Contents
- Scottish Parliament Thursday 28 November 2002
- Education
- Drugs Courts
- Waste and Emissions Trading Bill
- Junior Minister
- Question Time
- First Minister's Question Time
- Domestic Abuse
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- Decision Time
- Acute Health Services Review (Glasgow)
Question Time
I give notice to the chamber that I will add two minutes to each section of question time to make up for the time lost.
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Council Tax (Second Homes)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for the removal of the council tax rebate on second homes. (S1O-5973)
We have today published a consultation paper seeking views on the removal or reduction of the discount on second homes and long-term empty properties. We have previously indicated that we are open to making changes in this area of policy.
I thank the minister for that encouraging response. The minister will be aware that before the implementation of the poll tax and the dreaded community charge, crofters on small agricultural holdings enjoyed a 50 per cent reduction on their domestic rates. Will the minister ensure that any amended legislation will retain that benefit in the crofting counties and will not discriminate against indigenous homeowners?
As I indicated, we published a consultation paper today. I would be happy to hear from John Farquhar Munro about the issue to which he referred. We would consider that in the context of the consultation. He raised an important issue in relation to the Highlands and Islands because many second homes there are croft homes that have been inherited by families who remain in the Highlands and Islands. I will be happy to look at that issue within the consultation.
I welcome the consultation that was announced today. If the outcome of the consultation were that councils would have powers to levy full council tax on second homes, would the Executive consider allowing such councils to retain that money to deal with housing in their areas?
Again, the consultation paper covers a wide range of issues and we will be asking questions on the issue of the distribution of resources that may be raised if the Executive decides to change policy after the consultation.
Is there not, in fact, a huge problem of housing shortage in rural Scotland? Is that problem not considerably exacerbated by the number of second homes and the fact that the people who own them often push the price up well beyond the means of local people? Is it not time that the people who have second homes paid the full whack, as local people do?
That is part of the nature of the consultation and is one reason for it. The consultation paper contains the arguments that Alasdair Morgan makes. One of the reasons why we are about to reopen consideration of policy on the matter is that there is an argument that the taxation regime is an incentive for people to buy holiday homes in rural areas, which forces house prices up and forces local people out of housing. That argument is one underlying reason for the possible policy change.
Sexual Offences
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make any changes to the law on sexual offences as a result of changes announced in the Queen's speech. (S1O-5990)
With the exception of changes to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 1997, the changes in sex offence legislation announced in the Queen's speech relate to England and Wales. We keep that area of the law under review but have no current plans to change legislation.
Given that concerns about child abuse through prostitution and the internet have been raised in the chamber on many occasions and that recent figures show that no action or prosecutions have been taken against those involved with children in the sex trade, will the minister say whether he is considering introducing offences that are along the lines of those that have been announced at Westminster? If he is not considering that, why not?
I reassure Gil Paterson and other members that the Executive and the police treat offences against children by use of the internet extremely seriously. I am aware of the steps that the Home Office is taking to have a specific new offence of grooming children for sexual abuse on the internet. In our view, that offence can be caught under Scots common law. The Crown Office has recently prosecuted cases of grooming behaviour under the common law of shameless indecency. However, I assure Gil Paterson that the Executive is considering actively whether the law on the matter needs to be strengthened.
Will the minister consider the matter holistically and take on board the views in the strategy paper that has been produced by the cross-party group in the Scottish Parliament on survivors of childhood sexual abuse? Is he willing to meet the group to discuss the issues?
The matter is under active consideration and I am prepared to consult more widely and to examine the work of the group to which Marilyn Livingstone refers. I will contact her and perhaps other office bearers of the group about how that might be progressed.
I hope that the minister will forgive me if I find his replies too perfunctory. He will appreciate that we are facing an international web of wickedness that affects children. The First Minister's policy is to put children first, but is the minister aware of how few resources the police have to deal with the matter? I believe that Strathclyde police have only two or three officers who are involved in the appalling task of trying to catch parasites and perverts who prey on children through the web.
I reassure Dorothy-Grace Elder that the police take the issue seriously. I have talked to the police about the issue, particularly to Strathclyde police. At any given time, when particular operations are in mind, different levels of resources will be involved. I reaffirm the Executive's commitment to ensure that what is an international problem—as Dorothy-Grace Elder pointed out—is properly followed up and tackled. I have already said what action is being considered in that regard.
European Court of Justice Ruling (Imports)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications for farmers and fishermen will be of the decision by the European Commission to refrain from further action against France in respect of the verdict of the European Court of Justice that France was guilty of illegal restrictions on the importation of British beef over a three-year period. (S1O-5956)
As a consequence of that particular case, the Commission has decided to re-examine its approach to cases in which it seeks financial penalties from member states that have failed to comply with judgments of the European Court of Justice. Any steps to make the legal mechanisms available in such circumstances more effective in preventing member states from ignoring European Union law is good news for Scotland's farmers and fishermen.
Does the minister agree that France set out deliberately to frustrate the British beef industry's interests? Will he advise whether there will be compensation for Scottish farmers? Further to that, if France gets away with its action, might fishermen look to the matter and determine to use the judicial process, with the help of the Government, to avoid draconian measures being placed upon them by the European Commission?
I shall deal with Phil Gallie's last question first. I do not believe that it is in the interests of Scottish fishermen or Scottish fishing communities to defy regulations and continue to put future fisheries stocks at risk. It is important to the future of all whitefish fisheries that sensible and equitable measures are introduced.
The question of compensation is not a matter for the Executive or the Government. However, Mr Gallie will be aware that the National Farmers Union in England is pursuing a case for compensation in parallel with this judgment. Any case for compensation must be dealt with by the French courts, and this judgment will be helpful for individuals and organisations that want to bring claims for damages against the French.
Further Education (Borders)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns regarding the future provision of further education in the Borders. (S1O-5983)
Colleges are accountable to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council for the provision of adequate and efficient further education in the communities that they serve. I am satisfied that both SFEFC and the board of management of Borders College will continue to use their judgment and experience to ensure the continued provision of high-quality further education in the Borders.
Is the minister aware of the impact that the closure of the Borders College campus at Hawick will have not only on the staff and the 670 students there, but on a vulnerable economy that is already reeling from the demise of the textile industry and the effects of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak? Will the minister consider carefully the submissions in the community's petition and those that were made by me in yesterday's debate on further education; look into the issues that are raised in the funding of rural colleges; and, in the interim, intervene to prevent the closure of the college campus at Hawick?
I am aware of the issues surrounding the Hawick campus of Borders College. Euan Robson, the constituency MSP for Hawick, has not only raised the matter with me in the past; he has also raised it directly and properly with the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which has the responsibility for working with the college to ensure the most efficient provision. Borders College has exceptionally high property costs per student compared with other colleges, and that matter has to be addressed. My expectation is that all options will be considered. The suggestion that the Hawick campus will definitely close is premature. I understand that the petition is in the hands of the Public Petitions Committee. It is for that committee to decide how it intends to deal with the petition.
Does the minister agree that there are genuine concerns about the way in which the funding formula for FE colleges is working, with particular regard to colleges such as Borders College, which are remote from other colleges and have a limited pool of potential recruits to enable them to expand their student base to meet demanding targets? After all, the funding follows the students.
Account is taken of the specific issues of rurality and remoteness in the funding methodology that the funding council uses. Rural colleges receive a funding uplift to take account of the increased costs that they have to bear. Nevertheless, Borders College has exceptionally high property costs per student compared to other colleges, and the board of management of the college must address that. It should do that with due consideration of the impact on the local community, for example, and in discussion with the funding council. I expect all options to be considered in those discussions, which are properly a matter for the college and the funding council.
Transport Services (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all people in the Highlands and Islands have a say in the development of transport services. (S1O-5997)
We ensure that people have a say either by consulting the wider community on major strategic issues or by working in partnership with local authorities and community groups so that a wide range of views can be taken into account in reaching decisions on specific projects.
I know that the minister is aware of concern on the island of Barra over the proposal that the public service obligation for the air service from Glasgow to Barra be extended by only a year, to April 2004. I seek an assurance from the minister that, during his review, he will recognise and consider seriously all the relevant data that I will present to him and that he will continue to liaise with me and with the local authority.
Is the minister in a position to agree to further discussion before the Christmas recess to enable me to communicate to him the community's concerns and to present information that will allow ministers to arrive at the logical conclusion that this essential air service should be tendered on the same basis as the services to the island of Tiree and to the community of Campbeltown?
I will be happy to meet Alasdair Morrison and members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to hear their views and to consider how best they and other local interests might make an input to the process of review that we will conduct next year. I will, of course, be happy to meet them again as the process moves on and to consider any relevant data that are presented by local organisations when we review the service.
Does the Executive accept that, if all the people in the Highlands and Islands had a say in the development of transport services, there would be an overwhelming chorus of voices emphasising that the car is a necessity in that region and that more should be done to improve roads in the area and reduce the cost of motoring?
It is precisely in order to establish a set of priorities and objectives that the Highlands and Islands transport partnership is drawing up a strategy. I understand that the partnership will consult widely on what the strategy should contain. We would expect it to address all modes of transport in the Highlands and Islands.
Question 6 has been withdrawn.
Air Links (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient air links to the Highlands and Islands. (S1O-5962)
We are consulting communities across Scotland, as part of the current air transport consultation on future strategy, including air links to the Highlands and Islands. We will consider all the responses to that consultation in the further development of our aviation strategy.
In a previous answer, the minister said that he was aware of the concerns of the people of Barra. Is he aware of the concern that the reduction to a one-year tender is bad not only because it is a reduction from the three-year tender, but because it gives the Executive the opportunity to redefine what a public service obligation is and therefore the ability to exclude Barra?
Will the minister comment on a letter that he has received from a constituent of mine on Barra, which was copied to me? The constituent says that the decision
"suggests that the Labour party cares nothing for the well-being and the future of Scotland's island communities – and I write as a long-term Labour supporter"
and that, if the Barra to Glasgow air service were to be dispensed with,
"The losses, to the island, to your credibility and that of your party would be unquantifiable and disastrous."
The representations that were made to me by Alasdair Morrison contained a much more balanced approach than the one that has been cited by Duncan Hamilton.
We intend to review the service in the light of all the evidence. That is the kind of objective basis on which we would seek to proceed.
What is the Executive doing to promote new routes into the Highlands and Islands?
The First Minister recently announced the establishment of a £6 million interim route development fund for Scottish air links, which will include specific provision for air links into the Highlands and Islands. We regard that as the best way to support those new routes in order to enhance services for the people of the Highlands and Islands.
Stalking and Harassment
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle stalking and harassment. (S1O-5995)
A major research report into the nature and prevalence of stalking and harassment in Scotland was published on 15 November 2002. The report concluded that there is little support among practitioners and victims for a change in the current law, but that there is a widespread view that the current provisions could be used more effectively. We will be taking steps to ensure that the recommendations of the report are acted on appropriately.
I remind the minister of the case in my constituency of Marilyn McKenna, who was a victim of stalking. During the period of her stalking, there was no coherent approach to supporting Marilyn by the police, housing authorities and social services. Can the minister assure me that the new framework will ensure that those authorities work together to support victims of stalking and harassment?
It is the intention to ensure that all agencies work together. We will be mindful of the concerns that Paul Martin raises and learn from the experience of that case and others. I hope that what has been produced will make an effective contribution.
Does the minister recognise that this is a growing problem and that there have been many serious cases, one of which Paul Martin highlighted? Does he agree that the most appropriate action that the Executive could take would be to ensure that all cases of this type are, when prosecuted, taken on indictment, which would ensure that the victims of harassment and stalking received the maximum possible level of protection from the courts?
As I indicated, there was little support for a change in the law. However, we want to ensure that the existing law is acted on effectively and that those who face stalking and harassment receive the proper protection.
Social Services (Children)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve services for children at risk of abuse and neglect. (S1O-6001)
The report of the child protection review was published on Monday 25 November. In response, we announced an action plan, which will take forward reforms in child protection services. That includes additional funding of £500,000 to ChildLine Scotland.
The report makes worrying reading. We clearly have a lot of work to do to repair trust in professionals and to work with parents to deal with their personal and social problems. I welcome the Executive's action plan to deal with that. Will the minister outline what action the Executive will take to tackle the problems, which are felt locally, of a lack of social work professionals in the field?
The point that Cathie Craigie makes about the lack of social work professionals is worrying. That point was highlighted in the recent report of the chief inspector of social work services for Scotland. Although the number of main-grade social workers in local authorities grew from 2,531 to 3,204 between 1990 and 2001, that still means that there are around 470 vacancies throughout Scotland for qualified social workers.
Authorities such as North Lanarkshire Council that are taking action to recruit staff, supporting staff in the proper training and looking creatively at the use of other support staff give us a way forward. The Executive is supporting that with a recruitment campaign.
Does the minister think that the First Minister's comments at the launch of the report of the child protection audit and review this week will be helpful in attracting and encouraging people into a career in the social care work force, where the number of vacancies in children's services has increased by 73 per cent in the past year, or does she agree that blaming overworked and under-resourced staff is not a solution to the recruitment problems in social work and that the First Minister's threatening and derisory comments have served only to undermine the Executive's national recruitment campaign and further demoralise those who are trying to protect children in already difficult circumstances?
I do not agree with Irene McGugan's analysis of what the First Minister said. I was at the launch when the First Minister made himself very clear on social work services. He accepted that many social workers work in very difficult circumstances to deliver quality care for children and young people, but there are problems with the services, some of which are frankly not good enough. That is not an attack on social workers or on the other hard-pressed professionals who are out on the front line. However, it makes it very clear that people need to raise their game, join up the services and put the needs of children—rather than bureaucracy—first. The First Minister made that clear, and I have no hesitation in supporting that view.
I agree with my friend Cathie Craigie that the recent report made worrying reading. Is the minister satisfied that the links between the statutory sector and the voluntary sector are as robust as they could be? Is she also satisfied that the use of the child protection register to screen those who are most at risk from further abuse is working adequately throughout Scotland?
There are a number of concerns around the way in which local authorities and other agencies can work together. That includes the voluntary sector.
I am concerned to ensure that we get the most out of the child protection committees and the best use of the child protection register. It is simply not good enough that many young people are at risk but do not appear on the register and do not get the support that they need. That is why, early in the new year, I will call a summit of all those involved at the highest levels to ensure that we get things right and make the necessary improvements.
Planning (School Wood)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it called in the planning application for the development within the native School woodland at Nethy Bridge or referred it back to the Highland Council and what the reasons are for its position on the matter. (S1O-6012)
The planning application was referred back to the Highland Council, for its own determination, on 11 November, because the issues raised did not warrant intervention by the Scottish ministers. The determination of planning applications is primarily a matter for the appropriate planning authority.
I venture to disagree with the minister's answer. Given the fact that, following the Johannesburg world summit on sustainable development, the Scottish Executive has supported the commitment to protect, restore and expand native woodlands through the UK forest partnership for action, will the minister give an assurance that that commitment will be honoured in Scotland, and particularly in the case of the native School woodland at Nethy Bridge?
The commitment is clear in terms of our support for that approach. We have issued a leaflet that makes clear our support for the UK forest partnership for action. Our commitment is expressed through the Scottish targets in the UK biodiversity action plan, "The UK Forestry Standard: The Government's Approach to Sustainable Forestry", and through the Executive's greater focus on its forestry strategy.
A large number of ancient woodland sites now have plantation forests, and the Forestry Commission is currently developing advice in relation to the priorities for restoration. In the case of the School woodland to which Robin Harper refers, Scottish Natural Heritage's advice is that, although the wood is listed in the ancient woodlands inventory, SNH does not consider that wood to be of particular significance for any important habitat or species. SNH did not advise us to intervene in the matter and we took its advice seriously.
Is the minister aware that the development to which Robin Harper refers comprises approximately 40 proposed houses, of which 10 will be low-cost, affordable housing for local people and a further 10 will be building plots for local people? Will the minister join me in commending the local planning department for ensuring that the development will go ahead and does she agree that the law should allow more provision for low-cost, affordable housing? Does she acknowledge that many people in my constituency and elsewhere are becoming a bit fed up about outside intrusion into local planning matters by interest groups and outside bodies—and even the odd Green?
Despite my reputation of always wanting to argue my case, on this occasion I take a slightly more balanced view than Fergus Ewing does. In all planning decisions, a balance of factors must be taken into account. It is of course appropriate to consider environmental interests when considering planning decisions. In this case, the allocation for housing was in tune with the local plan, which arose from a local planning inquiry. Therefore, appropriate procedures seem to have been followed.
Flood Prevention (Clyde Basin)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide a unified approach to flood prevention in the River Clyde basin. (S1O-5987)
The Executive has established a River Clyde co-ordination group to ensure that appropriate options have been identified and that due consideration is given to the catchment-wide implications of Glasgow City Council's proposals to address flood risk.
In that context, I was pleased to announce in a written parliamentary answer this morning an additional allocation of £1 million to the council for it to undertake a feasibility study of options to protect Glasgow and to prevent flooding in the River Clyde basin. The provision of funding at this early stage is exceptional, but is intended to facilitate a catchment-wide approach.
The minister's response is welcome, but does he acknowledge the major, justifiable public concerns over increased flooding in the wake of climate change? Is he aware of the fact that the division of responsibility for the implementation of flood-prevention arrangements can lead to an inadequate, impartial view of the problem? Will he commit to the continuing involvement of Scottish Executive officials in taking a broad view on those matters and to providing the necessary funds—on top of the allocation of £1 million if that proves necessary—to ensure that the menace of serious flooding in the Clyde basin is tackled effectively?
In addition to the £1 million that was announced today, which arises from the spending review, capital resources for major capital flood-prevention and coast-protection schemes have been increased by 30 per cent to a total of £40 million for 2003-04 to 2005-06. I believe fundamentally in a catchment-area-based approach to flood prevention, and I have lodged an amendment to the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill to promote sustainable flood management as a major priority for, and duty on, all the public bodies responsible.
I welcome the minister's announcement of the allocation of £1 million, but is he aware that 14 organisations have responsibility for flooding issues in the Clyde catchment area? The minister mentioned his amendment to the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, but will he now end the piecemeal approach to the management of the Clyde and introduce primary legislation—not amendments—to enable the establishment of one dedicated body for all aspects of the management of the River Clyde?
The amendment to which Sandra White refers will amend primary legislation. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has taken the lead on flood prevention. We must recognise the important role of councils in developing flood-prevention schemes. Local authorities are accountable to their electors for setting priorities in that area.
Our flood strategy consists of a three-pronged approach. It is about increasing awareness, avoidance—by not planning for development on flood plains—and adaptation on rivers such as the Clyde, to prevent flood emergencies.
Given the extensive riparian developments that are proposed for the Clyde in both Glasgow and Braehead, is there urgency in pursuing the options to protect Glasgow and the Clyde basin from flooding? Are those options likely to include the resumption of dredging?
This is an unusual development. Normally we would expect local authorities to develop schemes, but in this case we are providing £1 million to assist the local authority to consider all the options, including dredging of the Clyde. As Annabel Goldie knows, Glasgow was built around the Clyde and the river generated great wealth. As the First Minister made clear last week, Glasgow is the driver of the Scottish economy. The £1 million that we have allocated is designed to assist economic development and to provide economic benefit to the people of Glasgow and of Scotland more generally.
Minimum Wage (NHS)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is able to introduce a minimum wage for the NHS in Scotland set at a higher rate than the UK statutory minimum wage and, if so, whether it intends to do so. (S1O-5994)
The Scottish Executive has devolved responsibility in this area. Tommy Sheridan should be aware that the NHS minimum wage is already above the UK statutory minimum. At present, the minimum salary in the NHS is £4.47 per hour for an adult worker, based on a 39-hour week and a 52-week year. The UK statutory rate is £4.20 per hour.
Today I inform the Parliament that the four UK health departments have concluded the agenda for change talks with NHS staff organisations that will lead to a new, modernised NHS pay system. We welcome the agreement that has been reached, which will now be subject to wider consultation. Details of what the package means for individual staff groups will emerge over the next month, but I can say that it will mean a new minimum NHS salary of £5.18 per hour, based on a 37.5-hour week and a 52-week year. That represents an increase of 11 per cent on today's rate.
A delegation representing striking admin and clerical workers from north Glasgow is in the gallery today. It represents workers such as Jim, a medical records officer who carries out complex tasks and has contact with patients. Jim has worked in the health service for 27 years—[Interruption.]
Order.
Members do not like hearing about low pay, as it embarrasses them.
Mr Sheridan, you must ask a question.
Jim has worked in the health service for 27 years. His wage is £8,668 a year—
Question!
Order. Mr Sheridan, this is not speech time—it is question time. You have had time to ask a question.
With the greatest respect, Presiding Officer—
No more.
Presiding Officer, I had to raise my voice to be heard over the babble of Labour members.
The problem is one of content, rather than volume.
Tommy Sheridan should have listened to my answer. He should examine his arithmetic—it is unlikely that the person about whom he spoke would be earning £8,000 if he were on the rate to which I have referred.
The important point is that we said we would make progress on low pay and today we have demonstrated that we are doing so. We want to continue making progress on low pay. However, we can do so only on the basis of realistic policies. The minimum wage that the Scottish Socialist Party proposes would cost £189 million. Because it would have many knock-on effects, it would cost a great deal more than that.
Today's announcement will be welcomed across the health service. In Glasgow there are issues to do with grading. Those issues have been taken on board in the negotiations that have taken place over the past few weeks—in Scotland, as Mr Sheridan wants—between staff and management. If the agreement is accepted, progress will be made on some of the grading issues.
Creative Industry Strategy
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on its creative industry strategy. (S1O-5981)
Following the creative industries forum, which we established in May, good progress is being made towards developing the policy framework in the sector. I will be outlining further policy proposals to the next meeting of the creative industries forum on 16 December.
Does the minister agree that our profitable and highly regarded music industry should be part of the creative industries strategy, not least because it understands the concept of intellectual property rights, which are essential for sustainability? That appears not to be a priority for Scottish Enterprise and, as a result, our leading computer games company, Red Lemon Studios Ltd, has gone to the wall.
The music industry is indeed very important. The separate music industry forum, which is part of the national cultural strategy, first met in June and includes representatives of Scottish Enterprise. The forum is broad based and the points that Lloyd Quinan made are taken on board and will be discussed at the next meeting of the music industry forum.
Does the minister agree that we have a wealth of creative talent in our theatre sector in Scotland? Will he reassure us that the plans for the national theatre are still on track?
Yes. The proposals for the national theatre are still on track. There has been considerable media coverage of that in the past few days. Funding of the national theatre has to be on the basis of a firm foundation in our regional theatres, which is why we put £3.5 million more into regional theatre in the early part of this year. It is still very much the Executive's intention that the national theatre will spring from a firm base of regional theatre.
Fire Services (Contingency Arrangements)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an up-to-date assessment of the contingency arrangements for the fire services. (S1O-5964)
The contingency arrangements that are in place for the fire service strikes are working very well. We are grateful to the armed services for the very professional service that they are providing in response to incidents in Scotland. We have also taken steps to augment the Ministry of Defence's existing capability through the provision of a number of red goddesses and those are being deployed across Scotland.
I would like to take this opportunity of putting on record our thanks to the police for the additional duties that they are undertaking and to the many retained firefighters who are continuing to provide a dedicated service to their communities.
I wish the minister every good fortune in his new role.
Will the minister keep it in mind that we on the Conservative benches are united in our respect for the professionalism, dedication and courage of Scotland's firefighters? Will he use his good offices with a view to ensuring that an appropriate and speedy outcome to the dispute, involving modernisation, takes place?
I want to put on record my respect for the contribution that firefighters have made both to the public services and to trade unionism in this country over many years. I, like many on the Labour benches, want to see a speedy conclusion to the dispute. We want people to keep talking to come to a resolution that is acceptable to everyone and the Scottish Executive will do everything that it can to contribute to that conclusion.
I, too, wish the new minister well in his post. I imagine that he will carry out his role extremely well, given his experience on picket lines in the past.
Has the minister had time to give any thought to the very interesting suggestion from Bill Spiers of the Scottish Trades Union Congress? None of us would be irresponsible enough to break into the middle of the negotiations, such as they are at present, but, on the other hand, there was just a germ of a new idea and new thinking in the suggestion.
I have spoken to Bill Spiers about his suggestions and he has made it very clear to me that he did not intend to suggest that there should be a Scottish settlement to the negotiations.
The Fire Brigades Union and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities have indicated that they wish to be part of a UK settlement. Some of the comments have been misconstrued and taken out of context. If there are any suggestions about the modernisation of the service that could lead to an early settlement, I know that both the FBU and the employers will make them. We are willing to listen, but we are not part of the negotiating machinery. Anything that we can do, in whatever way, will be done.
Is not the best contingency to have the firefighters back at work? Does the minister accept that there can be no return to work on the basis of the completely unacceptable Bain recommendations for fewer firefighters, the deployment of fewer fire stations and fire crews during the hours of darkness and less fire cover for the general public? Will he please try to knock some sense into ministers at Westminster, to persuade them to come up with the money to fund fair and professional pay for our firefighters, because that alone will solve the dispute?
As John McAllion will know, further discussions have been held yesterday and today, and I believe that there will be a further discussion with the trade unions tomorrow. It would be utterly irresponsible, at this stage, if we were to make unguarded comments that might prejudice those delicate negotiations. The more that we can do to contribute to the avoidance of strike action next week, the better. Therefore, it would be completely inappropriate if we were to do anything that would prejudice the strike talks tomorrow.
Free Personal Care (Implementation)
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to local authorities regarding the implementation of free personal care. (S1O-5991)
The Executive issued guidance circulars on the implementation of free personal and nursing care and route 2 contracts on 12 April and 30 May respectively. Those circulars are available from the Scottish Parliament information centre.
Can the minister confirm that the guidance to which he refers indicates that councils can elect to limit implementation of free personal care in line with the availability of resources? How does that square with a commitment to universal delivery of free personal care throughout Scotland?
I make it clear that the availability of free personal care is based on the professional assessment that is undertaken by social workers. The allocation of money from the Executive and from the grant-aided expenditure for local authorities is sufficient to meet that need. We will deal with any issues that are drawn to our attention.
We have established an implementation group to address any issues that might arise at a local area level. That group will meet for the first time on 2 December. I make it clear on behalf of the Executive and the Parliament that those who are assessed for free personal care should receive it, as long as it can be made available at the local area level.
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