is subject to a statutory process—specifically, consents have to be sought under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Any consent would be given only after careful consideration, taking into account environmental impacts and the interests of communities, as well as the requirements of national energy policy.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. At the beginning of question time, you had to make a ruling—albeit on the spur of the moment—on what should happen if a minister is not in place to answer a question that was allocated to him. Could you and the other Presiding Officers reflect on what should happen on any similar occasion in future? It has occurred to me that simply moving on to the next question is not in accordance with standing orders, or with the spirit of standing orders, which clearly allocate questions to the Executive, rather than to specified ministers. Moreover, as Mr Gallie pointed out, that practice also does not allow supplementary questions to be asked. In extremis, the practice could be open to abuse should a minister decide to duck a question in that manner.
Further to that point of order, Presiding Officer. I back the comments that Alasdair Morgan has made. Such an omission on the part of a minister is a great discourtesy to the Parliament. Surely the first responsibility of any minister is to the Parliament. There should be an apology and a full explanation. I am disappointed that Mr McAveety is not in the chamber. I had hoped that he would have explained the matter—perhaps there was a good reason for his failing to appear for the question concerned. I ask you to request Mr McAveety to appear in the chamber later to explain the situation.
The point of order is to me, but Cathy Jamieson has indicated that she wishes to speak.
I realise that it is unusual to respond in this way, but I feel that it is important to assure the chamber that Mr McAveety will ensure that a letter will be with you, Presiding Officer, in which he will apologise for the omission and in which he will explain the circumstances. I have had brief, informal discussions with my colleagues on the front bench this afternoon about putting in place an appropriate process to prevent such a situation from arising again. I apologise on Frank McAveety's behalf.
It is unfortunate that Mr McAveety is not here. I take note of the minister's point and we will reflect on the matter. It is important that, if ministers have a question to answer, they are in the chamber to answer it.
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