Questions · Alex Fergusson

1 Mar 2000 · SPCB Written Question

To ask the Presiding Officer whether the estimate that will be given to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body for the cost of the Holyrood Project will be inclusive of VAT.

Answer · David Steel: Yes.

9 Feb 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-965 by Sarah Boyack on 27 January 2000, what the outcome was of the consultation between officials on the subject of signposting of Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, at the junction of the M74 and A75 at Gretna.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: It is clearly not possible to sign every tourist attraction which may be put forward for signposting at the junction of the A74(M) and A75 at Gretna. However, the Solway Coast Heritage Trail is signed at Gretna to direct traffic to tourist attractions along t…

27 Jan 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much money is involved in the double payment of subsidy to some 120 farming participants in agri-environmental schemes, which schemes are involved, and whether these participants will have future payments withheld if repayment is not sought.

Answer · Ross Finnie: Agri-environment stock disposal payments of up to £485,000 may have been made to farming and crofting participants in the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme, Countryside Premium Scheme and Heather Moorland Scheme who were continuing to claim Sheep Annual P…

19 Jan 2000 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Deputy Minister with responsibility for Tourism has consulted with the Minister for Transport and the Environment on the subject of signposting for Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, at the junction of the M74 and A75 at Gretna.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: The Deputy Minister's officials have consulted my officials.

17 Jan 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reverse the trend of reduction in recycling rates by local authorities.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757.

17 Jan 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is currently giving to local authorities, outwith the normal annual financial settlement, to facilitate recycling of domestic and commercial waste.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757.We are working in partnership with CoSLA, SEPA and others to try to identify the full financial implications of the strategy. These will have to be carefully consi…

17 Jan 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the 17 local authorities who currently recycle less than 5% of their waste to improve on that record.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757.

17 Jan 2000 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the promotion and purchase of recycled goods by financial, legal and other incentives.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: The National Waste Strategy: Scotland promotes the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. We have adopted the strategy and the Scottish Executive are attempting to lead by example. For instance, the Executive purchases 100% recycled paper wherever possible…

15 Dec 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received written or oral confirmation from Fran' Fischler, European Commissioner, that compensation for costs to the pig industry as a result of BSE of #5.26 per pig would breach European rules on state aid.

Answer · Ross Finnie: Approaches to the European Commission are generally conducted through MAFF after consultation, where appropriate, with the devolved agriculture departments in the UK. Accordingly, the Scottish Executive has not separately received any communication from Franz…

1 Dec 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights will be taken into account in the drafting of land reform legislation in connection with access.

Answer · Jim Wallace: All Acts of the Scottish Parliament require to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Full account is, therefore, being taken of the Convention in drafting the legislation to establish a Right of responsible access to the countryside.

1 Dec 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights will be taken into account in the drafting of land reform legislation in connection with community right to buy.

Answer · Jim Wallace: The Scottish Executive's legislation on land reform is being drafted taking full account of the need for compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights.

1 Dec 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what private companies, public sector agencies and other entities have the power of compulsory purchase in Scotland under either UK or Scots law.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: The following bodies have the power of compulsory purchase in Scotland: Government Departments and some agencies; bodies with statutory obligations; local authorities; certain bodies subject to a Regulator; and others who obtain compulsory purchase powers by …

1 Dec 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, it is proposed to alter arrangements for compensation in the event of a successful compulsory purchase order.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: As part of the modernisation of the planning system we are reviewing compulsory purchase, compensation and related matters. Any legislation which we bring before the Scottish Parliament will need to be compatible with the Convention.

18 Nov 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent the growing number of incidents of tuberculosis amongst badgers in the North of England spreading into Scotland, with possible serious consequences for our dairy herd.

Answer · Ross Finnie: We have no evidence of a growing number of incidents of TB in badgers in the north east of England. There has, indeed, never been a TB outbreak in cattle herds in Scotland which could be associated with TB infection in badgers.

17 Nov 1999 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent the growing number of incidents of tuberculosis amongst badgers in the North of England spreading into Scotland, with possible serious consequences for our dairy herd.

Answer · Ross Finnie: We have no evidence of a growing number of incidents of TB in badgers in the north east of England. There has, indeed, never been a TB outbreak in cattle herds in Scotland which could be associated with TB infection in badgers.

28 Oct 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what factors have been identified to explain why the five year survival rate from lung cancer in Scotland is approximately 6%, the European average is approximately 10% and the USA average is 14% and what action is proposed to address this situation.

Answer · Susan Deacon: Variations in reported survival figures may be due in part to known differences in the way cancer registration data are collected in other countries. However, research tends to suggest that some of the difference must be due to late presentation by individual…

21 Oct 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to establish an appeals procedure for farmers following the Minister for Finance's confirmation in the debate on expenditure plans on 6 October (Official Report Column 1036) that funds will be available.

Answer · Ross Finnie: A review of the possible options for an independent appeal mechanism is currently underway. Details of the proposed arrangements will be issued for consultation by the end of the year. While it would not be appropriate to anticipate the legislative process, i…

20 Oct 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is per sign of providing local authorities with speed activated signs to deter speeding drivers as currently provided to Dumfries and Galloway council.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: The cost of providing the speed activated electronic signs is £5,000 each. In addition the operating cost of each sign is approximately £2,000 per sign per annum.

20 Oct 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all local authorities within Scotland are purchasing British foodstuffs, where there is a choice, for use within their catering operations.

Answer · Jack McConnell: Such action would not be appropriate. Procurement by local authorities is a matter for them, subject to any relevant legal requirements. Such requirements include, for example, European Community law which prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationa…

1 Oct 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the draft Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 would have, if enacted, on the Scottish farmhouse cheesemaking industry.

Answer · Susan Deacon: It is not envisaged that the draft Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, if enacted, would have a significant effect on the Scottish farmhouse cheesemaking industry.

28 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1683 by Nicol Stephen on 23 September, whether employment potential is one of the factors considered by Local Enterprise Companies in determining whether or not a contract offers maximum value for money.

Answer · Nicol Stephen: This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. However we understand that in awarding contracts, Local Enterprise Companies operate competitive tendering on the basis of cost, quality, programme track record and overall best value or money. Factors s…

16 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd's decision to award the contract for Holyrood North Phase Five to Drew Construction Ltd, who have sub-contracted the supply of kerb and drainage channel stone to Granit Union of Inverness who will source that stone in China, what steps…

Answer · Nicol Stephen: Local Enterprise Companies are required by their operating contracts with Scottish Enterprise to put contracts out to tender to maximise value for money.

15 Sep 1999 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd's decision to award the contract for Holyrood North Phase Five to Drew Construction Ltd, who have sub-contracted the supply of kerb and drainage channel stone to Granit Union of Inverness who will source that stone in China, what steps…

Answer · Nicol Stephen: Local Enterprise Companies are required by their operating contracts with Scottish Enterprise to put contracts out to tender to maximise value for money.

13 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers in Scotland have been required to repay sheep annual premium because of incorrect record keeping when, on inspection, sheep numbers were higher than claimed for, in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Answer · Ross Finnie: Under the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Sheep Annual Premium (SAP) Schemes, a total of 153 producers have had premium withheld, or been asked to repay subsidy payments, because of inadequate flock record keeping. Of that total, 67 producers were found to have…

10 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many wildfowl would be saved each year by implementing a lead shot ban in Scotland.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: Comprehensive information is not available. Best estimates suggest that 2.3% of the total population of wild mallards die each year in Britain as a result of lead poisoning. Research has estimated that the percentage of birds found to have ingested lead varie…

2 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issues currently affecting the Scottish sheep farming industry.

Answer · Ross Finnie: I have already taken positive steps with the industry to encourage and promote increased sales of our lamb both at home and abroad. Extra money has been given to help find new markets too. Additionally, the European Commission has been asked to introduce priv…

1 Sep 1999 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issues currently affecting the Scottish sheep farming industry.

Answer · Ross Finnie: I have already taken positive steps with the industry to encourage and promote increased sales of our lamb both at home and abroad. Extra money has been given to help find new markets too. Additionally, the European Commission has been asked to introduce pr…

16 Aug 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the all work test for severe disablement allowance is sufficiently inclusive to detect sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome or M.E.

Answer · Susan Deacon: The all-work test and entitlement to Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) are matters for the Department of Social Security and as such are reserved to the Westminster Parliament.

16 Aug 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the funding available for drug rehabilitation programmes and facilities in rural Scotland.

Answer · Iain Gray: It is for Drug Action Teams in both rural and urban areas to review the adequacy of local drug misuse services, and take steps to make the necessary provision available through the statutory agencies concerned.Local authorities in Scotland …

13 Aug 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of recent changes in political and economic circumstances, whether it intends that the decision to construct the Scotland to Northern Ireland interconnector be subject to debate within Parliament.

Answer · Henry McLeish: Consent for the construction of the Interconnector was granted in 1997. The decision having been made there is no statutory basis on which it can be reviewed. Accordingly I have no plans to debate this topic at present.