Plenary, 29 Oct 2009

Meeting date: Thursday, October 29, 2009

Official Report 736KB pdf

---

Question Time

---

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

---

Education and Lifelong Learning

---

Education Spending

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent report by the Centre for Public Policy for Regions, what its views are on expenditure on education per pupil in Scotland. (S3O-8252)

The report from the CPPR focuses predominantly on Scotland's position prior to May 2007. It does not identify anything new about the significant expenditure on Scottish education during that period and the lack of improvement in educational performance under the previous Administration. In contrast, Scotland's current educational attainment is strong, with record exam passes. Those records are the result of steady improvements under the SNP Government and will be further improved through the introduction of the curriculum for excellence, which will drive up standards in teaching and learning.

I draw the cabinet secretary's attention to the website of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, which refers to four points regarding chartered teachers, the fourth of which is a substantial increase in salary. Would the minister care to comment on the increased payments for chartered teachers and whether those represent value for money? Can she give us the number of chartered teachers who are teaching in deprived areas in Scotland?

On the latter question, I do not have the information to hand but I am happy to write to John Wilson with it.

Since the start of devolution, a major aspect of Scottish expenditure has been the teachers agreement, which has rewarded teachers for the job that they do but has increased the spend on Scottish education. Audit Scotland's report of 2006 and the report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education on Scottish education, which was written by Graham Donaldson and published in January 2008, provide good information about the challenges that we face in improving the quality of teaching.

We welcomed the chartered teachers initiative when it was introduced by the previous Administration. Part of its purpose is to ensure that well-qualified and talented teachers remain in the classroom. We support the chartered teachers programme; however, I take it from John Wilson's question that he is not satisfied that all pupils—particularly those in deprived areas—are benefiting from chartered teachers. I am, therefore, more than happy to look at the analysis of where chartered teachers are used, now that several hundred are established, to identify whether pupils in more deprived areas are benefiting from teaching by chartered teachers.

The cabinet secretary will be aware of the concerns that have been expressed by commentators such as John McLaren of the CPPR that, despite substantial increases in spending on education over the past 10 years, we have not seen commensurate improvements in standards. Indeed, there is evidence that Scotland is sliding down the international league tables. I know that the cabinet secretary will try to put the blame for that on the previous Administration. However, given that we are all in this together, can she tell us what specific action the present Government will take to address the problem?

The international comparisons do not stack up regarding some of the questions and issues that have been raised—for example, the comparisons between exams and qualifications in England and Scotland. I really think that there should be big health warnings around the CPPR report. There are far more robust analyses, which give us a better understanding of the state of Scottish education. The international surveys that the CPPR cites all took place prior to 2007.

Murdo Fraser is, however, right to say that we should monitor our position. In many of the international surveys, Scotland's position has slipped because more countries are now being included in the surveys. Nevertheless, Keith Brown and I have both acknowledged that there has been a flatlining in the performance of some of Scotland's education system and that we must increase the rate of improvement. Steady improvement is not sufficient when we have to compete with international education systems that are improving faster than ours. That is where the quality of teaching comes into play, and we can improve that in two ways. First, we can improve initial teacher education and continuing professional development. Secondly—and importantly—we can improve methods of teaching, and that is exactly what curriculum for excellence is about.

---

Teacher Employment Working Group Workforce Plan

To ask the Scottish Executive what recent progress has been made in taking forward the 12 recommendations in the teacher employment working group workforce plan. (S3O-8219)

We are continuing to make good progress. Four of the 12 recommendations have been completed. For example, we have held two seminars with local authorities to help improve the alignment between national and local workforce planning. Such seminars will now form a part of the teacher workforce planning exercise—that is in line with recommendation 1. We have commissioned the Government Actuary's Department to review the operation of the winding down scheme. We are currently considering its report and recommendations, which is in line with recommendation 6; we have introduced secondary subject modelling to teacher workforce planning, which is in line with recommendation 7; we have increased the preference waiver payment for secondary probationer teachers to £8,000, which is in line with recommendation 8; we have ensured that information to students contains relevant data about post-probation employment, which is in line with recommendation 10, and we have improved probationer understanding of employment prospects, which is in line with recommendation 11.

On one level, I am delighted that the cabinet secretary did not mention the two recommendations that I want to ask about.

Recommendation 4 suggests that local authority employers should rely, wherever possible, on post-probationer teachers rather than on recently retired teachers to fill supply vacancies, and recommendation 3 relates to research on the impact of the recession on teachers' retirement intentions. What specific progress has the Government made in those areas in the light of the on-going concerns that have been raised by post-probationers that many retired teachers are returning to their former schools to take up supply posts as a result of the current economic climate and other factors?

Employment is the responsibility of local authorities. We wrote to them last December on the issue. The impression that we have gained from the seminars that have been held is that recommendation 4 is being adhered to, and that supply vacancies are going to post-probationers as opposed to recently retired teachers. However, I welcome any contrary information or evidence from members.

We are conducting internal research in relation to recommendation 3, but we need to await the results of the 2009 census. Again, at the local authority seminars that were held in October, views were mixed. Representatives from Glasgow, for example, had detected a rise in the average rate of retirals, but we are continuing to monitor that. We can work with the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to see what pattern is emerging.

The Scottish Government has approached teacher employment in a spirit of partnership with councils, which is the spirit that has marked its dealings with local government. How good has the response been, and are there any particular local authorities that might not be approaching matters quite so positively?

My ministerial colleagues and I visited every council during the summer and discussed issues such as teacher employment. From the 2008 census, which showed a drop of around 1,000 teaching posts, it is evident that some councils have not been replacing teachers as they retire. For example, we know that one in five of the teaching posts that were lost in primary and secondary schools in 2008 was cut by Glasgow City Council. That council, North Lanarkshire Council and Renfrewshire Council are among the four local authorities that are responsible for more than 50 per cent of the reduction. Of course, Jordanhill is very much a focus for teacher training for many people from that area, including mature students with families, who can be hit even harder than others. Two of those local authorities are reducing class sizes, but Glasgow is not. Quite clearly, we need to continue to focus on Glasgow.

---

Private Finance Initiative (Schools)

To ask the Scottish Government which active education private finance initiative project has the highest ratio of lifetime unitary charge to capital value. (S3O-8231)

The average weighted ratio of the lifetime unitary charge to the capital value for all signed school PFI projects is 4.8. The individual ratio is a matter for each relevant procuring local authority.

Can the cabinet secretary give an assurance that any new school that is built with revenue finance will offer value for money to the taxpayer?

I said in my statement to Parliament in June that we will look to the Scottish Futures Trust to develop, recommend and implement approaches that will secure a better school building programme across Scotland and provide value for money.

The first stages of the new programme will involve direct capital investment, but we want to explore the possibility of using different funding approaches such as the non-profit-distributing model for later phases, and are asking the SFT to provide advice on that.

In the interests of transparency, would it be possible to identify the capital cost in relation to the size bands of schools, so that we can get a sense of how much these schools are costing? Would it be possible to get some information about the expected contribution from each local authority for each of the 14 school projects? That information must be available to the cabinet secretary. Could she make it available more widely to Parliament?

First, I congratulate Des McNulty on his appointment to his new post and I look forward to working with him.

I point out that the unitary charge for previous projects was variable for different schools. He will be aware from the statements that we have made that two thirds of the support for school building for secondary schools and 50 per cent of the support for primary schools will come from the Government, but clearly the contribution of each individual local authority to each individual school will be different because of procurement, value, the size of the school and so on. As the projects develop, the information for contracts that are procured and so on will be publicly available, and information on local authority spend will be available to local communities. Obviously, our contribution is evident through the contributions that we have to make to support any revenue funding or, indeed, capital funding.

The capital lines that will support the initial schools will be evident in the settlement that will be established with local government and, as I said, two thirds of the support for schools is part of the capital settlement that will be provided for local government from 2010 onwards. I am delighted that in 2010 we have secured an additional £10 million as part of that process—on top of the £2 billion of capital investment that is currently going into schools, which has already delivered more than 200 schools in the lifetime of this Parliament.

---

Apprenticeships and Work-based Training

To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being provided for apprenticeships and work-based training in community learning and development. (S3O-8204)

There is currently no specific community learning and development modern apprenticeship framework. Organisations delivering CLD may access support for apprentices undertaking other frameworks such as learning and development, management and business administration.

The Scottish Government has supported the development of work-based training in community learning and development and is committed to ensuring flexible provision that builds a skilled and confident CLD workforce.

Given its importance in delivering the Scottish community empowerment action plan, better community engagement and effective partnership working with Scottish communities, will the Scottish Executive explore with the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council how investment in work-based training, such as the training that is provided by Linked Work and Training Trust Central can be better supported?

I congratulate Cathy Peattie on her recent appointment to an Opposition spokesperson's post. I recognise the work that she has done with the Linked Work and Training Trust Central, which obviously also covers my area.

There are potentially two routes through which this could be progressed. One is through Skills Development Scotland and the apprenticeship model. As Cathy Peattie said, it could also be progressed through the funding council. There are issues to do with that. The funding council currently designates as part-time students people who are taking the bachelor of arts in community learning and development degree programme, so it does not attract funding. As I have spoken with Cathy Peattie already, I am happy to facilitate a further discussion with her, me and the funding council, if that would be helpful.

Will there be any sector-specific support for apprenticeships?

Earlier today, the cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning launched our new scheme—invest in an apprentice—which is the latest support package available through ScotAction. Invest in an apprentice provides a financial incentive of £2,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises in the energy, manufacturing, food and drink, and textile sectors that recruit a 16 to 19-year-old apprentice. We believe that that is another demonstration of our responsiveness to the needs of our employers, and that it will open up job opportunities for young people. It is the third phase in our ScotAction programme and, like other apprenticeship support schemes, it is supported by the European social fund. It is obviously aimed at the sectors that have been particularly affected by the economic downturn and at sectors in which there is a real potential for growth as the economy recovers.

---

Student Accommodation(University of Aberdeen)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the University of Aberdeen regarding the provision of student accommodation. (S3O-8248)

Universities are independent, autonomous institutions and as such the Scottish Government does not intervene in institutional matters such as student accommodation.

The cabinet secretary will no doubt be aware that the University of Aberdeen has this year climbed a remarkable 24 places in The Times Higher Education Supplement world university rankings to reach its highest ever position of 129th. Given that and given the outstanding reputation that the university already has for engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics—STEM—subjects, it can reasonably be expected to see a significant number of the 3,000 new student places that she recently announced. Will she undertake to discuss student accommodation with the university to ensure that any eligible new students at Aberdeen will not find themselves—as has happened this year and in recent years—unable to find suitable accommodation?

I welcome the opportunity to congratulate the University of Aberdeen on its impressive achievements. I launched the university's curriculum reform earlier this year. The university's new ranking by The Times Higher Education Supplement, which I think represents the biggest advance in ranking of any United Kingdom university, reflects Aberdeen's success.

I understand that the university has attracted about 5,000 new students this year. As I said, student accommodation is a matter for the university, although it has confirmed that, despite its capacity having proved to be insufficient to meet the initial demand from all the first-time students who required university-managed accommodation, all new students have now been accommodated on campus or through their own arrangements. The university is committed to continuing to improve its student accommodation. It has provided almost 3,500 rooms for first-time students in the present academic session, a figure which has increased by almost 1,300 in the past two years. That is symptomatic of success, and we should congratulate the university on that.

The cabinet secretary will recognise that some of those rooms might otherwise have been available for other students and other young people. Does she recognise that pressure on student accommodation has knock-on effects on the housing of young people in general in university cities? Should city councils such as Aberdeen City Council discuss those issues directly with universities and student associations? As the minister with responsibility for educational outcomes, will she encourage councils to do that?

That is a constructive question. I know from my constituency responsibilities that the City of Edinburgh Council has had such discussions for several years. There are pressure points—one issue is availability, but another is the provision of quality accommodation for students. I strongly urge councils to have such discussions. Recently, the Edinburgh University Students Association met a number of stakeholders, including the local council, local landlords and others to discuss a common interest. I strongly urge Aberdeen City Council to follow that example, if it is not already doing so. There are big challenges, including affordability and other issues. If the member wants to bring any issues to the attention of my colleague Alex Neil, the Minister for Housing and Communities, he should do so.

---

Modern Languages

To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on the teaching and learning of modern languages. (S3O-8201)

The Scottish Government sees modern languages as key to achieving its overall purpose of creating a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth. Learning a new language encourages children and young people to extend their horizons as they explore the language and its associated cultures. By broadening and deepening the learning experience, curriculum for excellence provides opportunities for young people to learn modern languages and become confident and competent linguists who are well equipped with the skills and capacities that are needed in the 21st century globalised world.

Does the minister agree that, if we are serious about language learning in primary schools, we must train teachers appropriately? He will no doubt be aware that, although there is a requirement for modern languages to be taught in primary schools, there is no corresponding requirement in teacher training. Will he examine that? Does he envisage amending teacher training requirements, perhaps involving information and communications technology, so that Scottish young people can compete on a level playing field with their European counterparts, many of whom are exposed to, and involved in, immersion teaching of modern languages from an early age?

I am aware that Irene Oldfather has had an interest in the issue for a long time. We take modern languages seriously. There has been substantial investment in modern languages, including recent investment in Cantonese and Mandarin through the Confucius hubs. The issue of initial teacher education is really for the General Teaching Council for Scotland to consider, but there is something in what Irene Oldfather says, so I am happy to consider the issue further and take it up with the GTC on her behalf.

---

School Buildings (Dumbarton Academy)

To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to rebuild Dumbarton academy; over which financial years, and when it expects pupils to be taught in the new school. (S3O-8170)

Each of the first 14 secondary schools to benefit from the new £1.25 billion school building programme, which includes Dumbarton academy, is different and will therefore be planned and built to a timescale that will be a matter for discussion with each local authority. Precise costings for each school will not be known until the tendering and procurement processes are complete.

The cabinet secretary will be aware of my long-standing campaign to secure a new Dumbarton academy so I very much welcome her commitment to funding and look forward to receiving that detail.

Does the cabinet secretary agree that any delay would be unfortunate if it means that young people continue to be taught in sub-standard conditions? Will she therefore take any and all opportunities to accelerate funding for Dumbarton academy?

I welcome Jackie Baillie's welcome for funding for Dumbarton academy, for which she and the local council have campaigned. The case for Dumbarton academy has been well made by several people. There is no delay; we have only recently announced the provision for Dumbarton academy and I look forward to seeing plans and progress. As the member will well understand, however, numerous problems—not the least of which are historical planning and other issues—need to be resolved. Those include procurement and tendering problems, which need to be completed before we can supply the information that she seeks so keenly.

---

Europe, External Affairs and Culture

Question 1 was not lodged.

---

Scots Language

To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made since completion of the audit of the Scots language. (S3O-8247)

Good progress has been made on matters relating to the Scots language since the completion of the audit. Following the audit, the Scottish Government has organised a conference for Scots language interests; taken over the funding of two key Scots language bodies—Scottish Language Dictionaries and the Scots language centre; commissioned further research; and invited nominations for a Scots language advisory group.

I am pleased to say today that the group will be established and Derrick McClure will be its chair. I hope to attend the first and last meetings of the group. The other members announced today are Matthew Fitt, Michael Hance, Billy Kay, Alasdair Allan, John Corbett, Laureen Johnson, Janet Paisley, James Robertson, Christine Robinson and Rab Wilson. There is a further member still to respond, but I hope that we will add one more member. I look forward to the recommendations that come from the first ever group to look at policy and the Scots language.

It is good news that we are making progress. Although there seems to be a lot of good work by teachers in promoting Scots at primary level, I understand that it is not matched at secondary level. Will the minister confirm that the advisory group will consider issues such as the lack of such provision at secondary level and the need for teacher training?

The group will be fully familiar with all the work that is being done, including through the curriculum for excellence. There is a broad commitment throughout Government to ensure that Scots has its rightful place, and I am grateful for the work and co-operation of my colleagues in education, who are present as a sort of visual aid this afternoon. We are all working in the same direction and we will complete the task.

---

Cultural Collections Budget

To ask the Scottish Executive what it anticipates the impact will be of the real-terms cut to the cultural collections budget in 2010-11. (S3O-8174)

As a result of the budget cuts imposed by Westminster for 2010-11—[Interruption.] The member appears to be shouting about that, but I tell her that facts are chiels that winna ding, if I may use Scots this afternoon.

I have reluctantly had to make cuts to parts of the culture budget for 2010-11. However, I have been determined not to impose a cash cut from 2009-10 levels. The budget for the cultural collections will still increase from £98.9 million to £99.7 million in cash terms between 2009-10 and 2010-11. I will discuss the specific plans for the cultural collections as part of the corporate planning process for 2010-11.

The cabinet secretary for bluster can bluster all he likes, but the real-terms cut to the cultural collections budget gives Michael Russell's praise for the national collections during his statement on cultural policy in April a hollow ring. What can the minister say to those concerned for the future of the cultural collections who are facing a double whammy—a cut in its budget and the prospect through the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill of Mr Russell being given the power to dispose of art and museum collections? How does he respond to the joint evidence from National Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland to the Finance Committee that such powers might

"remove some independent protections that ensure that the national collections, which have been built up over hundreds of years, will be maintained for future generations"?

I respond simply by saying that it is hysterical nonsense. The reality of the situation is that all the things that the member mentioned are simply not happening. The national collections are in good form, there is constructive discussion between me and the national collections, and we are absolutely determined that they should grow and develop. If the member wishes to continue in her role as Ms Angry for Midlothian, I cannot stop her. I simply point out that it is not doing her much good.

After that exchange, I remind members that I do not like the use of nicknames in this chamber and I would prefer it to be avoided.

---

Climate Change

To ask the Scottish Government what representations the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution is making to the European Union on the subject of climate change. (S3O-8245)

As Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, I have many opportunities to highlight the Scottish Government's work on climate change while carrying out the work of my portfolio—for example, my attendance at the meetings of the joint ministerial committee on Europe and visits to Brussels and further afield, including my recent visit to India, where climate change featured in many of the discussions that I had.

The member will also be aware that several of my colleagues have portfolio interests in this area. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth met the European Commissioner for Environment, Stavros Dimas, on 13 October and outlined Scotland's position ahead of the climate change summit in Copenhagen, and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change attended the environment council on 21 October, when climate change was the main agenda item.

Can the minister provide details on any of the discussions between the Scottish Government and Commissioner Dimas on Scotland's being represented at the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen in December, which he mentioned?

There is a widespread view that the attitude of the United Kingdom Government is surprising to say the least. There is a precedent for the presence of Scottish Government ministers in such circumstances. Indeed, I seem to recall a picture of a previous First Minister sitting at a conference in South Africa that dealt with these issues.

Given the hard work that was done throughout the Parliament on the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill, it would be appropriate for that work to be represented in Copenhagen, and we continue to make representations on the matter. However, as I said on a previous occasion, a Scottish minister will be in Copenhagen—the issue is in whose delegation he will sit and in what way, but I repeat that a minister will be there.

---

Film Industry

To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to sustain and develop Scotland's film industry. (S3O-8184)

Lead responsibility for sustaining and developing Scotland's film industry lies with Scottish Screen. Scottish Screen's work includes investing to improve skills in the industry; attracting production businesses into Scotland; building the capacity of screen businesses; and supporting the development of original screen content.

Of course, during 2010, Scottish Screen's responsibilities will be taken over by creative Scotland, which will provide clear leadership for the film industry and other associated creative industries.

In noting the minister's confidence that institutional change, albeit delivered at snail's pace, will sustain and develop our film industry, I point out that my question related to what is in place. Thousands of jobs in Glasgow rely on the film and television industries, yet some resources that were in place are no longer in place. The Glasgow Film Office has lost two of its three funding partners in the European regional development fund and Scottish Enterprise, leaving Glasgow City Council as the sole funder of services, which no longer include business advice and development for small companies in the film industry. Can the minister stop the rot?

If there were a rot, I would stop it, but there is not. The reality is that the creative industries partnership, which has required hard negotiation—which has taken place—will for the first time bring the resources and focus of bodies such as Scottish Enterprise directly into the creative industries. Creative Scotland is breaking new ground and, in doing so, is bringing in new resources right across the creative industries, including in film and television.

There are other areas of concern in the film and television industries, not least the decline in broadcasting commissions. Yesterday, I met representatives of Channel 4 to discuss that very issue and I remain active on it. One of the biggest pieces of progress would be made if the Parliament and the Government had the power to offer the tax breaks and incentives for production that are the norm elsewhere. For example, local authorities, provincial governments and the federal Government in Canada all offer their own such packages. Having tax powers for the Parliament would make an enormous difference to film production and many other matters.

How is Scotland's film industry benefiting from the European Union's Media programme 2007 to 2013?

Scottish companies, organisations and individuals received a total of £247,000 of funding from the Media programme in 2008. That included a grant of just over £100,000 for Napier University from Media's training fund for film schools and universities.

The minister knows that, like others that are involved in media matters, Scotland's film industry is concerned that BBC Alba is not being allowed to compete for audience share on a level playing field. Will he confirm that the Government will make a strenuous submission to the BBC trust to help to influence its deliberations on permitting BBC Alba to be screened on Freeview?

I certainly confirm that. Like many people, I was surprised by the information that the BBC trust released this week about the possible consequences of MG Alba's entry on to Freeview, which have never been mentioned to me in all my discussions of the issue in the past eight months. I am at least sceptical about some of what we have heard, but the member can be assured that we will make the most vigorous response. We will argue and continue to argue for MG Alba on Freeview, so that the channel can build its audience.

---

Youth Music Initiative

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning to ensure that the youth music initiative continues to contribute to the future of instrumental music services in schools. (S3O-8194)

I will refer to my colleague, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, not as a visual aid again but as a full and willing partner in all such matters. She and I discuss the subject regularly. We have jointly decided that the youth music initiative will continue in its current format for the rest of the spending review period, until March 2011, with £10 million that is allocated in annual funding through the Scottish Arts Council and creative Scotland. It will thus continue to make a major contribution to our children's music education, which includes its contribution through instrumental music services in schools.

I welcome the minister's comments on the YMI's success so far. However, is he aware that local authorities such as Renfrewshire Council have made cuts to instrumental music services and that more cuts are proposed for next year? Is he aware of the devastating impact that those cuts can have on young musicians in secondary 1 to S3 who are preparing for their music exams? What is his thinking on the subject? Would he like it to continue beyond 2011 or will he negotiate through single outcome agreements or another mechanism to protect musical instrument tuition, which as a non-statutory service is vulnerable to cuts?

I said that the YMI would continue until March 2011. The work under the initiative has strong support.

It is important to recognise the role of local authorities. Extra-curricular music provision, as well as in-school music provision, is offered. It is important to note that East Renfrewshire Council—which must of course make its own decisions—has received £808,000 under the youth music initiative. I was struck that the council's quality improvement officer noted that the YMI had had an enormous impact on music provision and ensured that every child throughout primary school received a quality experience. She said that the initiative encouraged the authority to evaluate the opportunities that were provided for young people, provided a platform to engage with stakeholders, presented opportunities to share good practice, and helped to encourage the authority to spend more. I ask every local authority to consider its experience with YMI and the beneficial effects of music and music tuition.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I agree with the minister's comments about East Renfrewshire Council, but I clarify that my question was about Renfrewshire Council.

That is a point of clarification.

---

United Kingdom Government (Protocols)

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing and implementing protocols on ministerial relationships with the UK Government. (S3O-8209)

The protocols that govern the relationships between ministers of the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the other devolved Administrations are set out in the memorandum of understanding and its associated overarching concordats. The four Administrations are discussing revisions to the MOU, which will be published on the conclusion of those discussions.

I was intrigued to hear the minister's support for the Government of Canada's federal structures in an earlier reply. Does he accept, particularly in these difficult financial times, the innumerable overlaps where the work of the two Governments comes together? Surely it is important for Scotland and the whole of the UK for there to be an effective partnership between the two Governments. That is not obviously or always the hallmark of the current Government.

I accept the need for certain confidential exchange between the two Governments, but will the minister undertake to report on a periodic basis to the Parliament on the meetings that have taken place at ministerial level with London, including the subject of discussion? Will he also undertake to publish the minutes of meetings, when that is appropriate, rather like the Bank of England does? Would that not be a great move forward in transparency and openness in the relationship between the two Governments?

There are regular discussions on a whole range of issues and at a whole range of levels. For example, only this morning, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning held one of her regular discussions on employment issues with UK minister Jim Knight. I am very happy to say that, far from Robert Brown's presentation of the matter, there is an atmosphere of positive engagement among the Administrations. That continues to be the case.

The issue of publication is a germane one. It was raised by the First Minister at the recent plenary of the joint ministerial committee. Certainly, the proposal that there should be more active publication of the outcome of the JMC has the support of the Scottish Government. We are pursuing that. Of course, we cannot decide that unilaterally; it has to be decided among the Administrations.

I ask Mr Brown to remember that the other Administrations are also involved in these matters. There has to be agreement among all the Administrations for progress to be made. Certainly, this Administration, in its usual positive and constructive manner, is keen to be as transparent as possible.

The minister talks of his willingness to continue to have constructive dialogue with the UK Government. Will he outline the discussions that the Government has had on the Calman commission proposals on the joint ministerial committee? Does he support the enhancement of joint ministerial committees? Has any meeting been held specifically to discuss that under the banner of the Calman commission proposals?

I am happy to say that the matter has been raised at official and ministerial level. Indeed, a statement was published at the end of the recent JMC plenary—there was discussion of the matter. I think that we all were slightly surprised to have jumped upon us by the Secretary of State for Scotland his decision to publish the response to Calman without any previous notification to anybody else. Of course, I am much more constructive than he is.

We will be very happy to continue to make representations on changes to the JMC structure. We cannot unilaterally impose that—any decision will involve the other Administrations, too—but we have put the Calman recommendations into the mix. Indeed, there are Calman recommendations that the chamber could decide on today, if it chose to do so. If the member would like to bring forward support for the draft orders that I have published, some of Calman could be in effect tomorrow.

---

Brussels (Visits)

To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution last visited Brussels. (S3O-8195)

I last visited Brussels on 7 and 8 September.

The minister's international relations budget is rising by 25 per cent, his major events budget is tripling and his budget for the big blether—what the Government euphemistically calls civic participation—is being maintained. Surely the Scottish people do not want to see that happen, particularly at a time when this Government is proposing to squeeze budgets on housing, regeneration, education and health? As we heard earlier, the minister's department is seeing cuts in the cultural collections budget. Does he not agree that the priorities for the people of Scotland are housing, regeneration, education and health? Instead of focusing on those priorities, why does he prefer to use his position to gallivant across Europe, seeking to undermine the constitution of the UK?

I am quite sure that many people would like to encourage me to gallivant even more than I do.

I have two important points to make. First, my visits to Brussels are always multifaceted. On my last visit, in addition to working on the national conversation, I met members of the European Parliament, discussed a number of matters with senior officials, and met the director general of education. I will continue to have those meetings.

Secondly, I am astonished by the contrast between the open and international vision of the Government and what we have just heard, especially on international development. The Government is determined to increase its contributions to the poorest in the world. I am astonished that the Labour Party does not appear to support that.