Chamber and committees

The Executive has commissioned two reports into the importance of the Shetland Box - one to investigate the socio-economic effects of the box and the other to analyse the biological impact of the box. We anticipate that this work will be completed by mid-May.

I have set the Registers of Scotland the following key targets for 2001-2002: For the Trading Fund to achieve a return of 3% on net capital employed over the 3-year period ending 31 March 2002.To reduce the standard production cost index by 3% by 31 March 2002 from its base at 31 March 2001.To continue the Land Register extension programme, by continuing to extend the operation of the Land Register to the County of Midlothian as an operational area; and by preparing for the transfer of the Counties of Inverness and Nairn on 1 April 2002.To maintain and enhance customer service through retention of the Charter Mark; by achieving a 97% rating for overall customer care; and by processing 95% of all other enquiries in compliance with the Registers of Scotland Customer Service Policy.To achieve recording and registration turnaround times:averaging 25, but not exceeding 35 working days for Sasine Writs;averaging 30, but not exceeding 40 working days for Dealings with Whole; andnot exceeding 100 working days for 60% of Domestic First Registrations.To develop the Registers Direct Service and sign up 250 organisations to it by 31 March 2002.To achieve a registration accuracy of at least 98% during 2001-2002.Achievement of the new turnaround targets will represent an improvement in key product areas and ensure that homebuyers receive a quicker and more efficient service in the coming year. The transfer of Midlothian to the Land Register on 1 April represented a significant move towards the completion of the extension of the operation of the Land Register across Scotland, a process that is due to be completed by 2003.

The Executive received recently the report of an evaluation of the Tariff Rebate Subsidy Scheme for bulk and livestock shipping conducted by EKOS consultants. The evaluation report is being considered in detail. Ministers will announce their conclusions on the review in due course.

A group comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Enterprise Network and the Seafish Industry Authority has been established. We intend that there should be initial consultation with the industry beginning this month. I would expect the work to be finished early next year.

We know that the electronics industry globally is undergoing massive change, and we are determined to move Scottish manufacturing up the value chain to focus more on research, design and development activities. We are therefore accelerating our move into these areas, linked to our universities and support for indigenous high technology growth companies, as a route to secure jobs in the future.

In the Highlands and Islands, the schemes for all measures except processing and marketing closed for the first round of applications on 28 February. The deadline for processing and marketing applications was extended to 20 April.The number of applications submitted under each of the Highlands and Islands schemes is:

Processing and marketing 7 (as at 12 April)Vessel modernisations 11Aquaculture 17Port facilities 3Operations by members of the trade 4Innovative measures 5For the non-Highlands and Islands area of Scotland, the closing date for applications under each of the schemes is 20 April. As at 12 April, nine applications had been received, in addition to those identified above: eight for support under processing and marketing and one under the port facilities scheme. The department has also received a bid for support (not included above) which covers activities across both the Highlands and Islands area and the rest of Scotland.Consideration and appraisal of applications received is under way and awards will be announced as soon as possible. Payment of grants to successful applicants can only be made after claims have been received and appropriate financial etc diligence has been undertaken.

A Scottish order is required to provide for the implementation of our FIFG plans.The Fisheries and Aquaculture Structures (Grants) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001 No 140) was laid before the Parliament on 5 April 2001. An entry to this effect can be found in Business Bulletin 61/2001.

This information is not available. The vast majority of claims will be paid by the end of April.

Payments are on schedule and the value of payments issued to date is £143.825 million.

(a) There were 1,112 applications made in Shetland under the 2000 HLCA Scheme; and (b) There were 1,094 applications made in Shetland under the 2001 LFASS Scheme.