Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22739 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22745 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22764, on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Fisheries Research Services enjoyed an international reputation for its science which Marine Scotland intends to build upon. The establishment of a Science Advisory Board will safeguard independence and add to the quality of Marine Scotland Science.

Access to high quality fisheries data is in the interests of both scientists and the fishing industry. Collaboration with scientists is supported by fishermen''s organisations providing a productive basis for continued data acquisition.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22587 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Savings are, for a variety of reasons, difficult to estimate precisely at this stage. However, on the basis of analysis done to date on the Marine Bill and related delivery arrangements, we anticipate savings of around £1.5 million annually due to efficiency gains from the establishment of Marine Scotland, as published in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Marine Bill. Other savings are likely to accrue, for example from integrating within existing structures and responsibilities new planned functions and responsibilities set out in the Marine Bill, and from making more optimal use of marine surveillance assets. There will also be some transitional costs.

This excludes costs related to the delivery of new functions and responsibilities, as set out in the Marine Bill.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22745 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Marine Scotland staff continue to occupy their existing premises, mostly in Edinburgh and Aberdeen but also at other locations throughout Scotland. The Director and most of the senior management team are located in Pentland House, Edinburgh although there are plans for them to be relocated to Victoria Quay during 2010.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21911 on 23 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.