Chamber and committees

The information requested is not held centrally.

The Scottish Executive recognises that there is a perception that businesses in Scotland are being inhibited in raising capital because, under Scots law, they cannot create a security over moveable property without giving up possession of that property. In addition, although the mechanism of floating charges is used extensively by companies in Scotland to obtain finance, it is thought to have some disadvantages. In certain circumstances, the floating charge holder may receive less than the debt owed to him. The Scottish Executive also acknowledges that this is an extremely complex issue.Consequently, the Scottish Executive has decided to commission research into the matter. This will determine the extent of problems being faced by Scottish businesses.The intention is that the research would be completed by the end of year 2000 and that it would inform the preparation of policy proposals, which would be the subject of consultation in the following year.By taking this issue forward in a considered manner, the Scottish Executive hopes that a solution will be found that will provide benefit to businesses operating in Scotland.

Wide ranging action is necessary to tackle poverty and social exclusion. Responsibilities for some matters are reserved, and some are devolved. Effective, integrated action therefore requires a close working partnership between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government. The UK strategy 'Opportunity for All - Tackling Poverty and Social Inclusion' that was published yesterday is the first report on the action that is being taken across the UK. It makes it clear however that devolved administrations will develop their own policies in devolved areas to reflect their countries' particular circumstances and the needs and wishes of their people.The Scottish Executive will work in partnership with all interested parties to build on policy developments in the UK. In consultation with the Scottish Social Inclusion Network, the Scottish Executive will set out its plans for integrated action in devolved areas over the next few months.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency plays a vital role in safeguarding and improving our environment. I am delighted to announce that Deirdre Hutton has agreed to serve as Deputy Chairman and that Professor Brian Clark, Councillor Susan Clark, Professor Stanley Dagg, Fred Edwards, Bill Furness and Councillor Bill Howatson have accepted my invitation to serve on the Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Two current Board members, whose appointments expire on 11 October 1999, David Hughes Hallett and Councillor Cormick McChord, have agreed to serve for a further term. I look forward to working in partnership with all the Board members. I am grateful to Alexander Buchan, Graeme Gordon, Councillor Alastair Hewat, Professor Cliff Johnston, Councillor Alison Magee and Councillor Jennifer Shaw whose terms of appointment end on 11 October 1999 for their contribution to the work of the Board over the past four years.

The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that government in Scotland is efficient and decentralised, as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive government. We believe that two objectives should govern location and relocation decisions. First, the location of the Departments and agencies of the Scottish Executive and the bodies it funds should promote efficiency and effectiveness. Second, and subject to the first objective, the people of Scotland expect that the work of the Scottish Executive and related bodies should be close to the communities they serve.

Most of the headquarters functions of Scottish Executive Departments are located in Edinburgh (or, in the case of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, in Glasgow). We expect that to remain the case, since they typically involve frequent meetings with Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.Executive functions can, however, be discharged effectively in other locations. Already, more than half of the staff of the Scottish Executive and its agencies are located away from Edinburgh. We have now decided that when the Scottish Executive establishes a new unit or agency, or where an existing unit is merged or otherwise reorganised, there should be a presumption against location in Edinburgh. We have also decided that where a significant property break point is reached - for example, the termination of an existing lease - relocation options outside Edinburgh will be considered. In each case, Ministers will look at alternative locations. Costs will be taken into account in deciding on location, along with operational effectiveness and the position of staff concerned.The policy will apply to the Departments of the Scottish Executive, to its executive agencies, to the Departments of the non-Ministerial office holders and to the Crown Office, and to all non-departmental public bodies funded by the Scottish Executive. We will keep the organisational scope of the policy under review with a view to expanding it if possible.

I refer to my answer to Scott Barrie on 2 September (SIW-1304). Over the forthcoming months we will continue to work with interested parties in developing proposals for legislation and non-legislative changes leading up to the opportunity for full pre-legislative scrutiny of the kind which I hope the Parliament will become known for.