Chamber and committees

The Scottish Executive has made available £500,000 to West Lothian Council in order to fund a detailed engineering study into the proposed re-opening of the Airdrie/Bathgate line. We expect the study to be completed by spring 2004.

Following a pre-qualification exercise, on 14 March 2003 the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced the shortlist of four companies which will be invited to bid for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise. These are Arriva Trains Ltd, First Group plc, National Express Group PLC and Serco Rail/Netherlands Railways.The Scottish Executive, SRA and Strathclyde Passenger Transport are currently developing the franchise specification and the bidding documentation will be issued to bidders in due course.

In 2002-03 the Scottish Executive provided £150,000 to West Lothian Council to look at options for improving services on the Shotts line. The implications of this work are still being assessed.Bidders for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise are being advised by the Strategic Rail Authority to consult with stakeholders in the preparation of their bids. The franchise agreement will include a mechanism by which future service or infrastructure enhancements can be incorporated to the franchise on agreed terms.

The announcement in March of the future location of the Common Services Agency's (CSA) Edinburgh-based staff confirmed the agency's contribution to the Scottish Executive's policy on relocation whilst recognising its own regional-based property strategy. The agency is planning the relocation of around 160 posts outwith Edinburgh before the end of 2004 to be followed by a further 75 posts by the end of 2006. Work is currently under way to scope the options for the relocation of these CSA posts to Aberdeen, Livingston and the west of Scotland.NHS Health Scotland is currently reviewing its options for relocation.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Since the conclusion of the estates review in September 2002, the Scottish Prison Service has identified two preferred sites for the development of the new prisons announced at that time. One of the preferred sites is at Low Moss, East Dunbartonshire, where we have intimated to the planning authority our intention to develop. We have also entered into formal discussions with West Lothian Council for the possible acquisition of a site at Addiewell in West Lothian.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), which acts as procurement agent for the Scottish passenger rail franchise, has advised ministers that by 1 April 2004, when the current franchise expires, a preferred bidder is expected to have been selected and the terms of a new franchise agreement to have been substantially agreed. However, the SRA considers that a short extension to the franchise may be required to allow mobilisation to be completed. Such an extension is provided for in the existing contract.

No. We have set out detailed plans for the next three years in the Scottish Budget, Building a Better Scotland. Our plans show precisely what our investment programme will deliver and how it will be paid for. Our plans build on the progress that Scotland has made since the Scottish Parliament was established and will help to grow Scotland's economy and increase opportunities in our communities.We recognise our responsibility to this parliament and the people of Scotland, not to make unrealistic promises or announce un-costed proposals. All members of this Parliament should adopt the same financial discipline and honesty in the announcements, pledges and commitments that they make. This is what the people of Scotland want and this is the discipline that this Executive will continue to exercise.

I was pleased to be able to announce on 6 November our intention to provide new rolling stock to service the Edinburgh Park development.

Our Drugs Strategy is based on four pillars - young people, communities, treatment and availability. The strategy is supported by £130 million, in new resources, over three years. Scotland's 22 Drug Action Teams take the lead in implementing the strategy at local level.We are making steady progress. For example, new and improved treatment and rehabilitation services are being rolled out across Scotland, supported by our new resources. Our "Know the Score" Drugs Communications Strategy is providing factual information to the public on the risks posed by drugs, and where help and advice can be obtained. Our enforcement bodies are seizing record amounts of Class A drugs, which cause the most harm to individuals and communities.More detailed information on progress in 2002 will be provided in the Executive's Annual Report on Drug Misuse, which will be published later this year.

The consultants' corridor plan recommendations have been available for public consideration since 13 June 2002.Newsletters outlining the consultants' key findings and recommendations have been widely distributed for each corridor.Public exhibitions for the A8 and A80 corridors were held during the week beginning 16 September and the M74 corridor exhibition is being held in conjunction with the exhibition for the M74 Completion Scheme during the week beginning 23 September.The consultation period is scheduled to end on 30 September and a wide range of comments on the plans has already been received. These, and any further comments, will all be given due consideration.