Chamber and committees

We have had a variety of representations from dispensing GP practices in NHS Ayrshire and Arran with regard to the control of entry arrangements. Most recently, we have received a number of responses to our Review of the Control of Entry Arrangements consultation exercise, which ended in June 2010. Details can be found on the Scottish Government website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/318195.

We have had a variety of representations from dispensing GP practices, rural organisations and community groups in NHS Ayrshire and Arran with regard to the control of entry arrangements. Most recently, we have received a number of responses to our Review of the Control of Entry Arrangements consultation exercise, which ended in June 2010. Details can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/318195.

I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The SPS has no current plans to review the terms of the contract for HMP Kilmarnock.

There is a mechanism for change which is specified in the contract which can be invoked to take account of changes in legislation or the requirements of the SPS or the Scottish Government.

I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

Both contracts have been drawn up to deliver value for money and each contributes to the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Services strategy to reduce re-offending. Each is contributing towards those goals albeit in different ways.

South Ayrshire''s Single Outcome Agreement indentifies tackling health inequalities as a priority for the Community Planning Partnership and sets out a number of supporting actions including those which:

Encourage better diet, nutrition and physical health across all age groups.

Tackle health inequalities and improve well-being for children and young people.

Address health inequalities leading to enhanced employability.

Provision of appropriate interventions for people who are experiencing alcohol issues in order to promote recovery.

Scottish Government has had discussions with South Ayrshire Council about its Single Outcome Agreement which includes the outcome, We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

This agreement sets out a number of examples of partnership working activities in South Ayrshire between the council and the Health Board to tackle inequalities in their area.

The Minister for Public Health and Sport met with NHS Ayrshire and Arran at their annual review on the 12 October 2009

In addition both Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials regularly meet with local authority and NHS Board colleagues to discuss matters of importance to local communities, including issues pertaining to health life expectancy and multiple deprivation.

The First Minister met Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and Tavish Scott, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats on 1 June 2010. The meetings were arranged following the Secretary of State''s appointment to the new UK Coalition Government. The issues discussed included economic recovery, access to finance and the UK Government''s plans for fiscal consolidation. The First Minister was supported by appropriate Scottish Government officials while the Secretary of State was supported by appropriate UK Government officials.

The recent works on the A76 in New Cumnock will be completed on 9 July 2010.

The Mauchline works will start on 12 July 2010, two weeks later than originally planned, however, the first phase of the works south of Mauchline Cross will still be completed before the end of the school holidays.

Transport Scotland and their operating company for the A76 Amey, have had detailed discussions about the impact of the works with Mauchline Community Council, the Mauchline Elderly Forum, local businesses and bus operators. In addition public meetings have been held to inform residents. East and South Ayrshire Councils, Strathclyde Police, the emergency services, and elected members have also been consulted.