Chamber and committees

The proposed method of funding being considered for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is set out in the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2008 which is available from:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/28122237/0.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-10528 on 13 March 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-10528 on 13 March 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-10528 on 13 March 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-10528 on 13 March 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-10528 on 13 March 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The Scottish Government will issue its consultation paper on the energy performance of buildings as soon as possible.

The Scottish Government is in liaison with a range of stakeholders in the development of policy on the energy performance of buildings. Examples of this include the consultation on the Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland and, more recently, the process of stakeholder engagement linked to the production of the Sullivan Report.

We signalled our intention to consult on the role for standards for existing  non-domestic buildings and housing stock in the consultation on proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill launched on 29 January. Prior to its launch the Scottish Government had discussions with several important stakeholders.

Scottish ministers have yet to approve the specific content of the planned consultation on the energy performance of buildings. However, its is intended that most of its contents will be developed from these prior consultations. The consultation paper currently under development will provide an opportunity for further input from a wide range of stakeholders once it is issued. We will seek to ensure that the wide range of bodies with an interest have an equal opportunity to contribute and make their views known. Stakeholders will be free to indicate their views on any matter relevant to the subject matter of the consultation.

The Scottish Government provides guidance on its consultation process which, in regard to the pre-consultation stage, makes clear that notification of all consultations should be published on its website at least six weeks prior to the launch date to alert the public in good time. In accordance with this guidance, the intention to consult on measures to improve the energy performance of existing buildings was registered on 30 January. The guidance indicates that, depending on the nature of the exercise, officials might find it useful to seek advice from external organisations early in the process, although there is no requirement to do so. Given the extensive pre-existing consultation in this subject area, for example, linked to the Sullivan Report, and the link to the proposed Climate Change Bill, which was also subject to a process of  pre-consultation engagement, it was not considered appropriate or timely for an additional pre-consultation exercise.

The Scottish Government provides a range of training for its officials depending on their previous knowledge and experience and reflecting the specific requirements of their role.

The Scottish Government works closely with Eco Schools Scotland to help provide opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they require to learn about the environment. We provide financial support for the core and school assessment activities of the Eco Schools Scotland programme and support the post of a Secondary Schools Development Officer to encourage greater secondary school participation in the programme.

The announcement of intake targets for 2008-09, for controlled subjects including dentistry is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council which expects to make an announcement in the coming weeks.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-8795 on 01 February 2008. The farm and forest visits and talks measure was dropped from the programme because the Commission judged that it was outside the scope of Rural Development Regulation 1698/2005. This was mainly because the payments to be made through the measure were for operating costs which could not be supported through the regulation. We will continue to pursue this matter with the Commission to see if we can find a way to reinstate the measure in its existing or a modified form.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.