Chamber and committees

The Scottish Governmentwould be willing to consider any proposals from the private sector shipping industrythat would promote growth in the sector.

There have, to date,been no requests for meetings with the Government to discuss this report, or itsfindings. Should such requests be received, the Government would consider them.

Transport Scotland hasimplemented a range of safety measures including the installation of safety cameras,a 50mph speed limit in the vicinity of the junction, advance warning signs, anti-skidsurfacing and renewed road markings. These measures will be monitored and furtheraction taken as necessary.

The Strategic Transport ProjectsReview which is due to report in summer 2008 will be examining the Dundee to Aberdeen transportcorridor to identify future investment priorities which could consider the possibilityof a grade separated junction at Laurencekirk.

The A82 Tarbet to FortWilliam Action Plan recommended a 10 year improvement programme at a cost of£90 million. The outcome of this study will feed into the Strategic TransportProjects Review which will examine the needs of our national strategictransport corridors. This is due to report in Summer 2008.

Meantime, Transport Scotland isplanning a £16 million improvement package to be delivered over the next fiveyears. This package includes improvements at Pulpit Rock between Tarbet andArdlui, a Western Bypass at Crianlarich, additional road safety measures, newlay-bys and picnic sites.

Road maintenance works haverecently been completed on two sections of the A82 between Tarbet andCrianlarich in the vicinity of Pulpit Rock.

Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for moreinformation if required.

The Howat report published lastweek clearly supports our view that the landscape of public sector delivery is crowded.Reviewing and understanding this landscape will allow changes to be made that bothcreate efficiencies but more importantly improve the service provided to our customers- whether they be land managers, individuals, businesses or communities. The roles,functions and structures of SEPA and SNH will be considered in that context.

Detailed implementation planningis being undertaken and Transport Scotland expects to formally enter an implementation agreementwith Network Rail shortly.

December2008 marks railway timetable change date and is the most likely date for stationre-opening. The station will be opened earlier in 2008 if this is practicable.

Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more informationif required.

The Executive is in regular discussionwith CalMac Ferries Ltd on a range of matters. However, there are no plans, at present,to discuss a reduction in ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae. The Executive does,however, recognise concerns regarding the affordability of ferry travel. We are committed to commissioning a study into Road EquivalentTariff and we will announce shortly our plans for that study.

The Scottish Executive has advisedthe Group of possible stakeholder interest but has provided no financial supportin respect of the offshore wind farm proposal.

On 23 December 2005, the Scottish ministers, in accordance with their statutory obligations, provided AMECWind Energy Ltd with a written scoping opinion. The opinion outlined the Scottishministers’ required content for the Environmental Statement which would be requiredin support of an application submitted for consent in respect of the offshore windfarm proposal under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

The Executive has provided acontribution of £30,000 to help the group assess the feasibility of building anEnergy Futures Centre in Aberdeen, to showcase the city’s energy capabilities.

Fly-tippers can be arrestedand face a penalty on summary conviction of up to £40,000 or six monthsimprisonment, or both, and on indictment of an unlimited fine and/or two yearsimprisonment (five years in the case of hazardous waste). Following theintroduction of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, the policehave the power to issue £50 fixed penalty fines to those caught fly-tipping.

In addition any constablehas the power to stop and seize a vehicle where a warrant has been issued onsuspicion of that vehicle being involved in the illegal disposal of waste.

The allocation of resources withina force area is a matter for individual chief constables, taking into account strategicpriorities set by police authorities. In May, following consultation with the Executiveand other key stakeholders, the Association of ChiefPolice Officers in Scotland published its policing priorities for 2006-09. Thesereflect the responsibility of chief officers to focus on local needs, working withlocal partners as well as delivering on a national and international level in responseto civil emergencies or in tackling serious and organised crime.

The nine key priorities are asfollows:

Community Engagement

Performance Improvement

Increased Productivity

Developing a Successful ScottishPolice Services Authority

Standardising Processes/MaximisingShared Use of Information Technology

Counter Terrorism

Criminal Justice

Police Capacity Review

Delivering the People Strategy.