Chamber and committees

My answer to question S1W-13209 on 22 February said that we do not consider that there is a need for specific research into the impact of farmers' markets at the present time. It did not rule out such research in the future.The Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets, whose formation we supported, has only been in existence for a few months. They will need time to develop a number of initiatives, and it would be more appropriate to examine the impact of these on the markets at a later stage.Similarly, it is too early to say whether the assistance provided in supporting the formation of the association is having a positive impact.

The Scots language is not taught as a course, as the subject of Latin is, but is an element of more general language work aimed at giving children experience of and teaching them about Scots language and literature.

The guidance to education authorities and schools emphasises that sport and other forms of physical education make an essential contribution to pupils' health and general wellbeing. The context and opportunity for this lies within the national priority "to teach pupils respect for self and one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society".Increasing the amount of time devoted to sport could, however, only be done at the expense of other areas of the school curriculum.There are no plans to review current arrangements for providing physical education programmes in the school curriculum. However, sportscotland is working closely with education authorities in a number of programmes to promote sporting and physical activity in schools.

I refer Ms McGugan to the answer I gave to question S1W-12942.

The Scottish Executive wishes to see responsible supporters' groups have the opportunity to contribute to the development of their clubs but we have no plans to help fund the establishment of football supporters' trusts.If a sufficient number of supporters wish to establish a trust, the shared costs of doing so will be very modest. The Executive's main priority at present is to encourage and assist the development of football academies to develop our talented young footballers.

The Scottish Parliament's website publishes information in English in line with Standing Orders, Rule 7.1 which states, "The Parliament shall normally conduct its business in English......".There are no plans to create a full version of the website in any other language, though summary information is presented in Gaelic, and public information resources in several other languages will be available on the website in the near future.

We hope to make an announcement shortly.

We do not undertake any monitoring in this area. We are, however, exploring the possibility of undertaking research in this and associated areas.

In inviting education authorities to participate in the pilot programme we shall set out a general framework of objectives for school co-ordinators. We do not propose to identify particular areas of cultural activity in which co-ordinators should be involved. Within the general framework, that will be for schools and education authorities to determine.

The Executive, together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Homes and CoSLA, has commissioned EKOS Limited to investigate the mechanisms which exist or are required to support rural communities. I understand that the final report is expected to be received by the commissioning bodies in March, and they will make a decision on publication thereafter.