Parliamentary questions
Pauline McNeill
2,367 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
21 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how communal repairs will be charged under shared equity home ownership schemes
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:</p><p>Communities Scotland will shortly issue a discussion paper outlining the Executive’s proposals for introducing a range of shared equity tenure…
21 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how it differentiates between shared equity and shared ownership schemes.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:</p><p>Shared ownership enables people who cannot afford outright purchase to buy an equity stake in a property. Sharing owners must also make an occ…
21 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive when the Housing Improvement Task Force’s proposed shared equity home ownership scheme will be put in place.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The Housing Improvement Task Force made recommendations about the ways in which local authorities should be able to assist people who have difficulty in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to their homes. One option proposed was that where a perso…
15 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new formula for police funding will provide additional resources for policing in Glasgow city centre.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The new allocation methodology agreed following the review of police grant aided expenditure applies to police forces as a whole. Between 2004-05 and 2007-08, grant aided expenditure for Strathclyde Police will increase by around 15.5% (or£69 million) to £513…
15 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the review of police grant aided expenditure will have on Glasgow.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The new formula takes account of a range of pressures, including city centre policing. Between 2004-05 and 2007-08, grant aided expenditure for Strathclyde Police will increase by around 15.5%. However, the allocation of these resources between Glasgow and ot…
7 Oct 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to strengthen legislation regarding planning and houses in multiple occupation to ensure that work carried out to such properties complies with planning and building warrant regulations.
Answer · Johann Lamont: Not all houses in multiple occupation (HMO) require planning permission, nor would all changes to a building to meet HMO licensing requirements necessarily need a building warrant. </p><p>Local authorities are encouraged to establish effective co-ordination a…
23 Sep 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new statistics from the Registrar General for Scotland showing a rise in the birth rate in all but one quarter since 2002 will have any impact on the proposed closure of the Queen Mother’s Hospital.
Answer · Andy Kerr: Statistics from the Registrar General for Scotland are a factor which NHS planners must take into account in developing proposals for NHS service configuration. In the case of the Queen Mother’s Hospital, I refer the member to the announcement made by Malcol…
22 Sep 2004 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for the long-term retention of Scottish opera chorus singers after 2005.
Answer · Frank McAveety: The employment of performers by Scottish Opera is a matter for the management of the company.</p>
15 Sep 2004 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with industrial relations in the further education sector.
Answer · Jim Wallace: I believe that good industrial relations have played an important part in securing the sector’s high level of success. I have seen no evidence to suggest that industrial relations are not generally of a high standard. Where industrial relations do fall short …
8 Sep 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reviewing the licensing of lap-dancing clubs in light of the findings of the research carried out by Julie Bindel of the London Metropolitan University and commissioned by Glasgow City Council, Profitable Exploits: Lap Dancing in the UK.
Answer · Hugh Henry: We are considering the regulation of lap dancing in alcohol licensed premises in the context of the review of the liquor licensing legislation.</p>
8 Sep 2004 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it values the involvement of trade unions in economic development.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: We value the important role trade unions play in improving Scotland’s productivity and contributing to economic growth. Our determination to work with the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), and trade unions generally, is reflected in Partnership Agreement…
9 Aug 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #18 million allocated to the Bus Route Development Grant Scheme will be spent on improving the equality and frequency of bus services in Glasgow.
Answer · Nicol Stephen: Transport authorities were invited to submit proposals by 30 July 2004. The proposals received are currently being analysed and an announcement will be made soon.</p>
9 Aug 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend free pre-school child care provision to under-threes to ensure that more working parents take up this provision.
Answer · Peter Peacock: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-9933 on 6 September 2004. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webap…
9 Aug 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make free pre-school child care provision available full-time to ensure that more working parents take up this provision.
Answer · Peter Peacock: At this time, the Scottish Executive has no plans to provide free full-time pre-school education but we keep our policy on further developing pre-school provision under review.</p>
6 Aug 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Minister for Health and Community Care's commitment made in the Parliament on 12 September 2002 to review after two years the Greater Glasgow NHS Board's accident and emergency proposals prior to delivery, when the minister will make a statement on this matter.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: I am advised by NHS Greater Glasgow that the NHS Board will consider a report on the review of the assumptions that underpinned the decision on A&E services at the November 2004 Board meeting. I expect to receive a report of the Board’s conclusions and will n…
21 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still considering incorporating a third party right of appeal into planning law.
Answer · Mary Mulligan: On 1 April we launched a consultation on <i>Rights of Appeal in Planning </i>which runs until 30 July. We will not take a decision on rights of appeal until all the responses to that consultation have been carefully analysed.</p>
21 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that classics continue to be taught in schools.
Answer · Euan Robson: In Scotland the curriculum is not statutory and responsibility for decisions on curriculum delivery rests with local authorities and headteachers. The Scottish Executive Education Department offers guidance and direction on the curriculum and the outcomes of …
10 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in ensuring that Glasgow Housing Association Ltd meets its targets to achieve second stage transfer to community ownership.
Answer · Margaret Curran: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:</p><p>Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) is committed to achieving its target of transferring its housing stock through second stage transfers into …
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether family background is monitored in relation to access to degree-level courses by subject.
Answer · Jim Wallace: Information on family background and subject studied is collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency on behalf the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and other statutory customers across the UK administrations. </p><p>Th…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce student and graduate debt levels.
Answer · Jim Wallace: The introduction of the Young Student’s Bursary in 2001-02 will help ensure that young students from low income backgrounds, who are more likely to be discouraged from applying to university because of fear of debt, will have less debt than they would have ha…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to evaluate the effects of the graduate endowment.
Answer · Jim Wallace: The graduate endowment is part of the package of improved student support introduced in 2001-02 which includes bursaries for young students from low-income families. The first graduates liable to pay the endowment will complete courses this year and make thei…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce drop-out rates in further and higher education.
Answer · Jim Wallace: The Executive recognises the need to see further improvements in levels of retention in further and higher education institutions. Scotland’s retention rates for higher education compare well with other countries, with a completion rate of 83% compared to the…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce barriers to accessing further and higher education (FE and HE).
Answer · Jim Wallace: The Executive is committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn regardless of their background or current personal circumstances.</p><p>In support of our policy of widening participation in further and higher education, the Scottish Further Educa…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on its plans to commission a Scottish-based student income and expenditure survey.
Answer · Jim Wallace: The survey has been commissioned, is currently at the survey design stage and is expected to report by January 2005.</p>
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are now any plans to increase the graduate endowment threshold repayment above the rate of inflation.
Answer · Jim Wallace: There is no payment threshold for the graduate endowment.</p><p>Liable graduates must pay the endowment on 1 April following graduation but may meet their liability by adding the amount to their student loan. There is a partnership agreement commitment to sup…
9 Jun 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-8592 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 June 2004, what range of decisions the minister can take in relation to the proposals for closure of the Queen Mother's Hospital and what factors the minister is required to take into account in arriving at a decision.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: As I said in my earlier reply the reconfiguration proposals from NHS Greater Glasgow are subject to my approval. In coming to a view I will need to consider the adequacy of the public consultation and the substantive proposals – in particular the consistency …
9 Jun 2004 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve community access to buses.
Answer · Nicol Stephen: The Executive is supporting a significant number of community access and demand responsive bus projects, both in rural areas and in Scotland’s cities.</p>
26 May 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for a new multi-arts performance centre in Glasgow.
Answer · Frank McAveety: The Executive has no currentplans for a new performing arts venue in Glasgow or elsewhere. </p>
26 May 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the decision not to have neonatologists on site at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children should the Queen Mother's Hospital be closed as part of plans for the reconfiguration of maternity services in Greater Glasgow.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: As part of my wider considerationof the proposals, I will examine how the proposals address the issue of neonatologistsupport at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.</p>
26 May 2004 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what additional training will be required for staff transporting sick babies as a result of the closure of the Queen Mother's Hospital as part of plans for the reconfiguration of maternity services in Greater Glasgow.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The report of the Expert Groupon Acute Maternity Services (2002) makes it clear that professionalsat all levels of maternity care must have appropriate skills and competences forthe service they provide. They should have access to regular continuing professio…