I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-2868 on 23 August 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.

This Executive isaware of the value for money issues regarding previous tender exercises for theCampbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service. I understand that Accountable OfficerDirections were issued by previous Ministers to Executive officials in 2002 and2005 because of officials’ concerns over value for money issues emerging from theeconomic appraisals undertaken at that time. In re-examining the case for reinstatingthe service a future appraisal will include value for money issues. Until such timeas that appraisal has been completed it would be premature to speculate on whetherthere has been any change in circumstances.

I refer the memberto the question S3W-2904 on 23 August 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-2868 on 23 August 2007. 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 Scottish Executivehas no plans to include a prioritisation mechanism within the Scottish TransportAppraisal Guidance (STAG). Transport Scotland is currentlyundertaking a refresh of STAG, with the new guidance document and supplementarytechnical database expected to be published later this year. The underlying principlesof the refreshed guidance will remain consistent with those in the existing publishedguidance. The contribution and impacts of transport improvements will continue tobe assessed against the economy, environment, accessibility and social inclusion,integration, and safety objectives. Approval for funding is based on the assessment of the project across allfive criteria.

This Scottish Governmentis committed to re-examining the case for reinstating a ferry service between Campbeltownand Ballycastle. The Scottish Executive has also proposed that the appraisal considerthe possibility of extending the service to Ayrshire. Such a change would increasethe number of passengers and strengthen the business case for the services. Thedevelopments in Northern Ireland since 2001 may well make the carryings on the routesignificantly higher than previous estimates. This will all be examined as partof a new appraisal.

It would thereforebe premature to speculate on the likely level of subsidy required or the financialconsequences. Further information will be made available as soon as possible.

Ministers did notrequest that the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board notify its employees prior to the announcementto abolish tolls. When employees were formally informed is a matter for theboard.

The proposals to abolishthe tolls were well publicised and contained in this Government’s pre-election documentA New Approach: Our First Steps.

Argyll and Bute Councilwas responsible for the new breakwater and linkspan at Dunoon. Planning permissionfor the original breakwater scheme was granted through due process in consultationwith Scottish ministers. The linkspan was a late addition to the breakwater scheme.It is my understanding that the council took the view that the new linkspan was“permitted development”. Consequently, the council concluded that the addition of the new linkspan to the original breakwater scheme required neither separate planningpermission nor to be referred to Scottish ministers.

The strategic network was last reviewed overall in the public consultation Shaping the Trunk Road Network in 1994-95 (the previous review was 1946). This was linked to the reorganisation of local government at the time. Following this, a number of trunking and detrunking Orders were made, making changes to the local and trunk network.

The Strategic Transport Projects Review will be examining the needs of our national strategic transport corridors. We have no plans to undertake a review of the trunk road network meantime.

I understand thatthere were discussions between Argyll and Bute Council and Western Ferries and CalMacregarding the new linkspan at Dunoon. These discussions focussed on ensuring thateach operator’s vessels could be accommodated at the new linkspan.