Parliamentary questions

Patricia Ferguson

1,079 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-6015 by Stewart Maxwell on 14 November 2007, what options are being considered in relation to the disbursement of lottery funding for sport if it abolishes sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Governmentis committed to ensuring that lottery funding for sport remains accessible. It isthe intention that a decision on the future of sportscotland will be announced beforethe end of the year.

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow’s successful bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid will influence its decision on the future of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The needs of sportare central to the Scottish Government’s decisions on the future of sportscotland.

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what factors it will consider in its review of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Governmentwill consider whether sportscotland’s current functions continue to be necessaryand, if so, which organisational arrangements are most effective in delivering them.The needs of sport will be central to the review process.

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it is using to assess the future of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Governmenthas set terms of reference for the review of sportscotland as follows: “to examinewhether sportscotland’s current functions continue to be necessary and, if so, whichorganisational arrangements are most effective in delivering them.”

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations it has met specifically to discuss its review of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Scottish Governmentministers or officials have met with the following organisations to discuss thereview of sportscotland:SportscotlandScottish Instituteof SportCOSLAVOCALScottish Sports AssociationScottish Instituteo…

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed explanation as to the criteria used to select those individuals and organisations with whom it has engaged in its review of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: All of the principalorganisations that represent sports interests in Scotland have been formally consulted. The governing bodies of several major sportswere also consulted on an individual basis. Officials have met with a range of organisationsand individuals…

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage individuals and organisations to engage with its review of sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: I am very consciousthat the final decision on the future of sportscotland will have an enormous impacton the lives and future of the staff at sportscotland. It is therefore crucial thatthe consultation process is completed quickly and efficiently with a view …

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive why it chose not to conduct a formal consultation exercise on its proposals for sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The review of sportscotlandhas been undertaken as part of our approach to simplify Scotland’s public service landscape. By getting rid of duplication,simplifying structures and stopping activities that do not contribute to thegovernment’s objectives, we will …

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive with which individuals it has engaged about its proposals for sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Governmenthas held a series of meetings with the chair and senior staff of sportscotland,the executive director of the Scottish Institute of Sport, staff from the WelshAssembly Government, representatives of the Scottish Sports Association, repre…

15 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive with which organisations it has engaged about its proposals for sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The following bodieshave been formally invited to submit their views:SportscotlandScottish Instituteof SportScottish CyclingScottish GymnasticsScottish SwimmingBadminton ScotlandJudo ScotlandCOSLA…

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the Parliament is kept informed of progress towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Scottish ministerswill report to Parliament on the progress of preparations for the games on a regularbasis.

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what additional facilities it will provide to support sport in the years leading up to 2014.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Plans are alreadyin place for the development of additional sport facilities. However, it is vitalwe take a strategic view of the sport facility requirement across Scotland to ensure we have the right facilities in the right location.This means that we in gov…

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what additional investment it will make in sport in the years leading up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: As the Cabinet Secretaryfor Finance and Sustainable Growth announced in the 2007 Strategic Spending Reviewon 14 November, the baseline funding for sport will increase by 25% over the period2008-11.

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how sportscotland will be involved in securing the legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Sportscotland is akey stakeholder and will be involved with the development of 2014 legacy plans throughthe 100 days planning period announced following Glasgow and Scotland being awardedthe games.As sportscotland iscurrently under review any possible …

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what legacy will accrue to Scotland from hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The legacy of theGlasgow 2014 games will be seen in many areas.Around 15,000 volunteerswill be needed to help run the games. All of the volunteers will have the opportunityto be able to develop new skills and gain new experiences and confidence.…

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what legacy the 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave for Glasgow.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The games offer thepotential to promote the city as a tourist destination, help develop a sense ofpride in the community, encourage social involvement and improve skills for thelocal population. In addition they will transform one of the most deprived areasof…

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what support sportscotland will provide to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: It is a matter forsportscotland to determine what support it will provide to the 2014 CommonwealthGames.The support providedby sportscotland will be in the areas of performance development, which includesdirect investment to Scottish Governing Bodies o…

9 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what structure will be put in place to facilitate the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Organising Company,under the ownership of Scottish ministers, Glasgow City Council and the CommonwealthGames Council for Scotland will be charged with bringing the vision forthe 2014 Commonwealth Games to life.The Glasgow 2014 StrategicGroup, chair…

8 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the policies that it has put in place to support the Gaelic language since May 2007.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: In earlier answers,I made clear that we will build on the progress that has been made in this areaand follow through on the wide range of manifesto commitments which we made. Themost immediate need is to maintain support for current policies in relation to Ga…

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action would be required in connection with the Royal Charter establishing sportscotland if the Scottish Government seeks to abolish the organisation.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: No final decisionhas yet been taken on the future of sportscotland. It is our aim to complete thereview of sportscotland by the end of the year.However, the RoyalCharter can be revoked by an Act of The Scottish Parliament or by the Sovereign.In practic…

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how liaison with UK Sport will be taken forward if sportscotland is abolished.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Until the outcomeof the review is known I am unable to comment on who would be responsible forspecific areas of sportscotland’s work.

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Institute of Sport will be affected by a decision to abolish sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: We are committedto improving sport in Scotland and we fully acknowledge the key deliveryrole the Scottish Institute of Sport plays within the sporting landscape. Untilthe outcome of the review has been made we cannot comment on what impact anydecision will ha…

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how lottery funding for sport will be disbursed if it abolishes sportscotland.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Options arecurrently being considered and will be announced at the outcome of the review.

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made its consultation document on the future of sportscotland available to MSPs.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The consultationprocess is being carried out through a combination of written correspondenceand discussions with key stakeholders. Whilst there is no consultation documentas such, the Scottish Government will take account of feedback from the writtenresponses…

2 Nov 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made copies of its consultation document on the future of sportscotland available in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre.

26 Oct 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-727 by Linda Fabiani on 20 June 2007, when it will announce the outcome of the review of legislation covering heritage protection.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: We hope to make anannouncement about the review of heritage legislation in the next few months.

26 Oct 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a report on the outcome of the Scotland-Malawi Joint Commission meeting in July 2007.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: The Scottish Governmentis currently looking to provide an update on the outcome of the July Joint Commissionon our website but we wish to agree this with the Government of Malawi first.

26 Oct 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-1605 by Linda Fabiani on 2 July 2007, when an announcement will be made about the detailed arrangements for the implementation of the artists’ grant scheme.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: The scheme is stillunder development and we are therefore not yet in a position to announce any plansfor detailed implementation. We have, however, been discussing possible optionswith key cultural bodies, and good progress has been made. I am keen that we pu…

26 Oct 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-1978 by Linda Fabiani on 24 July 2007, what progress has been made in delivering wider access to cultural opportunities.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: Our national culturalagencies continue to make important contributions to widening access to culture– for example, the record attendances at recent summer exhibitions in the NationalGalleries of Scotland. Furthermore, as indicated in the reply tothe answer to…

26 Oct 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-1447 by Linda Fabiani on 25 July 2007, what work has been carried out to explore the issues surrounding links between cultural delivery and the work of community planning partnerships.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: Our 13 pilot projectswhich are championing new models to inform future cultural policy development anddelivery are also exploring the vital links between cultural delivery and communityplanning. Evidence from these is starting to emerge. For example, in the c…