Parliamentary questions
Dr Winnie Ewing
133 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
27 Oct 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to retain the ferry link between Campeltown and Ballycastle.
Answer · Sarah Boyack: The Executive recognises that this service is an important route, though not a lifeline service.<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">It is regrettable that Sea Containers Ltd has decided to withdraw from the route. A package of support, which was offered to Sea Containers Ltd,…
27 Oct 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to ensure that Dounreay will not become a disposal site for all solid, low level, radioactive waste produced in Scotland.
Answer · Sarah Boyack: Policy for the management of radioactive waste is currently under review following a report by the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology. That review will not be completed until a wide-ranging public consultation exercise has been undertak…
27 Oct 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that the #40 million collected in landfill tax in Scotland will be allocated to Scotland to be used in environmental improvement projects.
Answer · Sarah Boyack: The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues.<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">It is not possible to assess accurately the amount of landfill tax paid in relation to waste which is landfilled in Scotland because the ta…
21 Oct 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many health boards in Scotland allow children under 16 to sign their own sight test forms to request an eye examination.
Answer · Susan Deacon: None.
21 Oct 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Age of Legal Capacity Act (1996) affords children under 16 the right to request a medical, dental or eye examination without parental consent.
Answer · Susan Deacon: The Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991 allows a person under the age of 16 years to consent to any surgical, medical or dental procedure or treatment where, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner attending him, he is capable of understandin…
30 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the Ministry of Defence purchase the largest possible proportion of its beef and lamb product requirements from Scottish production.
Answer · Ross Finnie: The Ministry of Defence must adhere to procurement rules in awarding contracts and is precluded from specifying the source of origin of its purchases, including beef and lamb. While requiring its contractors to seek the best price in the open market, consist…
24 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary services will be provided by the special advisers employed by the Executive and to whom will the services be provided.
Answer · Donald Dewar: Special Advisers are appointed to provide the Executive with specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service rather than parliamentary services, which are essentially a matter for the research assistants and the staff of…
18 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an official welcome to the Crofters Commission's continuing investigation into absentee crofting.
Answer · Ross Finnie: The Scottish Executive welcomes the way in which the Crofters Commission has carried out its absentee initiative and the progress achieved.
18 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an assurance that the Westminster Parliament will not legislate on devolved matters.
Answer · Donald Dewar: As I indicated in my statement on 9 June, legislation about devolved subjects in Scotland will normally be enacted by the Scottish Parliament. From time to time, however, it may be appropriate for an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament to include provisions…
16 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allay public concerns about the safety of genetically modified foods by taking steps to require such foods to be clearly labelled.
Answer · Susan Deacon: Labelling requirements for GM foods are set in European legislation. The Scottish Executive are fully committed to a comprehensive labelling regime. We fully support the UK negotiations in Europe to extend labelling requirements to cover GM additives and flav…
16 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to limit the working hours of junior hospital doctors.
Answer · Susan Deacon: As part of the New Deal for Junior Doctors, we have agreed with the British Medical Association (BMA) a target of 56 hours per week for juniors. We have given a commitment to achieve full compliance with this 56 hour target, as a first step to reducing to 48 …
15 Jun 1999 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.
Answer · John Home Robertson: The Minister for Rural Affairs and I met representatives of the salmon farming industry on 11 June. Discussion ranged over a number of issues affecting the industry but, inevitably, concentrated on the scope for assistance for those affected by ISA. We made…
10 Jun 1999 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to report on funding for salmon farmers facing the crisis caused by the threat of infectious salmon anaemia.
Answer · John Home Robertson: The Minister for Rural Affairs and I met representatives of the salmon farming industry on 11 June. Discussion ranged over a number of issues affecting the industry but, inevitably, concentrated on the scope for assistance for those affected by ISA. We made…