Chamber and committees

I have asked VisitScotland to discuss with the SYHA how best they can help. VisitScotland is working with the industry and is increasing its marketing activities in those countries that offer the best prospect at this time. Funding for VisitScotland is at a record level. The Enterprise Networks have prepared advice for businesses and made that available through outlets such as the Small Business Gateway and the Local Enterprise Companies.

The re-appointments were made in accordance with the procedures set down in the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. Under the terms of the code, members can be re-appointed subject to a satisfactory performance appraisal of their first period of appointment.

Information in the format requested is not held centrally. The available information, on crimes of rape and assault with intent to rape which are recorded by the police, and on persons with a charge proved in court where the main offence was rape or assault with intent to rape, is given in the table.Rapes and assaults with intent to rape recorded by Lothian & Borders PoliceCrimes recorded and persons with a charge proved in court, 1997-2000¹

Year and Crime	Number of offences recorded by the police in:		Number of persons with a charge proved2
	City of Edinburgh Council area	Lothian & Borders Police Force area
1997
Rape	95	144	6
Assault with intent to rape	28	41	3
Total	123	185	9
1998
Rape	114	151	6
Assault with intent to rape	25	36	1
Total	139	187	7
1999
Rape	60	111	8
Assault with intent to rape	18	27	4
Total	78	138	12
2000
Rape	76	119	N/A
Assault with intent to rape	22	31	N/A
Total	98	150	N/A

N/A data not yet available.Notes:1. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, or a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year.2. Where rape or assault with intent to rape was the main offence. Figures relate to all cases originating from Lothian & Borders Police; no separate breakdown is available for cases originating from City of Edinburgh.

The Scottish Executive uses a number of mail service providers, including Consignia plc, for the collection and delivery of mail within Edinburgh. The preferred method used is based on the service requirements and the most cost-effective method for that service.The Scottish Executive continually monitors the market to ensure that the best value for money is achieved. There are no current plans to consider using an alternative provider for the services that Consignia plc currently supply.

There are no specific plans for a route development fund. The Scottish Executive works in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators on how best any available funding can be deployed for the greatest benefit of the Scottish economy and tourism. The Scottish Executive continues to encourage the development of more commercial and cost effective air services from Scotland for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy.

Funds identified during the current year for the Ryder Cup bid have been fully allocated. The approach to future years will be discussed further with the Ryder Cup Committee and other parties in the light of the decision that the event will not come to Scotland until 2014. The marketing of Scotland as a golf destination will remain an important part of the overall tourism strategy throughout this period and will be funded accordingly.

This is a matter for Chief Constables, local authority Social Work Departments and other agencies and individuals who have a responsibility for public protection.

Complete and checked statistical information on court proceedings in 2000 is not yet available. On present plans it is hoped that finalised data will be available to meet requests for analysis by December this year.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Figures for the number of prosecutions for the possession of cannabis or cannabis resin cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified within the total number of prosecutions where the main offence was possession of drugs. The available information is given in the table. Data for the year 2000 are not yet available.Persons proceeded against where the main offence was possession of drugs, Edinburgh¹, 1999

Main Penalty	Year
	1997	1998	1999
Persons proceeded against	538	448	401
Persons with a charge proved	518	422	375
Of which given:
Custody	2	16	17
Community service order2	13	10	16
Fine	475	367	304
Admonition	24	22	28
Other sentences3	4	7	10

Notes:1. Prosecutions in Edinburgh Sheriff Court or City of Edinburgh District Court.2. Includes community service as a condition of a probation order.3. Includes probation (with no condition of community service), guardianship order and caution.