Chamber and committees

We are currently reviewing the structure and scale of charges associated with the submission of planning applications. We will consult on our proposals.

Borderline is the only organisation the Scottish Government has provided funding to, to support homeless Scots in London.

Funding is broken down as follows:

2006-07: £105,000

2007-08: £105,000

2008-09: £105,000

2009-10: £107,000

2010-11: £49,000

2011-12: £25,000.

In 2011-12, the Scottish Government provided £25,000 to Borderline to support homeless Scots in London.

The Strategic Transport Projects Review recommended a programme of active route management and targeted individual investment in the A7 to maintain and safely operate the route.

The following improvements to the A7 through Hawick have been programmed by Bear Scotland, the Operating Company for the South East of Scotland, and are subject to available funding and competing priorities across the Scottish trunk road network.

Although a bypass for Selkirk was considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR), the review concluded that it would not have a significant impact on the objective for the transport corridor of “continuing reduction in accident rates across the strategic transport network.”

The main source of vitamin D is obtained through synthesis in the body via the action of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in the sunlight on the skin. In addition, some vitamin D is available from eggs, oily fish and supplements.

At present it is recommended that certain at risk groups of the adult population take a vitamin D supplement. These include, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people over 65, people who are not exposed to much sunlight, for example, those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound or who stay indoors for long periods and people who have darker skin

The Scottish Government and Health Scotland have recently in 2010 and again in 2011 issued leaflets to health professionals as well as the wider public to raise awareness about the present recommended vitamin D levels for at risk groups.

The UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is reviewing their advice on vitamin D. We understand that they will publish a draft report in 2013 for a period of consultation.

Specific information on how many meals are returned uneaten in hospitals is not held centrally. However, some individual NHS boards monitor the annual food waste for their area.

This publication sets standards for nutrient and food provision for patients within hospitals: it provides guidance on how these standards can be met, through assessment of population’s dietary needs, menu planning, guidance and practical suggestions on food choices suitable for different dietary needs, including special and therapeutic diets.

Ministers and government officials meet representatives of all NHS boards on a regular basis.

This question relates to operational matters of that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.