Chamber and committees

The CSO would be pleased to receive research applications into treatments of mesothelioma, which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.

The interim conclusions of the Review of Enterprise Networks in Scotland were announced to Parliament on 6 July. On 6 November I hosted a major conference to discuss progress and listen to the views of key players in the field of economic development. As a result:

• Draft guidelines on Local Economic Forums have been published today on the Scottish Executive website. These are also available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and have been issued to a large number of bodies and organisations. Consultation on the guidelines will run until 31 January 2001 and views and comments are welcome.

• I have decided that Local Enterprise Companies will become wholly owned subsidiaries of either Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise in the next financial year. This will build on improvements in network effectiveness and efficiency and bolster transparency and accountability across the LEC network.

Both of these initiatives are included in my response to the ELL Committee report following its inquiry into local economic development. This is also available today on the Scottish Executive website and in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.

A ports policy paper, Modern Ports, has been published today and a copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no 9874). The paper provides a comprehensive statement of future policy on a wide range of issues relating to the UK ports industry. It encompasses issues where the Executive has devolved responsibilities, and also issues which are reserved. It is therefore a joint UK-wide document combining these issues.Ports are vital to Scotland's economy and international trade. They have an important role in our integrated transport policy. The Executive seeks to build on the many sound and well-established working relationships it already has with the industry.The paper sets outs the key devolved ports responsibilities and policies. These policies recognise Scotland's special circumstances and needs. They also recognise our own integrated transport framework and strategy, the special needs of industries such as oil, fishing and lifeline ferry services in the Highlands and Islands, and how sustainability and environmental issues are addressed in Scotland. It puts other key policies identified in a Scottish context where necessary.I am pleased that Modern Ports represents a UK-wide paper so that all of the strands of reserved and devolved policy can be brought together to provide a comprehensive strategy for the future development of ports in Scotland.The paper commits the devolved administrations to work with UK Government, the industry, its users and other interests to achieve four key objectives:to make regulation add value rather than unnecessary cost, ensuring thatdifferent regulators co-ordinate their overall demands;to promote agreed national standards and good practice for port management and port operations alike, without detracting from the legal responsibilities of harbour authorities and other port interests;to promote training and the recognition of skills for those who work in the ports industry at all levels - not just those engaged by harbour authorities;to maintain a balanced policy on development which aims to make the best use of existing and former operational land, secures high environmental standards, but supports sustainable projects for which there is a clear need.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.

I apologise for not replying earlier to the member, and will write to him immediately.