Adam Ingram

8 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria is applied in the consideration of a school closure and what bearing does a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education have.

Answer · Nicol Stephen: In consulting with parents and school boards on school closure proposals, and subsequently reaching decisions, education authorities would be expected to take account of educational, financial and community issues and other relevant considerations. Whether or…

8 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the current guidance to local authorities on Public/Private Partnerships and Private Finance Initiatives and what plans it has to revise this guidance.

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4565 on 31 January 2002.

8 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Director of Education at South Ayrshire Council regarding any proposed Public/Private Partnership initiative for schools in the area.

Answer · Nicol Stephen: None.

5 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive why ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire was transported to Garlaff in East Ayrshire for disposal, given, as reported in the Sunday Mail on 3 February 2002, the provision of pits for this purpose at Lochmaben.

Answer · Ross Finnie: The pits at Birkshaw Forest were not constructed for the disposal of ash, only the disposal of animal carcasses. The ash, from animals which were not infected, was classified by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as controlled waste and, as such, must…

5 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many pits were dug at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire in order to dispose of ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses; how much it cost to dig and maintain each such pit, and how many such pits were used for this purpose.

Answer · Ross Finnie: No pits were constructed for the disposal of ash. All pits excavated at Birkshaw Forest, near Lochmaben, were for the disposal of carcasses arising from the slaughter of animals on premises not infected with Foot and Mouth Disease.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to support the wider community in Larkhall in light of the forthcoming closure of DAKS Simpson.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: This is an issue for South Lanarkshire Council in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire. However, the Executive is providing funding of £16 million to deliver the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link, which includes a new station in Larkhall.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million aid package announced by Her Majesty's Government on 6 June 2000 has been spent in Scotland and on what it has been spent.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: The amount announced by Stephen Byers and Margaret Hodge on 6 June 2000 was £15 million. This announcement also covered the initial 12-point action plan for the UK textiles and clothing industry. The action plan was issued in response to recommendations made …

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback has been received from the pilot project in Ayrshire aimed at improving the image of textiles and what progress has been made on the development of this project.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: A pilot of the <I>Make it in Scotland</I> project to raise the image of manufacturing amongst S2 pupils was carried out in East Ayrshire last year. The experience gained last year has allowed the project to be extended this year to the whole of Ayrshire, Glas…

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the work of the Manufacturing Image Group.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: The Manufacturing Image Group identified that one way to ensure that manufacturing has a bright future in our economy is to encourage our young people to become involved. In view of this they recommended that a campaign targeted at S2 pupils was the way to sh…

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which textile companies have (a) applied for and (b) been granted Regional Selective Assistance.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: It is not the department's practice to provide details of all grant applications received. However, details of all Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) offers involving grant of over £75,000 are published in the Office of National Statistics' quarterly Labour …

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in helping workers from DAKS Simpson find other employment.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: There is no separate monitoring or ring-fencing of expenditure by the various supporting agencies on a company basis.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Partnership Action for Continuing Employment has made in re-training workers from DAKS Simpson or placing them in alternative employment.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: The 90-day consultation period has not yet expired, but much progress has already been made. The local PACE team have already put in place a number of initiatives, including:<P>Open days at the factory staffed by representatives of the Employment Service, Ben…

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing a generic labelling initiative for Scottish textiles.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: This was discussed with the industry, but was seen as less important than other priorities, such as the industry's image, attracting young people into the industry and training issues.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the textile champions announced on 12 June 2000 are still being utilised and, if they are, what functions or events in (a) Scotland and (b) abroad have been attended by them since their inception.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: To date, two champions helped us at the launch of the Scottish Textiles Forum last year, and two have attended textile promotion functions at Dover House. Several of them have achieved positive press coverage about textiles.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to attract more young people into the textile industry.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: <I>Behind the Label</I> is a programme to allow young people to get a better understanding of the textile sector. This has been operating successfully in the Borders for the last two years. Textile companies are also part of this year's <I>Make it in Scotland…

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Scottish Textile Forum since its inception.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: Much progress has been made since the Scottish Textile Forum set up a three-year Action Plan in January 2001. So far the forum has developed several initiatives to tackle key issues including: recruitment into the sector, training in the workplace, branding/m…

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what sub-groups have been set up by the Scottish Textile Forum; how many times any such sub-groups have met and what specific items were discussed at any such meetings.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: Each of the four sub-groups (weaving, apparel, knitting & technical textiles) have met three times and discussed various issues, including training, recruitment, the industry image, branding and the setting up of initiatives to tackle these issues.

4 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many times, and on what dates, the Scottish Textile Forum has met since January 2001; what specific items were discussed at each meeting and when it next intends to meet.

Answer · Wendy Alexander: The full forum last met in January 2001. Since then the subcommittees have met at least three times each. The next meeting of the full forum is planned for 4 March 2002 at Cardonald College, Glasgow.

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21692 by Dr Richard Simpson on 24 January 2002, whether the current establishment of civil search and rescue capability at HMS Gannet will be retained and remain unaffected by the Ministry of Defence's plans.

Answer · Richard Simpson: I understand that the search and rescue capabilities at Prestwick will remain unchanged when HMS Gannet otherwise closes at the end of March. However, the precise details are a matter for the Ministry of Defence.

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of transportation and disposal of pyre ash from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders.

Answer · Ross Finnie: The ash disposal was the subject of a contract between DEFRA and Barr Limited and the cost is a commercially confidential matter.

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much foot-and-mouth disease-related pyre ash material was transported from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders for landfill at Garlaff in East Ayrshire.

Answer · Ross Finnie: In total some 4,828 tonnes of waste material, including pyre ash, soil and bottoming, was transported and buried at Garlaff landfill site. Three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one tonnes were transported from the two continuous burning sites in Dumfries a…

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it plans to make from now until May 2003 to, or in support of, Burns related cultural events and tourist promotions.

Answer · Elaine Murray: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22664.

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it has made since May 1999 to, or in support of, Burns-related cultural events and tourist promotions.

Answer · Elaine Murray: The Executive has allocated £100,000 to support the Burns Festival being developed by Ayrshire and Arran Tourist board. £45,000 has also been given to North Ayrshire Council to support the development of a children's opera on Burns, in conjunction with Scotti…

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the proposed redevelopment project for the Burns Cottage Museum.

Answer · Elaine Murray: The Executive recognises the important role that the Burns Cottage Museum plays in its local area. I recognise the significant investment by South Ayrshire Council in the park and I welcome their continued interest in its future along with the other partners …

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the collection of Robert Burns' mementoes and artefacts displayed and stored at the Burns Cottage Museum will be conserved, displayed and archived to the highest standards.

Answer · Elaine Murray: The Scottish Executive is responsible for National Museums and Galleries whereas the responsibility for non-national museums, including the Burns Cottage Museum and its collections, is the responsibility of local agencies. The Burns National Heritage Park was…

1 Feb 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Burns Cottage Museum has participated in the national audit of museums by the Scottish Museums Council.

Answer · Elaine Murray: Yes. I understand that the Scottish Museums Council, who are responsible for undertaking the National Audit, have received a completed questionnaire from the Burns National Heritage Park.

29 Jan 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding the requirement for a DVLA medical adviser to be present at an appeal against the refusal or withdrawal of a driving licence for a person with an advancing psychiatric condition and in particular…

Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including driver licensing.

25 Jan 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently offered to young people diagnosed with a mental illness, broken down by NHS board area.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: That is a matter for each NHS board to decide in consultation with their local authority and other care partners. A review of all child and adolescent mental health services is under way by the Public Health Institute for Scotland and is due to report later t…

25 Jan 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding has been provided to young people diagnosed with a mental health illness, broken down by NHS board area, in each year since 1999.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: Health care for young people with a mental health illness is funded from the general allocations that the Scottish Executive provides to NHS boards. The boards are responsible for determining how these resources are used to meet the different healthcare needs…

25 Jan 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the current services available for young people who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The Executive has already commissioned the Public Health Institute for Scotland to conduct a national review of child and adolescent mental health services. Their report is due later this year. In addition separate studies of adolescent psychiatry out-patient…