Chamber and committees

Details of the video news release (VNR) were sent to 759 broadcasters in UK, Europe, Americas, Canada, Middle East, Asia and Australia and 30 copies of the tape were sent out.

The film is also being sent to Embassies around the world for usage.

Previous research has highlighted the relatively low level of awareness of modern Scotland amongst overseas media. The VNR is part of a two pronged approachto address this issue by: providing at relatively low cost footage of many aspectsof modern Scotland which can be used by media, Scottish Executive and Embassiesand; organising a series of targeted press visits for members of key internationalmedia – tailored itineraries to showcase aspects of modern Scotland and secure greater profile – of the right sort – in the international media.

I refer the member to the answer to S2W-11649, on 8 November 2004. 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/wa.search.

Information about the average cost of supporting children or adults with autistic spectrum disorders in residential or other settings is not available. The first national audit of services for people with autistic spectrum disorders in 2003 identified existing service provision, gaps and provided a basis for future planning. The statistical report of the audit findings can be found at http://sh45inta/Resource/Doc/1095/0001881.pdf. Responses to question 36, on pages 88-89, give known estimates of expenditure in relation to young people in transition to adult services.

I refer the member to the answer to S2W-11638, on 8 November 2004. 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/wa.search.Information about children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders whose needs cannot be met locally is set out at question 27, on pages 66-67. Further information can be found at http://sh45inta/Resource/Doc/1095/0001881.pdf.

I refer the member to the answer to S2W-11637, on  8 November 2004. 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/wa.search.

Under the Quality of Life fund £95 million was allocated to local authorities in 2002-03 and £50 million in 2003-04.

Permission was given by the Press Team at the Parliament for filming both within and outside the Scottish Parliament building. Film of the Parliament accounts for around one minute of the 11 and a half minute running time for the video news release.

I refer the member to the answer to S2W-11649, on 8 November 2004. 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/wa.search.

The first national audit of services for people with autistic spectrum disorders in 2003 identified existing service provision, gaps and provided a basis for future planning. The statistical report of the audit findings can be found at http://sh45inta/Resource/Doc/1095/0001881.pdf. Table 1A of the report sets out known age related information for children and young people diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders in each NHS board area.

Local athorities were allocated funding under the Quality of Life to spend under two themes – Improving Opportunities for Children and Young People and Improving the Local Environment. Funding was allocated on a flexible basis where councils took decisions locally on the most appropriate levels of spending under the themes. Local authorities have provided detailed expenditure plans for the two financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04. These are given in the tables entitled Quality of Life Funding 2002-03and 2003-04, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament’s ReferenceCentre (Bib. number 34264).