Parliamentary questions

Pauline McNeill

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

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up a working group on the regulation of houses in multiple occupation.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish governmentis mindful of the complex nature of the issues surrounding provision and regulationof houses of multiple occupation and we are considering new guidance to help addressthis. There will be close engagement with stakeholders in developing …

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will monitor the number of families living in overcrowded accommodation awaiting suitable tenancies.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Executive collects information on numbers of applicants on housinglists, but this does not include details of individual household circumstances ascollecting such a level of detail would place an excessive burden on social landlords.As part of it…

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it will give to housing policy.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Governmentplaces a very high priority on housing policy. We set out our immediate plans duringthe Executive Debate on Housing on 21 June, which include pursuing a new Housing Supply Task Force andimplementing the manifesto proposal for a new Scot…

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will monitor the operation of pressurised area status exercised by local authorities.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: Whilst pressured areadesignations which suspend the right to buy for some tenants are granted by the Scottish ministers, they are implemented by local authorities. The Scottish Governmentmaintains an overview of all designations in place but it is for local a…

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the level of affordable rented accommodation.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: Decisions on affordable housing investment beyond2008 will depend on the outcome of the spending review process later this year.

19 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring the tenants’ right to buy housing policy.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: Yes, the tenants’right to buy housing policy is monitored by the Scottish Government.

18 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports any form of regulation of the bus industry.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: As part of the implementationof Moving Into the Future – An Action Plan for Buses in Scotland, we arecurrently working with stakeholders to ensure the effective operation of the currentbus regulatory regime in Scotland.Under the Transport(Scotla…

13 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the recent court decision in Perth Sheriff Court concerning the Kinfauns Castle estate.

Answer · Kenny MacAskill: The Governmentdoes not comment on decisions made by individual sheriffs. Ministers respectthe independence of the judiciary.

13 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it intends to issue to Scottish sheriffs regarding the interpretation of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Government doesnot intend to issue guidance to sheriffs on this matter. Ministers respect the roleof the courts in interpreting and applying legislation, but would draw the membersattention to the answer to question S3W-909 on 22 June 2007. All answers to…

13 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure the correct application of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Government iscommitted to delivering the right of responsible access to most land and inlandwater throughout Scotland, embodied in Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Together with Scottish Natural Heritage wewill continue to monitor the practi…

7 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any changes to the bus regulatory framework in the next four years.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Along with other busstakeholders, we are currently examining the implementation of the regulatory frameworkand are reviewing the legislation on Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts.We will consider what changes may be required in due course.

7 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is concerned about a lack of bus routes providing services to hospitals.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-706 on 19 June 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.sear…

7 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the current arrangements for the provision of bus services.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-777 on 19 June 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.sear…

7 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate any discussions with the bus industry on the provision of services throughout Scotland.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer themember to the answer to question S3W-777 on 19 June 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.sear…

7 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any measures to improve bus services.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: We are committed toimproving the public transport experience for passengers thereby providing maximumbenefit and easing the commute. There are many excellent examples of bus servicesacross Scotland. However, we recognise that there is alsoscope for improvemen…

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many free school meals pilot schemes there will be.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-568 on 18 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.sea…

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the duration of the free school meals pilot schemes will be.

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether free school meals pilot schemes will be available in Glasgow.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: We are currently consideringvarious options to trial the extension of free school meals and we will set outdetails of our plans in due course.

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it will give to reducing child poverty.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-565 on 18 June 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.sear…

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce child poverty.

6 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish targets on the reduction of child poverty.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Governmentis absolutely committed to improving the life chances of all Scots and tacklingthe poverty and disadvantage which far too many Scots suffer.We are committed tosharing the UK Government’s long-term target to eradicate child povert…