Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. 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/webapp/search_wa.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. 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/webapp/search_wa.

Officials routinely consider proposals relating to economic development policy from a variety of external bodies and commentators, including those from other political parties.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. 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/webapp/search_wa.

The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities, and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities. Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. Requests for liberalisation by World Trade Organisation (WTO) members do not seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services. The GATS makes clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives, and recognises the right of WTO member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of service within their territories in order to meet national policy objectives. The GATS does not therefore impact on the Executive's ability to bring forward legislation affecting education.

Neighbourhood wardens have been discussed at meetings between the Scottish Executive and representative bodies of police officers.

By developing more effective responses to crime, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour and by promoting environmental justice, we will make neighbourhoods safer and more attractive places to live.

Prior to this year each competition, while in progress, was monitored in relation to applications from women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. A database has now been established which has held this information centrally since April 2002.

We intend that neighbourhood wardens operate across Scotland but the shape of the schemes will vary depending on the needs and priorities of individual communities.

Details of neighbourhood warden schemes are still to be developed.