Chamber and committees

I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-706 on 19 June 2007. Allanswers 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/wa.search.

We are committed toimproving the public transport experience for passengers thereby providing maximumbenefit and easing the commute. There are many excellent examples of bus servicesacross Scotland. However, we recognise that there is alsoscope for improvement. We will be working with bus operators, transport authorities,the Scottish Traffic Commissioner and other key stakeholders on more effective transportplanning, the development of the bus industry, and more effective implementationof the regulatory regime.

Along with other busstakeholders, we are currently examining the implementation of the regulatory frameworkand are reviewing the legislation on Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts.We will consider what changes may be required in due course.

I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-568 on 18 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The Scottish Governmentis absolutely committed to improving the life chances of all Scots and tacklingthe poverty and disadvantage which far too many Scots suffer.

We are committed tosharing the UK Government’s long-term target to eradicate child poverty by 2020.We are aware that poverty is about more than a lack of decent income. It is alsoabout ill health, educational achievement, access to services, and maximising opportunitiesin the labour market for parents. Policies across the Scottish Government are workingon all these areas and we will continue to work to maximise the impact these haveand ensure they are effectively joined-up at national and local level.

We are currently reviewingexisting policy commitments in this area and will make clear what our prioritiesare in the coming months. However, by developing policies that reflect our overarchingstrategic principles of making Scotland a Wealthier and Fairer, Healthier, Safer,Smarter and Greener nation, we will be taking meaningful steps towards tacklingchild poverty.

We are currently consideringvarious options to trial the extension of free school meals and we will set outdetails of our plans in due course.

I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-568 on 18 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

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

No baseline has been set.

I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

A Bridging the Gap (BtG) teamwas formed and resourced by SPS to ensure that a public sector led bid was preparedfor the proposed new prison at Bishopbriggs. Appropriate governance arrangementswere put in place to allow the team to operate independently of the SPS board. Thearrangements proposed by the BtG team in response to the pre-qualification questionnairedid not comply with the relevant legislation. The BtG team was accordingly eliminatedfrom the procurement process at the pre-qualification stage.

Scottish ministers are currentlyconsidering options for the future development of this site.

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

No baseline has been set.

Scottish ministers are currentlyconsidering options for the future development of this site.