Chamber and committees

Removal of ozone depleting substances from waste fridges and freezers prior to disposal is the responsibility of the holders of the waste. EC Regulation 2037/2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer requires that, after 31 December 2001, all ozone depleting substances must be recovered prior to dismantling or disposal of domestic refrigerators and freezers. Scottish local authorities which hold such waste will be required to comply with these requirements.

At the end of 1999, the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force (now renamed Pilot) set up a Fabricators Support Group. This brought together the oil industry, Government, the fabricators themselves and other interested parties to develop an integrated approach to the ongoing difficulties facing the sector. The Scottish Executive and the Department of Trade and Industry are members of this group.

We are continuing to work closely with the Fabricators Support Group, the Department of Trade and Industry, Fife Council and the local enterprise company on the implications of the recent announcement about the Kvaerner yard in Methil and to develop a long-term strategy for the future of this yard. The support group plans to put in place mechanisms to assist individuals to acquire new skills and employment opportunities.

Changes to legislation which currently affects the use of ICT in the conduct of council meetings are being considered. In terms of increasing levels of ICT investment, local authorities can benefit from the Modernising Government Fund and other Executive funding.

This is a matter for the Parliament to take forward together with CoSLA and local authorities. The Covenant between the Parliament and local government and the proposed Standing Conference, both currently under discussion, will address this issue.

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a particularly distressing later onset hereditary illness caused by a faulty gene, which affects progressively the individual's ability to function physically, mentally and emotionally. There is no cure at present. Palliative care for victims of HD is a matter for health boards. A Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) on HD and conditions which produce similar clinical problems, Acquired Brain Injury and Early Onset Dementia, was issued in February 2000. SNAPs provide health boards with good practice recommendations for the planning of services.

There is a genetic test available which can detect whether or not a person has inherited the faulty gene. Through the four Regional Genetics Advisory Centres, comprehensive specialist genetic services are available to all affected individuals and their families in Scotland. These services include assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling, the provision of genetic tests for pre-symptomatic diagnosis or pre-natal diagnosis for those who wish to be tested after careful counselling, and psycho-social support for families who need it.

The Scottish Executive provides funding support to the voluntary organisation, Scottish Huntington's Association, which offers help and support to those affected by HD, and their families.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-16680.

The Leadership Advisory Panel has been a very successful exercise for modest outlay. The costs of publication of the LAP report can be broken down as follows:

	£
Design	3,760
Printing	12,641
Web conversion	724
Postage	926*
TOTAL	18,051

* Estimated.

The report was simply published rather than launched so no other significant costs were incurred at the time of publication. Copies were sent to all councillors in Scotland to help encourage debate and discussion about the different models adopted given the evolutionary nature of the process. In addition, its availability on the web avoids the need for subsequent print runs.

The cost of establishing and maintaining LAP from August 1999 until April 2001 can be broken down as follows.

	1999-2000	2000-01	2001-02
	£	£	£
Travel and subsistence: visits to councils and panel meetings	4,344	7,165	1,434
Costs of Panel meetings	247	2,919	1,430
Publications	15	0	357
Total	4,606	10,084	3,221

Secretariat support was provided by the Scottish Executive. The staff involved in supporting the panel did so as part of a wider range of duties so it is not possible to calculate their costs concerned with LAP business alone.

The Regulation of Care Bill, which has now been passed by the Parliament, provides for the establishment of the Scottish Social Services Council (The Council). This body will have powers, delegated by Scottish ministers, to undertake workforce planning for social workers and to promote applications to social work courses.

Vandalism and fires in schools both cause disruption and distress to the pupils and staff affected by them and are matters of serious concern for the education service.

The recommendations in this report are directed at the local authorities, who are responsible for the management of school premises in their areas. The report quantifies the scale of property related crime problems facing Scotland's schools, and it is encouraging that Audit Scotland have found a significant reduction in the cost of school vandalism and fires compared with figures in 1995.

Local authorities should find the report useful in reviewing the scope for further improvement.

The experience of school staff and, in particular, the headteacher is valued by authorities. The improvement framework contained in the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc (Scotland) Act 2000 offers an additional means through which the headteacher and school staff can take the lead in school improvement. School vandalism issues need to be considered on a local basis, and measures adopted which are appropriate to local circumstances. The principles of risk assessment and risk management are important factors in addressing them.