Questions and answers

Question reference: S2W-22171

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Hugh Henry on 25 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of (a) drug and (b) alcohol addiction involving people aged (i) under 16 and (ii) 16 to 18 have been recorded in (1) total and (2) each NHS board area in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes and expressed also as a percentage of the population within that age bracket.

Question reference: S2W-22175

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Tavish Scott on 25 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic (a) fatalities and (b) injuries there were in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) police force area and (ii) parliamentary region, expressed also as a percentage of all road traffic accidents and showing year-on-year percentage changes.

Question reference: S2W-22178

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Nicol Stephen on 25 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates obtained a degree in chemistry from each of Scotland’s universities in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes.

The following tables showthe number of chemistry graduates from each of Scotland’s Higher EducationInstitutes (HEIs) in each of the last five years, as well as year-on-yearpercentage changes.

Chemistrygraduates from Scottish Higher Education Institutions, 1999-2000 to 2003-04

1999-2000

	Total	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other HE
Total	690	225	430	35
University of Abertay Dundee	5	0	5	0
The Robert Gordon University	55	20	15	15
The University of Paisley	25	5	25	0
Glasgow Caledonian University	30	5	30	0
Napier University	20	0	10	10
The University of Edinburgh	140	45	95	0
The University of Glasgow	55	5	50	0
The University of Strathclyde	160	80	80	0
The University of Aberdeen	70	35	35	0
Heriot-Watt University	55	10	35	5
The University of Dundee	20	10	10	5
The University of St Andrews	50	10	40	0
The University of Stirling	0	0	0	0

Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency (HESA).

In this table 0, one and twoare rounded to 0. Numbers have beenrounded to the nearest five to protect confidentiality.

Values may not sum to totaldue to rounding.

2000-01

	Total	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other HE	% Change in the Total from 1999-2000 to 2000-01
Total	620	150	450	15	-10%
University of Abertay Dundee	20	0	15	0	200%
The Robert Gordon University	40	15	15	10	-23%
The University of Paisley	25	0	25	0	4%
Glasgow Caledonian University	25	5	20	0	-25%
Napier University	25	0	20	5	18%
The University of Edinburgh	110	20	90	0	-22%
The University of Glasgow	70	5	60	0	19%
The University of Strathclyde	150	65	80	0	-8%
The University of Aberdeen	40	5	35	0	-45%
Heriot-Watt University	45	5	40	0	-17%
The University of Dundee	20	5	15	0	5%
The University of St Andrews	55	20	35	0	6%
The University of Stirling	0	0	0	0	N/A

Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency (HESA).

In this table 0, one and twoare rounded to 0. Numbers have beenrounded to the nearest five to protect confidentiality.

Values may not sum to totaldue to rounding.

Percentages have beencalculated on un-rounded numbers.

2001-02

	Total	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other HE	% Change in the Total from 2000-01 to 2001-02
Total	590	150	410	25	-5%
University of Abertay Dundee	10	0	5	0	-50%
The Robert Gordon University	30	10	15	5	-32%
The University of Paisley	20	0	20	0	-19%
Glasgow Caledonian University	20	0	20	0	-8%
Napier University	15	0	15	0	-35%
The University of Edinburgh	105	25	80	0	-3%
The University of Glasgow	65	0	60	0	-7%
The University of Strathclyde	150	65	80	0	1%
The University of Aberdeen	40	15	25	0	0%
Heriot-Watt University	45	5	40	0	2%
The University of Dundee	20	10	10	0	-5%
The University of St Andrews	55	20	35	0	2%
The University of Stirling	0	0	0	0	-50%
Bell College*	15	0	0	15	N/A

Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency (HESA)

In this table 0, one and twoare rounded to 0. Numbers have beenrounded to the nearest 5 to protect confidentiality.

Values may not sum to totaldue to rounding.

Percentages have beencalculated on unrounded numbers.

*Bell Collegebecame a higher education institution (HEI) in 2001-02.

2002-03

	Total	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other HE	% Change in the Total from 2001-02 to 2002-03
Total	560	150	380	35	-5%
University of Abertay Dundee	5	0	5	0	-33%
The Robert Gordon University	35	10	15	10	32%
The University of Paisley	25	0	25	0	9%
Glasgow Caledonian University	25	5	20	0	18%
Napier University	5	0	5	0	-59%
The University of Edinburgh	85	20	60	5	-20%
The University of Glasgow	75	0	75	0	17%
The University of Strathclyde	145	70	80	0	-2%
The University of Aberdeen	20	10	10	0	-46%
Heriot-Watt University	45	10	35	0	2%
The University of Dundee	5	0	5	0	-67%
The University of St Andrews	60	20	40	0	11%
The University of Stirling	0	0	0	0	0%
Bell College*	20	0	10	10	57%

Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency (HESA).

In this table 0, one and twoare rounded to 0. Numbers have beenrounded to the nearest 5 to protect confidentiality.

Values may not sum to totaldue to rounding.

Percentages have beencalculated on unrounded numbers.

*Bell College becamea higher education institution (HEI) in 2001-02.

2003-04

	Total	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other HE	% Change in the Total from 2002-03 to 2003-04
Total	525	200	305	20	-7%
University of Abertay Dundee	5	0	0	0	-50%
The Robert Gordon University	40	35	0	5	11%
The University of Paisley	25	5	20	0	-4%
Glasgow Caledonian University	15	0	10	0	-50%
Napier University	0	0	0	0	-100%
The University of Edinburgh	75	20	55	5	-8%
The University of Glasgow	60	10	55	0	-16%
The University of Strathclyde	155	85	70	0	5%
The University of Aberdeen	40	15	25	0	86%
Heriot-Watt University	65	10	55	0	37%
The University of Dundee	5	0	0	0	-43%
The University of St Andrews	35	20	15	0	-43%
The University of Stirling	0	0	0	0	N/A
Bell College*	10	0	0	10	-64%

Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency (HESA).

In this table 0, one and twoare rounded to 0. Numbers have beenrounded to the nearest 5 to protect confidentiality.

Values may not sum to totaldue to rounding.

Percentages have beencalculated on unrounded numbers.

*Bell Collegebecame a higher education institution (HEI) in 2001-02.

The tables include graduateswho have studied chemistry as a single subject, a major subject or in abalanced combination with one other subject.

Question reference: S2W-22008

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 04 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Cathy Jamieson on 25 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many police stations were closed in each police force area in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005, and (d) 2003 to 2005, also stating what percentage of the total number of police stations in each force area the figures represented.

The information requested isnot held in the format requested or for all of the time periods stipulated. I referthe member to the answers to questions, S2W-9973 and S2W-10733 on 9 and 29 September2004 respectively. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

Question reference: S2W-22290

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 13 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Tavish Scott on 25 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sections of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be constructed as single carriageway and, if so, which sections will be single carriageway; approximately what distance such sections will cover, and whether any of these sections will be reconsidered before construction to ensure that the effectiveness of the route is not undermined.

At present we believe that nosections of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be single carriageway, but thata wide single carriageway with overtaking sections would be sufficient for the trafficpredicted to use the 13km Stonehaven to Milltimber spur. The final solution willdepend on the detailed traffic modelling and design work currently being undertaken.We will also be discussing this with our project partners.

Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more informationif required.

Question reference: S2W-22108

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Tavish Scott on 24 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many road deaths have been caused by drug driving in each of the last five years, including 2006, broken down by police force area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.

The information requested is not available.

Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the Stats 19 statistical report form. Prior to 2005, these returns did not record any information about the causes of the accidents. However, limited information for 2005 and later years will become available in due course, as a new set of questions about the factors which may have contributed to the occurrence of accidents has been added to the Stats 19 returns.

Question reference: S2W-22217

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Johann Lamont on 24 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the resilience of homes and the built environment in respect of the impacts of climate change.

I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks include reference to The Design Guidance on Flood Damage to Dwellings and Preparing for Floods. Both documents describe the likely effects of flooding on materials and elements of the building and assess various forms of construction and measures to reduce the risk of flood damage in dwellings.

The resilience of buildings at risk of flooding is addressed in Scottish Planning Policy 7 – Planning and Flooding, which says that water resistant materials and forms of construction should be used as appropriate and conditions may be attached to planning permissions.

Planning Advice Note 69: Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding, published by the Scottish Executive in 2004, includes advice on flood resistant and resilient materials, and construction techniques. It has been referenced in replacement pages for the technical handbooks, due to be issued in February 2006. Additionally, the SBSA has also contributed to research presently being carried out by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) on Improving the Flood Resistance of Buildings Through Improved Materials, Methods and Details.

New guidance will be issued by the SBSA on 1 February on greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting to reduce dependence on mains water. Guidance on sustainable urban drainage systems has been included in building regulations for several years. The agency also is soon to go to consultation on proposals to revise the guidance to the building regulations to take account of increased incidence of driving rain and wind loading and changed snow loadings.

Together with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the other devolved administrations, the Scottish Executive is consulting on a National Adaptation Policy Framework that will develop a strategic approach to climate change adaptation and assist in identifying key risks and opportunities from the impacts of climate change.

Question reference: S2W-22162

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Peter Peacock on 23 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-14332 by Peter Peacock on 2 March 2005, how many schools the Minister and Deputy Minister for Education and Young People have visited in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire since 25 August 2004, detailing each school visited and the date of, and reasons for, each visit.

The Minister and Deputy Minister for Education and Young People have made the following visits to schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire since 25 August 2004.

Date	Minister	Authority	School	Reason
25-02-005	Minister	Aberdeen City	Torry Academy	Meet staff and pupils. Discuss Ambitious Excellent Schools.
18-08-005	Minister	Aberdeenshire	Kellands School, Inverurie	Presentation of the John Muir award
20-01-006	Deputy	Aberdeen City	St Machar Primary	General Visit

Question reference: S2W-22177

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Andy Kerr on 23 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in (a) each NHS board area and (b) total were classified as clinically obese in each of the last five years, expressed also as a percentage of the population and showing year-on-year percentage changes.

The exact number of people diagnosed with clinical obesity in Scotland in each of the last five years, is not available centrally. However, there are two sources from which estimates can be derived regarding the prevalence of obesity:

1. National estimates of the numbers of people consulting for obesity can be given based on the number of patients seen for the condition in general practices participating in PTI (Practice Team Information). PTI data are obtained from a sample of Scottish general practices whose population covers the full range of age, sex, deprivation and urban/rural classes existing in Scotland. The number of participating practices is too small to allow estimates for individual NHS board areas.

2. National prevalence estimates can be obtained from the 2003 Scottish Health Survey. The Scottish Health Survey website (http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scottishhealthsurvey/) shows the percentage of respondents regarded as obese (body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²) > 30) in each NHS board area, but does not give information on the underlying numbers. Information is also available from earlier surveys in 1998 and 1995.

The estimated number of patients who consulted their general practices in Scotland for “obesity” based on PTI data over the financial years ending 31 March 2001 to 2005 is shown in the following table 1. Obesity in these consultations was not precisely defined in terms of height, weight or BMI. These figures are likely to considerably underestimate the true number of obese people in Scotland because many people with obesity do not consult their GP practice. In addition, these figures exclude people with obesity who did not consult their practice during the year of the analysis. Also, patients may visit the general practice for a condition e.g. diabetes, hypertension, related to their obesity without obesity itself being recorded. The numbers shown in table 1 are less than a tenth of the Scottish Health Survey estimates.

Table 1. Estimated Number of Patients Contacting their GP or any Member of the Practice Team¹ Regarding Obesity; Financial Years Ending 31 March 2001 to 2005

Financial Year	Number of Patients Seen
GP Only	Full Practice Team
2000-01	25,600
2001-02	41,300
2002-03	40,400
2003-04	35,300	45,000
2004-05	28,800	36,700

Note: 1. The Practice Team includes GPs, practice nurses, district nurses and health visitors. Before April 2003 data is available on GP visits only.

Table 2 shows the percentage of respondents from the 2003 Scottish Health Survey who were obese (BMI > 30) in each NHS board area. Information on the underlying numbers is not provided on the Scottish Health Survey website.

Table 2. Percentage Obese (Defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) >30), by NHS Board and Sex, Ages 16+^1,2

	Men³	Women³
Argyll and Clyde	23.2	27.9
Ayrshire and Arran	25.3	26.6
Borders	23.4	23.6
Dumfries and Galloway	27.5	30.0
Fife	20.4	27.1
Forth Valley	17.2	32.0
Grampian	20.1	25.6
Greater Glasgow	21.5	23.9
Highland	23.3	27.8
Lanarkshire	25.5	25.9
Lothian	25.5	22.3
Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles	[29.4]	[26.8]
Tayside	16.2	28.0
Scotland	22.4	26.0

Notes:

1. Extract from Scottish Health Survey 2003, Health Board Tables, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/76169/0019728.xls.

2. Those with valid BMI measurement.

3. Figures in square brackets are based on small samples.

Additionally, Table 5.7 of the 2003 Scottish Health Survey (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/76169/0019729.pdf) shows trends in obesity over the 1995, 1998 and 2003 surveys for respondents aged 16 to 64. Between the 1998 and 2003 survey the proportion of obese men aged 16 to 64 years increased from 18.8% to 22.0%, and for women increased from 20.9% to 23.8%.

Question reference: S2W-22172

Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Current Status: Answered by Andy Kerr on 23 January 2006

To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) females and (b) males aged (i) under 16, (ii) 16 to 18 and (iii) 19 to 21 were identified as having a sexually transmitted infection in (1) total and (2) each NHS board area in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes.

The full range of information requested is not held centrally. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are treated in a number of locations, including genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, family planning clinics and primary care settings. Data from these locations are incomplete.

The information which is available from GUM clinic attendances is given in Table 1 – Patients aged 21 and under diagnosed with an STI in Scottish GUM clinics by NHS Board of residence, gender, year and age group; 2000-2004, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 38635).

In addition, laboratory data on the four main STIs is routinely collected by Health Protection Scotland. The number of positive laboratory reports are very similar to diagnoses recorded at GUM clinics although chlamydia, which is the most frequent single diagnosis in this age group, is more likely to be diagnosed in other settings. The data in Table 2 - Laboratory reports of Chlamydia among persons aged 21 years and under by NHS Board of diagnosis, gender, year and age group; Scotland 2000-2004, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 38636) contains the available data from laboratory reports, broken down by NHS board area.

Chamber and committees