Chamber and committees

The numbers of adults (aged 20 and above) starting the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows:

The numbers starting the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0212-01.htm

Each objection was analysed individually. Some were postcards or e-mails raising standard points which could be answered quickly by providing standard answers and others raised a number of specific points requiring individual answers. Responding to what was a very large number of objectives has incurred a proportionate commitment of resources in terms of time and money, however it is not possible to accurately isolate this from the overall preparation costs.

The cost of responding to objections is included in the consultants fees which are allocated across the scheme. Aberdeen City Council will pay 9.5% of the costs of the Northern Leg and Southern Leg as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Project Partners.

It is for Lord Penrose to conduct the inquiry independently and as thoroughly as he feels necessary. He has advised me that, due to the timescales involved in this inquiry requiring examination of documents dating back to the early 1980s, it is likely that the review of the documentation may take some time to complete.

In my statement on 23 April 2008, I indicated that the sum of three million pounds had been included in the current Spending Review for this exercise. The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate this matter thoroughly, and the necessary resources to do so will be provided to the Inquiry from the Health budget. The Inquiries Act 2005 requires that unnecessary costs be avoided and the Scottish Government will monitor the progress and costs of the Inquiry.

The appropriate documents, in accordance with Section 6 of the Inquiries Act 2005 are laid before Parliament today under the numbers:

SG/2009/3 - Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products - Instrument of Appointment of Chair to the Inquiry

SG/2009/4 - Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products - Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products.

Whilst testing for hepatitis C does not form part of the testing regime, the treatment aspects of a DTTO are considered to provide a range of health related benefits including a reduction in harmful behaviour and drug related illnesses, particularly blood borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, etc.

This is an important part of the devolution settlement, which acknowledges the special constitutional position of the Scottish Parliament and the democratic mandate conferred on this Parliament by the people of Scotland. In the view of the Scottish Government, the Sewel Convention will remain an essential part of the constitution of the UK for as long as the UK Parliament retains its current powers and functions in relation to Scotland.

In the normal course of business, legislation on devolved matters should be scrutinised and determined in the Scottish Parliament. There may however be situations in which it is helpful and appropriate for legislation dealing with devolved matters to be taken forward at Westminster.

The Scottish Government is committed to assessing opportunities of this kind on their merits and to working closely and constructively with the UK Government, on a case-by-case basis, to deliver legislation which best meets Scotland''s needs. The Scottish Government is equally committed to working with the UK Government to pursue opportunities to extend devolved competence.

The formal consent of the Scottish Parliament is required in relation to all proposals for Westminster primary legislation on devolved matters, including alterations to devolved competence, in accordance with Chapter 9B of Standing Orders.

Within the legislative programme announced today by the UK Government, we have identified and agreed a number of potential opportunities to legislate for the benefit of Scotland on matters that are within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament or which alter legislative or executive competence.

The UK bills which we currently expect to give rise to Legislative Consent Motions in the Scottish Parliament are:

Equality “ to include Scotland in the extension of public sector duties and address inequities on age, sexual orientation and belief.

Coroners & Justice “ ensuring that criminals in Scotland do not profit from writing about their crimes by joining with the UK Government in a UK wide civil scheme for the recovery of profits from criminal memoires.

Local Democracy, Economic Regeneration & Construction “ to include Scotland in amendments to new Construction Contracts legislation, ensuring consistency across the UK, a desire expressed by the industry in consultations.

Marine & Coastal Access - introduces measures to Scotland which ensure the sustainable development of the marine environment within environmental limits and gives an enhanced role to Scottish Government to address issues exclusive to Scottish waters, as well as to provide for greater integration with UK Marine Planning.

Policing & Crime “ To close the loophole regarding Football Banning Orders, as requested by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth after the incidents witnessed at the UEFA Cup final in Manchester earlier this year.

The Scottish Government expects, in due course, to lodge memoranda and motions for these bills, once they are introduced in the UK Parliament. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine whether to give or withhold consent.

It is possible that further opportunities to legislate for Scotland by means of Legislative Consent Motions may occur in connection with other UK bills, as their provisions are developed and finalised. Any additional proposals of this kind will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise, in line with the requirements of Standing Orders.