SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Justice and Law Officers
Emergency Services (Recruitment)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps can be taken to encourage more female and ethnic minority recruitment to the fire and police emergency services. (S2O-7662)
The fire and rescue services have introduced multi-tier entry and accelerated promotion to attract a more diverse range of applicants. Although there is a long way to go, the number of female firefighters has tripled in the past 10 years. In the police service, the percentage of women increased from 11 per cent in 1995 to more than 21 per cent in 2005 and the percentage of officers from ethnic minorities increased from 0.3 per cent in 1996 to 1.2 per cent in 2004. We are providing direct financial assistance to SEMPERscotland, an ethnic minority support organisation that is working to improve recruitment, retention and community perceptions.
Will the minister join me in welcoming the recommendations of an independent review into planning and race relations in Scotland? I urge that its recommendations be examined with a view to their being implemented throughout the uniformed services and ask whether that has been considered. Further, does he agree that the spotlight should then move on to retention, which he mentioned, and promotion opportunities for female and ethnic minority staff?
Any evidence that helps to advance the argument will be carefully examined. Marlyn Glen is right to mention retention: it is no success simply to recruit people in and then to lose them quickly. We want to ensure that when people join the uniformed services they are made welcome and that proper career development is provided and discussed. I want to see far more women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds advancing through the ranks of the police service and the fire service.
I welcome the information that Marlyn Glen and the minister have just given. The police force is implementing a gender equality action plan. I wonder whether it is being monitored by the Executive, whether there are any outcomes yet that can be discussed and whether consideration will be given to introducing something similar for ethnic minority recruitment, retention and promotion.
I am not aware of any conclusion from those studies, but I know that the police service takes its responsibilities very seriously. I would encourage—as the Minister for Justice has encouraged—greater integration of women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Any evidence from the studies will be closely examined. However, I want to emphasise that operational issues are for the police and for chief constables.
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990
To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to commence sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 to allow rights of audience and rights to conduct litigation to be sought by suitably qualified persons. (S2O-7647)
We will consider the case for commencement of these sections when we receive the report of the working group for research into the legal services markets in Scotland, which is due shortly.
I thank the minister for her answer, although I think that I have heard talk of that working group before. Will she assure me that the reason for sections 25 to 29 not being commenced is not that the Law Society of Scotland frowns on the idea of losing such a monopoly? She will be aware that, under article 86 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, such monopolies are frowned on. The United Kingdom Government signed the treaty on our behalf and we must comply with the requirement to prohibit monopolies and remove unnecessary restrictions. Regardless of the outcome of the working group, I remind the minister that her prerogative does not extend to wilful non-commencement. I therefore ask either that she commences sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 or that she returns it to Westminster for repeal.
I can give Margo MacDonald at least some reassurance. It is fairly common for legislative provisions not to be implemented immediately after they are passed, but I acknowledge her concern in this case. During the passage of the bill that became the 1990 act, ministers gave a commitment that the provision in question would not be implemented until other provisions of the act—in particular, the introduction of solicitor advocates—had fully bedded down. Beyond that, I really cannot comment on why previous Westminster Administrations did not implement the provision.
Does the minister believe that the decision not to commence these sections of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 has contributed to the fact that some individuals have been unable to secure legal representation to pursue their concerns about the conduct of solicitors? The whole environment has looked like a bit of a closed shop. Has she reflected on that point in her consideration of the issues relating to the regulation of the legal profession? Is she yet convinced that a great deal more independence is required in the system?
Mr Swinney has taken a close interest in this matter and he will know that we received a large number of responses to our consultation and that we actively encouraged participation. I know that some respondents have tried to complain at various stages and have found the process difficult, and that they have then found it difficult to secure legal representation. We will consider that when we respond to the consultation.
Question 3 has been withdrawn.
Torture
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that no offences of attempting or conspiring to commit torture are being committed in Scotland or Scottish airspace when US aeroplanes are transporting prisoners between Guantanamo bay and countries where the torture of prisoners is commonplace. (S2O-7722)
Under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, foreign civil aircraft can make stops for technical reasons, such as refuelling, without requiring the permission of the state that they stop in. The Executive is therefore not informed if aircraft make stops of that nature, whatever their passengers or cargo might be, and has no legal authority to prevent such landings.
Is the minister aware that international human rights law places the onus firmly on the country with territorial jurisdiction? Is she aware that figures released by the US Federal Aviation Administration show that planes that are used by the Central Intelligence Agency to move prisoners across the world have used Prestwick airport for refuelling 75 times since 9/11 and other Scottish airports 100 times? Now that the evidence that she has asked for is in the public domain, will she instruct the police to investigate, or shall I?
I thought that I had given a fairly clear answer to that in my first reply. The Executive believes that the legal and judicial measures that are in place in Scotland meet international human rights standards. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, torture is a crime that carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment. I think that I have made that point in the chamber before. The act applies not just to people who commit torture in Scotland, but to people of other nationalities who commit torture in other countries. I say again that if anyone has evidence of any of those activities, they should take the matter to the police.
Although I have discussed security issues with the senior management of Prestwick airport and have been reassured by them that all proper and reasonable measures are in place for the transportation of these most dangerous people, can I also have the minister's assurance that she, too, is happy with the security arrangements for the transportation of such prisoners through my constituency?
I refer Mr Scott to my first answer on this question. The Executive is not routinely informed—in fact, it is not informed—of such stopovers; nor would it be informed of the cargo. Mr Scott will also be aware that in my capacity as an Ayrshire constituency MSP I have met the senior people at Prestwick airport and have received assurances in that context.
Public Safety
To ask the Scottish Executive how public safety is being improved in Scotland's towns. (S2O-7673)
A range of measures are being undertaken to improve public safety in Scotland's towns. The Executive has provided £1 million over three years for the establishment of safe city centre initiatives. That approach has recently been extended to cover a further nine towns, including Kirkcaldy. Scotland's towns have also benefited from substantial investment in public space closed-circuit television systems, which are also funded by the Executive. A further £1 million is committed to expanding CCTV in shopping and other areas and to supporting businesses and others to reduce crime.
I am grateful to the minister for that information. He might be aware that a safer town partnership has recently been launched in Glenrothes, innovatively using existing funding and partnerships with retail bodies. What discussions, if any, does he plan to hold with bodies such as the Scottish Retail Consortium to consider putting some small amounts of seedcorn funding behind more safer towns initiatives?
We have not specifically committed extra funding. We are in regular discussion with the Scottish Retail Consortium. We have held a number of discussions with business representatives about how to tackle retail crime and we will continue to do so. Although money is important, and although, as I have demonstrated to Christine May, we have made a significant investment, I hope that we can also continue to improve our operational practices and use the money effectively, looking at lessons that have been learned elsewhere and applying them. I accept the need for investment where it is appropriate; I also want good practice to be rolled out across Scotland.
Shoot-to-kill Policy
To ask the Scottish Executive whether a shoot-to-kill policy exists in Scotland and, if so, when the decision to introduce it was taken and by whom. (S2O-7715)
The deployment of firearms by police officers is an operational matter for chief constables, but I can confirm that there is no shoot-to-kill policy in Scotland. Police officers who deploy firearms must operate within the law, and any use must be proportionate. Force may be used to defend oneself and others, but lethal force may be used only when there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is an imminent threat to life and that there is no other way of averting the danger.
I am sure that the minister's response will reassure the public and members. What role or input, if any, will she have in any future discussion or decisions about a shoot-to-kill policy in Scotland, such as whether to introduce or review it in any circumstances?
I hope that I have made clear the current position, which is that this is a matter primarily for chief constables. It is important that police officers operate within the law. If it were thought that there had been a breach of the law, the Crown would take a close look. If there has been a death or if there are allegations of criminal conduct, any investigation into the discharge of a firearm by a police officer is carried out under the direction of the Crown. I think that that gives the public the reassurance I hope they will not require.
Electronic Tagging
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any failings by its preferred bidder in the monitoring of electronically tagged prisoners and whether it can give assurances that strict supervision of monitoring will be in place. (S2O-7717)
We are at present tendering for the new contract to deliver electronic monitoring services in Scotland and the process will ensure that the contractor meets the strictest of conditions. The current contract is closely monitored by the Executive and that will continue under the new contract.
I thank the minister for that encouraging response. In light of the announcements made earlier this week that measures would be strengthened to deal with breaches of bail conditions, will similar measures apply to breaches of electronic tagging orders?
We have heard today from the First Minister what measures we are taking to deal with breaches of bail. It is important to recognise that electronic monitoring occurs in different circumstances. There is a provision for it for certain people who are on bail. If they breach the conditions of bail, they will be subject to serious consequences. Many people who are on restriction of liberty orders are also electronically monitored. If they breach the conditions of the orders they will be brought back before the courts and they could find themselves having to serve a custodial sentence instead.
Violent Crime
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address violent crime. (S2O-7676)
Violence is never acceptable and the levels of violent crime in Scotland are a blight on our civilised country. We are developing a range of measures to prevent and reduce violence. For example, we are introducing tough new laws to tackle knife crime, supporting the work of Strathclyde police's violence reduction unit and supporting community safety partnerships and antisocial behaviour teams in addressing violence locally.
The minister will be aware of recent reports that highlight the fact that drunkenness plays a part in half of all murders in Scotland. She will no doubt share the view that there is a proven link between excessive consumption of alcohol and violence. Does she share the belief of representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland that relaxation of licensing laws will lead to a greater increase in violence, or does she agree with me that, by challenging the culture of binge drinking, the new licensing regulations will encourage more responsible drinking habits and that that will help to address the problems associated with drunkenness?
I have made it clear that we have a problem in many parts of Scotland with what has been described as the booze and blade culture. We need to crack down on that. We need to change attitudes towards drinking. I do not want to see situations where young men in particular find themselves tanked up on alcohol at the weekend and become involved in violent behaviour, causing fear and alarm to other members of the public. The new licensing regime gives us an opportunity to tackle some of those problems and we must ensure that we have a mixture of an educative approach, particularly with our young people, and tough enforcement measures.
I am moved to ask the minister to stop using the term booze and blade culture. Can we agree in future to refer to it as a cancer? The knife carrying that happens in our communities is a social cancer and we as politicians, the media and others at large have to address it as such, rather than give it the nice sound of something cultural. It is a cancer.
Tommy Sheridan makes a valid point about the amount of damage that is done as a result of the behaviour we are discussing. We could probably have a debate about the particular form of words that we should use, but the important point is that effective action must be taken to tackle the problem. The Executive is focusing on taking such action.
Bail (Offending)
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is employing to deal with people who offend whilst on bail. (S2O-7657)
The Scottish Executive published its action plan on bail and remand on 26 September, which sets out 25 points for action to deal with the problem of people offending while they are on bail.
I welcome the publication of the action plan and especially the quadrupling of sentences for those who break bail conditions. Is the minister satisfied that the package of measures that she has outlined this week is compatible with the European convention on human rights? What is her response to the argument that the leader of the Scottish Conservative party put at First Minister's question time: that the ECHR absolutely fetters judges and prevents them from refusing to grant bail?
I do not agree that the ECHR absolutely fetters judges and prevents them from granting bail or remand in circumstances in which it would be appropriate to grant bail or remand. It is important to recognise that judges must make decisions on the basis of all the information that is available to them. As the First Minister said earlier, there are circumstances in which judges can choose not to grant bail, but to remand in custody. By including factors in legislation, we will send a clear message to the public that judges will take account of those factors and seek to consider them in their judgments.
Antisocial Behaviour (Off-road Vehicles)
To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being provided to police in dealing with antisocial behaviour in respect of quad bikes and other off-road vehicles. (S2O-7720)
Under the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004, the police have been given additional powers to seize, retain and dispose of on and off-road vehicles that are being used in an antisocial manner. We have consulted the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and other interested parties on guidance for those new powers and that guidance will be issued shortly.
Such behaviour is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Since last September, the police sub-division for East Dunbartonshire has had to deal with 355 incidents involving trail bikes, quad bikes and motorbikes, which buzzed all over the area. Bikes were used on public land, walkways, parks and towpaths and churned up football pitches. Such behaviour reduces people's quality of life.
The registration of vehicles of whatever kind is probably a matter that is reserved to Westminster, but the wanton vandalism and destruction to public spaces that Jean Turner has described should and can be dealt with under powers that existed even before the passing of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004. She and local representatives need to discuss the matter with the council and the local police.
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
Inverness Airport
To ask the Scottish Executive when the buyout of the private finance initiative at Inverness airport terminal will be completed and what is causing the delay. (S2O-7689)
Following the announcement to buy out the PFI contract that my predecessor made on 17 June, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd is seeking to secure that outcome. HIAL is undertaking a process of due diligence on the main PFI and associated contracts—including taxation aspects—that relate to the airport terminal prior to finalising an agreement. It will aim to secure best value for the taxpayer in those sensitive negotiations, at whose conclusion an announcement will be made.
I hope that the conclusion will be this year. As the minister knows, I have, with members of other parties, been campaigning for the buyout of the PFI. As he also knows, HIAL currently has to pay, out of its resources, a sum approaching £2 million per annum to the PFI owners. Does he agree that, after the buyout of the PFI, the Finance and Central Services Department should not recoup the money but make it available for development potential, including of such things as radar, controlled air space and the extension and improvement of runway and hangar facilities? Such improvements would provide a massive opportunity for the Highland economy and give MSPs such as me the chance to visit the London Olympics.
I am sure that Mr Ewing will accept that the funding that the devolved Government has placed with HIAL allows for the significant level of investment that he, I and the many members who represent constituencies across the Highlands and Islands expect. In 2004-05, HIAL received a £19.3 deficit grant, in addition to £2.2 million of capital grant. In the financial year 2006-07, the figures will be £18.6 million in deficit grant and £4.1 million in capital grant. Those significant amounts of public money are being spent appropriately on initiatives that are extremely important in strengthening the air networks.
How can the consumer—in this case, the air passenger—be assured that, when the public sector agrees a PFI contract, that contract will not discourage or be detrimental to the expansion of the business or make the service more costly for the customer?
In these circumstances, we are seeking to ensure that taxpayers' interests are protected and that Inverness airport can grow and expand. As I am sure Mary Scanlon appreciates, not least because of my answer to the previous question, the constraints on Inverness airport were clear under the contract. We are seeking to resolve that issue and I am sure that she will support us in that.
Road Bridge Tolls
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the outcome of its review of the levels of tolls on road bridges. (S2O-7687)
The objective of the current review of tolled bridges is not to consider the level of tolls at the bridges but to look at broader issues relating to the management, operation and maintenance of the tolled bridges. An announcement will be made in due course following completion of the review and its consideration by ministers.
Is the minister aware that more than 65,000 vehicles cross the Forth road bridge each day and that that number is projected to grow by a further 3,000 by the end of 2006? Does he recognise the limitations on the ability of the rail network and other forms of public transport to absorb and help to deal with the expected increases, never mind the current levels? If so, will he give a commitment to ensure that, from today, the highest amount that the toll will be is £1? Will he further commit to considering the removal of bridge tolls in their entirety? To do otherwise would be to treat bridge users as nothing more than cash cows who are used only to help to finance other transport projects.
I hope that Mr Crawford recognises the role of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority in this regard. Its policy on tolling is laid out clearly in the public domain. Members of the constituent local authorities serve on the FETA board and play a role in decision making. In taking forward the issues that he raises, we must remember the importance of assessing not just the tolls but the implications of tolling on congestion and traffic levels in the surrounding areas. We also need to balance the requirements that result from different levels of demand at different times of the day. Those are matters that FETA is taking forward. However, if Mr Crawford is making yet another Scottish National Party spending commitment, we note that with interest.
I am heartened by the minister's words and, in particular, by his concern about congestion and traffic levels. Is he aware of the damage that is being done to the bridge because it is carrying twice the tonnage of traffic that it was designed for? Is he further aware that, at peak periods, single-occupancy vehicles account for up to 60 per cent of the traffic on the bridge, yet today's drivers are paying a toll that is less than a third of the 1964 rate in real terms? Given that the attention of the toll bridges review is likely to be on schemes that levy higher tolls and charges for single-occupancy vehicles, does he agree that any increase in tolls should be focused on single-occupancy vehicles to reduce congestion?
The matters that Mr Ballard raises are being taken forward by FETA. If he is particularly concerned about them, I am sure that he will discuss them with the FETA board at the appropriate time. It is important to recognise that there are proposals in relation to single-occupancy vehicles and what can be done to assist. However, I repeat that there is a balance to be struck between what we can achieve in relation to other modes of transport and the choices and opportunities that we provide to people who wish to move from Fife to Edinburgh in the morning for work or related purposes.
In light of the minister's answers, I point out that the tolls currently put £4 million or £5 million a year into the maintenance of the Forth road bridge. However, the bridge is coming to the end of its working life and will need new cables over the next few years. Does he think that, if we have a new Forth road bridge, it should be a toll bridge? If so, at what levels should the tolls be set?
We do not have any plans for a new Forth road bridge, as my predecessors have made clear. However, as David Davidson rightly said, there are serious issues with the bridge's physical structure, which the FETA board and the bridgemaster take extremely seriously. Indeed, they are providing briefings as appropriate to concerned members. The issues require investment and they are being actively considered.
Erskine Bridge (Tolls)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans are in place that will lead to the removal of the tolls on the Erskine bridge before the end of 2005. (S2O-7663)
The Executive's review of tolled bridges is on-going. All options for future arrangements at the bridges are being considered. An announcement will be made in due course following completion of the review and its consideration by ministers.
I was going to thank the minister for the answer, but I have heard it before. He is aware of the patience that has been shown by constituents north and south of the river over what they and I see as dithering on the question of the Erskine bridge tolls. Along with Jackie Baillie and Des McNulty, I have campaigned for and asked questions on the de-tolling of the Erskine bridge for more than five years, yet we still get the same answer. Does he agree that, as the economic and social case for de-tolling the Erskine bridge has been made and the key objective in meeting the challenge of congestion has been met, there is absolutely no reason why a decision cannot be made now?
I appreciate the frustration that is felt by Trish Godman, but, unfortunately, Government has a process that has to be followed in relation to public money. That process is under way and the bridges review will come to fruition in the autumn. I hope that announcements can be made thereafter.
Does the minister accept that, although there is concern about delays to projects elsewhere in Scotland, the Erskine bridge tolls could be removed now, bringing immediate benefits?
I have enjoyed my meetings with Trish Godman and Des McNulty and, indeed, with Jackie Baillie, who I am sure is about to ask a supplementary.
I am almost bound to allow her to, given what you have just said.
I appreciate their advice on the matter and I understand the issues that they raise entirely fairly in relation to their constituencies. However, I cannot go any further than I have already done.
The minister should take the advice of Trish Godman, Des McNulty and me, because he knows that congestion on the Kingston bridge and in the Clyde tunnel costs the west of Scotland economy something like £19 million a year in lost time. Does he agree with the majority of respondents to his review—not just MSPs—that the removal of tolls on the Erskine bridge is fully justified for economic and environmental reasons? That fact is acknowledged by his own consultants. With that growing consensus, the question is when, not if.
Jackie Baillie makes an important point on congestion, which has been discussed. I take her point about the analysis of the environmental case and the arguments about reducing congestion. Unfortunately, I cannot add to what I have said in relation to the timescale.
Northern Isles Ferries (Livestock)
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the northern isles livestock shipping working group regarding the carriage of livestock under the proposed new northern isles ferry franchise. (S2O-7718)
The Scottish Executive has received representations from the northern isles livestock shipping working group regarding the shipment of livestock under the proposed northern isles ferry tender. We continue to liaise closely with crofters and farmers on those issues.
I am sure that the minister will agree that it is important that we get a quality livestock carriage system for the northern isles. Does he accept that concerns exist, not least among the farming community and the Orkney group of the National Farmers Union Scotland, which I met last week, that bidders might be deterred from making qualitative bids if that would increase prices and therefore not allow them to put in the lowest bid? How will he ensure that the quality of the carriage system will be high among all bidders so that bidders are not deterred from making qualitative bids?
Those are important issues. We are ensuring that livestock carriage will be covered in the tender, which was not the case in the past. We consider that to be an important step. The specific answer to Jim Wallace's question is that, although we will require the operator to have control over the system for carrying livestock to ensure compliance with the appropriate regulations and animal welfare considerations, that does not have to mean ownership. Ownership by locally based organisations is possible or ownership could be shared between such organisations and the operator. I hope that the consideration and analysis of those options will help to tackle the specific issue that Mr Wallace raises.
Immigrants (Economic Activity)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the level of economic activity of immigrants who remain in Scotland for more than one year. (S2O-7693)
A comprehensive programme of evaluation is being developed for the specific schemes that the Scottish Executive has introduced under the fresh talent initiative. A key aspect of the research will be an assessment of the economic impact of individuals who are encouraged to move to Scotland to live, learn and study.
I am sure that the minister agrees that, without high levels of immigration, the fresh talent initiative will fail. Does he recognise that images of economic migrants being horribly deported—such as the Vucaj family were at dawn today, having been in Scotland with their three children for five years—send a powerful negative message to the rest of the world? Does he agree that we are deporting exactly the kind of families that Scotland requires?
Concern on those issues was expressed in the Parliament last week, when members of all political parties emphasised that we want a new approach to the issue. That is why, as Christine Grahame well knows, we will approach the United Kingdom Government on the matter.
Leven to Thornton Rail Link
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the reopening of the Leven to Thornton rail link. (S2O-7698)
The Scottish Executive has not been involved in discussions with Fife Council about reopening the Leven to Thornton rail link.
After the debacle at Haymarket this morning, I am not sure that advocating rail travel is a particularly good idea today. However, is the minister aware that Levenmouth is the largest urban conurbation in Scotland that is without access to a rail link? The line exists, so for a modest amount Levenmouth could be reconnected with the rest of Fife. Will he instruct his officials to work with Fife Council to find out how, for a very modest sum, the line could be brought back into use as quickly as possible?
I hope that Tricia Marwick accepts that many people say that very modest sums could be invested. Many members argued yesterday that ministers should be robust when it comes to assessing very modest sums. The Executive is prepared to consider any proposals for enhancements or service improvements. However, I point out that such transport proposals would have to be appraised using the Scottish transport appraisal guidance, which has core objectives relating to value for money. Such an appraisal would have to be undertaken in relation to the project.
The minister may not be aware that Fife Council is already engaged in a feasibility study on the potential costs of the line. However, I remain concerned about the legal and land issues, which are the province of Network Rail. Will he agree to meet me to discuss those concerns and, perhaps at a later date, explore them with Fife Council?
I would certainly be happy to look into those matters and discuss them with Christine May. The STAG appraisal that would be undertaken in relation to the proposals would also throw up some of those issues. Nevertheless, I will ensure that they are considered properly at the appropriate time.
Airdrie to Bathgate Rail Link
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on the reopening of the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link. (S2O-7681)
Work is continuing on the development of the project and Network Rail, the project promoter, is aiming to lodge a private bill with the Parliament early in the new year.
The minister will be aware that the reopening of the Bathgate rail link will have many advantages, including the fact that it will allow people from Bathgate and Livingston to travel west without having to take their cars on the congested M8. He will, therefore, understand my concerns at the delays that are being experienced. Can he assure me that meetings will be held with my constituents during October, at the latest, as has been promised, to discuss the proposals for the private bill? Will he ensure that the bill is lodged with the Parliament by January 2006, as timetabled?
Mary Mulligan makes entirely serious and sensible points about the timetabling of the project. I understand what she is saying and I agree with her. I will do my best to ensure that the meetings that she seeks take place in October and November and that the deadline for the bill's submission to the Parliament—which is the promoter's responsibility—is met. That would be advantageous for hitting the targets that we have set for the project.
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