Parliamentary questions

Tricia Marwick

552 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

25 Nov 2002 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost has been of any hospitality paid for by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year since the scheme started.

Answer · David Steel: £735 was expended in 2001-02 and £629 in 2002-03.

25 Nov 2002 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has been of (a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) other expenses in respect of MSPs taking part in Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange programmes in each year since the scheme started.

Answer · David Steel: There has not yet been a cost to the SPCB. <P>The SPCB agreed in May 2002 to set aside a central budget for MSPs' travel and overnight expenses for placements in the UK and visits to Brussels and Strasbourg. The Exchange is to draw down, in January 2003, the …

25 Nov 2002 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer how much grant money the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SCPB) has given to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year since the scheme started.

Answer · David Steel: The SPCB has not given any monies to the Exchange since the scheme started.

25 Nov 2002 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer how many private companies receive grant assistance from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.

Answer · David Steel: The Scottish Parliament does not give grants to private companies.

25 Nov 2002 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer under what criteria a private company is allowed to use the term "Scottish Parliament" in its title.

Answer · David Steel: Although there is a process for company names to be registered, it is not for me to answer for the Registrar of Companies.

23 Oct 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what local authorities will be charged for the use of Green Goddesses and military service personnel during the forthcoming fire service strike days.

Answer · Richard Simpson: Costs have already been occurred by police and the military in the preparation of plans against the possibility of fire service industrial action but until the police forces and the MoD submit detailed costs it is not possible to quantify the amounts involved…

14 Jun 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Accounts Commission's report, Fife Council: The Third Age Group Findings, what steps are being taken to hold a national review of the involvement of local authorities with arm's length bodies; what the scope of any such review will be, and when it will report.

Answer · Peter Peacock: The Accounts Commission announced in April that Audit Scotland will conduct a national review of councils' involvement with arms-length organisations. As an independent body it will be for them to decide the details of the review.

24 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the current procedures to require appointees to public bodies to declare any party political membership.

Answer · Andy Kerr: No, the Executive has no plans to do so since the current arrangements are satisfactory and comply with the <I>Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice</I>.<P>A standard question on political activity, as set out in the<I> Commissioner for Publi…

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used when it is required by statute to consult local authorities.

Answer · Andy Kerr: Where we have a statutory duty to consult, including with local government, appropriate procedures are followed in each case.

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, what matters of "collective importance" have been communicated directly to those local authorities that are not members of COSLA since 1 January 2001.

Answer · Andy Kerr: The Scottish Executive communicates with councils on a regular basis, both directly and through COSLA, but the detail of this information is not held centrally and could only be collated at disproportionate cost.

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, whether it plans to alter its consultation procedures for those local authorities that are not members of COSLA and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.

Answer · Andy Kerr: Ministers are content with the current arrangements whereby consultation on matters of collective local authority interest is carried out through COSLA and with individual councils on matters of local significance, as it has done in the past.

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus Mackay on 11 April 2001, how it defines matters of "collective importance" and "local significance" and what the reasons are for its position on this issue.

Answer · Andy Kerr: The Scottish Executive consults COSLA and local authorities on a wide range of issues. Proposals which affect the broad structure, role functions and financing of local authorities generally are more likely to be dealt with, initially, through COSLA whereas a…

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities when new funding is made available.

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26002.

17 May 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities of new burdens and responsibilities.

Answer · Andy Kerr: All local authorities are advised of new policy initiatives and funding allocations through circulars and guidance. Ministers consult COSLA before making any local government finance order.