Chamber and committees

The SPCB's "Policy on Smoking in the Workplace" (Personnel Policy: No 1/1999) was issued by the Personnel Office on 19 November 1999. It was placed in the public folders and all members and staff were advised of this at the time. The policy is currently available in the Personnel pages of SPEIR.

The policy includes the provision of smoking cessation group sessions and nicotine patches at a cost. The Personnel Office will shortly issue a reminder drawing the availability of this service to the attention of those covered by the policy.

NHS Trusts are responsible for the operation of staff disciplinary procedures. The Scottish Executive has worked with Trusts and others to put in place a range of measures to improve and streamline the disciplinary process for medical staff. Trusts have been encouraged to consider alternatives to avoid unnecessary suspensions. Where suspension is considered necessary, the new measures will shorten the time that individuals spend on suspension and therefore reduce costs.

We are currently aware of two NHS hospital doctors suspended on full pay. The doctors have been suspended since April and May 2000 respectively. One other doctor, an honorary consultant employed by a University, has been suspended for three years. This suspension pre-dates the recent work to improve the disciplinary process. The circumstances surrounding this case would not have occurred under the revised arrangements but these arrangements cannot be applied retrospectively. We expect those concerned to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

The framework document, Better Homes Stronger Communities, which was published on 10 April, outlined a package of initiatives which could be developed to promote owner occupation and to assist existing owners. These will be considered further as a transfer proposal is developed.

The City of Edinburgh Council have indicated that they are considering using the proposed powers on road user charging. Glasgow City Council and Aberdeen City Council have also expressed an interest more generally in seeing if the powers may be suitable for their areas.

We have no plans to change the role of education authorities from that currently set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Bill.

The Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (as amended) require that all new homes are fitted with smoke alarms.

Social security benefits including housing and council tax benefit are reserved matters and are the responsibility of the DSS.

Information on the proportion of schoolchildren who receive free school milk in schools is not collected centrally.

Information on the cost of providing free school milk in schools is not collected centrally.

The Interim Management Committee of the Glasgow Housing Association is being established taking account of the framework document, Better Homes Stronger Communities, which was published on 10 April. The committee will be composed of tenants, councillors and independents. However, owner-occupiers will be consulted as a transfer proposal is developed. There will also be opportunities for owner occupiers to participate in Neighbourhood Forums and in Area Housing Partnerships.