Parliamentary questions

Pauline McNeill

2,367 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have been held with the Norwegian Government and European Commission to explore options for a North Sea supergrid since May 2007.

Answer · Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has explored options for a North Sea grid at 10 meetings with the European Commission and at 5 meetings with the Norwegian Government since May 2007.

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward improving direct contact with the European Commission, as stated in the 2007 SNP manifesto.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: This administration has established strong and productive relations with key European Commissioners and their services. The Scottish Government''s Action Plan on European Engagement and Annual Report (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made toward the target of ensuring that the proportion of Gaelic speakers is back to at least 2001 levels by the 2021 census.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Our consistent focus has been on the need to increase Gaelic speaker numbers in order to ensure a secure future for Gaelic in Scotland. In order to make progress with this aim we asked B²rd na G idhlig to prepare an action plan that places the emphasis clearl…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with BBC Scotland or other parties since May 2007 regarding the future availability of BBC Alba on Freeview.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government has frequently raised the availability of BBC Alba on Freeview in meetings with BBC Scotland and the BBC Trust since May 2007. In particular, the Scottish Government has formally made clear its view that BBC Alba should be available on…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to encourage BBC or private sector programme makers to market Scotland’s culture internationally.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Creative Scotland is currently establishing partnerships with broadcasters, including the BBC. Opportunities for marketing Scotland''s culture overseas will be explored within these partnerships. The Scottish Government has regularly encouraged broad…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in embedding cultural strategies in the local community planning process.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Local authorities have a duty, supported by an Act of Parliament, to ensure adequate provision of culture in their area. The Scottish Government, working closely with local government, cultural organisations and others with an interest, aspires to help commun…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken research into film tax incentives or explored the operation of such schemes in Ireland, Canada and the United States of America.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government has not undertaken research into film tax incentives. In April 2009, the then Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell MSP, visited Canada where he met with the Mayor of Toronto, Ontario''s Minister …

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been reinvested in the creative sector from Scottish Government profits from a stake in artists’ work.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government has no mechanisms in place to profit directly from artists'' work.

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what funding models for the creative sector Creative Scotland has examined.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Creative Scotland is currently developing its first corporate plan which will be published in the first quarter of 2011. As part of this process it is considering a range of funding mechanisms including grants, loans and profit and equity shares in a national…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether Creative Scotland will introduce a grant enabling artists to reclaim the cost, up to a maximum of £15,000, of tax paid on work that they have sold.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: While Scottish Ministers believe that the tax system should include tax breaks and incentives for artists, that is a matter for the UK Government. The range of types of financial support that Creative Scotland might introduce in the future for artists and cre…

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether Creative Scotland has abandoned funding for any projects and, if so, how many and which projects.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Creative Scotland will honour all existing funding commitments made by its predecessor organisations. Information about Creative Scotland''s current investments is available on its website at http://www.creativescotland.com/#/investment/investment-o…

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether Creative Scotland plans to recruit new employees with enterprise skills.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-36677 on 26 October 2010. 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/Apps2/Busines…

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional skills are required at Creative Scotland.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Creative Scotland is currently engaged in a skills audit to determine any skills gaps.

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the voluntary early redundancy scheme made available in relation to the establishment of Creative Scotland was designed to retain skilled staff in the new organisation.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The skills and expertise required in Creative Scotland were taken into full consideration in all voluntary early severance decisions.

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-36360 by Fiona Hyslop on 30 September 2010, what stakeholders, organisations or groups were consulted prior to approval by ministers of the business case.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-36674 on 26 October 2010. 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/Apps2/Busines…

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-36359 by Fiona Hyslop on 30 September 2010, on what criteria it based its decision that the move offered excellent value in current market conditions, as well as significant operational benefits.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: In line with sound estate management practice, suitability of the accommodation for operational purposes and best value were the criteria used for the decision to move Creative Scotland''s Edinburgh office from Manor Place to Waverley Gate.

4 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-36359 by Fiona Hyslop on 30 September 2010, what (a) estimated costs and (b) costs to date are associated with Creative Scotland’s move to its new Edinburgh office.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: (a) The estimated net total cost of the relocation will not exceed £70,000. (b) As at 4 October 2010 Creative Scotland had paid £24,307 associated with its move to Waverley Gate.