Parliamentary questions
Alex Neil
3,059 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23669 by Cathy Jamieson on 13 March 2006, what evidence it has that the misidentification was made in good faith and was not malicious.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Lord Hodge accepted in his opinionon 30 March that there was conflicting evidence from independent experts over thematch between fingerprint Y7 and Ms McKie’s print and in those circumstances itwas reasonable for Scottish ministers to maintain that the identi…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23669 by Cathy Jamieson on 13 March 2006, whether, as part of the settlement, Ms McKie accepted that the misidentification had been made in good faith and was not malicious.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to thequestion S2W-23664 answered on 20 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be foundat: <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23603 by Colin Boyd QC on 13 March 2006, whether the investigation team for the murder of Marion Ross in Kilmarnock in 1997 is currently active.
Answer · Colin Boyd: There are no active lines ofenquiry currently being pursued in relation to the murder of Marion Ross. However,the murder investigation has not been closed and any new information will be consideredand where appropriate investigated by Strathclyde Police.</p>
14 Mar 2006 · SPCB Written Question
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on what date the contractors handed over the Scottish Parliament building; how long the contractors were responsible for the maintenance of the building; whether there is any defects liability on the contractors after the completion of the maintenance period, and, if so…
Answer · George Reid: I refer the Member to myletter to all MSPs of 11 May 2006. A copy of the letter is available at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-06/pa06-046.htm">http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-06/pa06-046.htm</a>.</p>
14 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to implement the Declaration of the European Parliament on the Charter of Rights for People with Autism, as adopted by the European Parliament on 9 May 1996, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The European Charter for peoplewith autism is based on the principle that people with autism spectrum disordersshould share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all of the European populationwhere such are appropriate and in the best interests of the per…
14 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Executive's cabinet has discussed the issue of US agencies using Scottish airports as refuelling stops for flights allegedly involved in the process of “extraordinary rendition” and, if so, what the substance was of these discussions.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Information relating to theproceedings of the Scottish Cabinet is considered exempt from disclosure underSections 29 (a) and (b) and 30(a) and (b) of the Freedom of Information(Scotland) Act 2002. This is in line with the principle that it is not in thepublic…
14 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23750 by Cathy Jamieson on 8 March 2006, why it does not state what the purpose has been of any discussions regarding the matter of US agencies using Scottish airports as refuelling stops for flights allegedly involved in the process of “extraordinar…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the questionS2W-23750 answered on 8 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be foundat: <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.s…
13 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was aware of the current Lord Advocate’s party political affiliation when he was appointed Solicitor General in 1999 and, if so, what account was taken of it.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: <i>The Scotland Act 1998</i> provides at Section 48(1) for the appointment of theLord Advocate and the Solicitor General, with the approval ofParliament. Party political affiliation is not identified in the Act as afactor relevant to appointment.</p>
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what services are envisaged to run on the reopened Airdrie to Bathgate railway and, specifically, whether these will include a service between (a) Helensburgh/Balloch and Edinburgh Waverley as suggested by the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies in January 2003, (b) Glasgow Queen …
Answer · Tavish Scott: Network Rail, the project promoters,are developing the project on the understanding that services will run between Edinburgh anda point west of Glasgow. As the service is not planned to be in operation untilthe end of 2010, it is important that the final deci…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimated date is for reopening the Airdrie to Bathgate rail line.
Answer · Tavish Scott: We expect services to be operationalon the re-opened line in 2010.</p>
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a half-hourly rail service between Motherwell and Stirling via Cumbernauld and a new station at Castlecary with park and ride facilities, as recommended by the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies in January 2003.
Answer · Tavish Scott: An option to introduce a half-hourlyrail service between Motherwell and Stirling is included in the First ScotRail franchise. However,before such a service can be introduced track capacity issues on the route requireto be resolved, which are the subject of cu…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the availability is of further and higher education courses in customer relations, or subjects associated with customer relations, and in which educational institutions these courses are taught.
Answer · Nicol Stephen: Information on individual coursesdelivered in further and higher education institutions is not held centrally bythe Scottish Executive.</p><p>However, we are aware that thereare a number of colleges and higher education institutions which offer courses incust…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many people travelled by rail from (a) Glasgow to Edinburgh and (b) Edinburgh to Glasgow in each year since 1990.
Answer · Tavish Scott: Passenger data between Edinburghand Glasgow based on ticket sales is:</p><p>Edinburgh - Glasgow Point-to-Point Journeys*</p><table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3> <tr> <td width=89 valign=bottom> <p align=center>Fiscal Year</p> </td> <td width=135 v…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the Sustainable Development Commission’s latest publication, The role of nuclear power in a low carbon economy, particularly with reference to its finding that there are no long term-solutions to the disposal of waste, and what impact this will have on the Executive…
Answer · Allan Wilson: The Executive is aware of theSustainable Development Commission’s latest publication on nuclear power.</p><p>The Scottish Executive positionon nuclear power remains that we will not support the construction of new nuclearpower stations while waste management …
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have (a) completed and (b) not yet completed the Agenda for Change job matching process and when staff will enter the new grading structure.
Answer · Andy Kerr: Agenda for Change is being implementedin partnership with trade unions and professional organisations in NHSScotland,and significant progress has been made. Just under 90% of posts which have beensubmitted to matching panels have been matched against national…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what it anticipates the cost of Agenda for Change will be in each NHS board and whether it will make additional resources available to implement the process.
Answer · Andy Kerr: The final cost of implementingAgenda for Change on a board by board basis will not be known until such times asstaff have gone though the job evaluation process and are assimilated to the newAgenda for Change pay bands.</p><p>In terms of NHSScotland overall,t…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive when the exemption list for NHS prescription charges was last amended and how many times it has been reviewed in the subsequent period.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The criteria for exemption fromNHS prescription charges fall into three main categories. The list of chronic medicalconditions that confer exemption from prescription charges was agreed with the medicalprofession in 1968. In the intervening period there has b…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to including sufferers of cystic fibrosis on the list of those exempt from paying NHS prescription charges.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: No decision on whether to changethe current criteria for exemption on medical grounds will be taken until the ScottishExecutive’s review of NHS prescription charges and exemption arrangements is complete.</p><p>The consultation phase of thereview is under way…
10 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed as suffering from cystic fibrosis in each NHS board area and how many were diagnosed, (a) 5 years ago, (b) 10 years ago, (c) 15 years ago, (d) 20 years ago, (e) 25 years ago, (f) 30 years ago, (g) 35 years ago, (h) 40 years ago and (i) 45 years ago,…
Answer · Andy Kerr: Centrally held information canprovide details for patients where cystic fibrosis is identified on their hospitalrecords. These figures <i>ma</i>y represent an undercount of the true number ofcases because cystic fibrosis could be an underlying reason for admi…
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23439 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2006, whether it will provide details of the costs to it of the legal representation it sought in defence of the claim for compensation against it by Shirley McKie once the court has resolved the outstanding issues …
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Yes.</p>
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23439 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2006, when it expects that the court will have resolved the outstanding issues in relation to expenses in respect of the Shirley McKie case.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: A motion for expenses was heardby Lord Hodge in the Court of Session on 9 March 2006.He reserved his judgement and the timing of that judgement is a matter for the Court.</p>
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23439 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2006, what the total costs to it have been to date of the legal representation which it sought in defence of the claim for compensation against it by Shirley McKie, broken down by year since 1997.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Legal costs paid to date total£109,034.81 net of VAT.</p>
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the possible consequences are resulting from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court 1998 and the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Act 2001 should State officials in Scotland refuse to investigate the crime of torture, were the crime to have international characte…
Answer · Colin Boyd: The Rome Statute of the InternationalCriminal Court 1998 permits the International Criminal Court to exercise its jurisdictionto investigate and prosecute crimes when the national authority is unable or unwillingto prosecute.</p><p>Scots law is perfectly equi…
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-21577 by Cathy Jamieson on 22 December 2005, whether it is a responsibility of the public, press or politicians in Scotland to investigate crime and obtain evidence satisfactory to gain a conviction on the necessary judicial standard.
Answer · Colin Boyd: The investigation and prosecutionof crime is a matter for the police, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Serviceand the Lord Advocate. If there is credibleand reliable information that a crime has been, or is to be committed, it is forthe police to invest…
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-21577 by Cathy Jamieson on 22 December 2005, whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is still responsible for deciding whether evidence in a criminal prosecution meets the essential burdens of proof in Scots Law.
Answer · Colin Boyd: Yes. In every case that is reportedto the Procurator Fiscal, the decision as to whether criminal proceedings are appropriatewill be made following an objective assessment of the evidence and the public interest.</p>
9 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-21577 by Cathy Jamieson on 22 December 2005, whether it is unaware of evidence to support allegations that the flights in question have involved any criminal activities due to a lack of police investigation into torture flights in the first instance …
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23994 on 16 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
8 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of the human rights group, Liberty, or plans to meet them, in respect of the allegations that US agencies have used Scottish airports as refuelling stops for flights engaged in the process of “extraordinary rendition”.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I have no plans for such a meeting.The Scottish Executive has not approved and will not approve a policy facilitatingthe transfer of individuals through Scottish Territory or airspace to places wherethere are substantial grounds to believe they would face a r…
7 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has passed on to the police any allegations brought to its attention regarding the possibility that US agencies have used Scottish airports as refuelling stops for flights engaged in the process of “extraordinary rendition” and, if it has not done so, what the reasons are for i…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22495 on 2 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for whichcan be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…
7 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with Her Majesty’s Government the results of any inquiries it has had in respect of reported co-operation with US rendition operations being illegal to establish whether there are any links between these reports and the allegations that US agencies have used Scott…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23994 on 16 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
7 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with Her Majesty’s Government the briefing paper sent by the Foreign Office to the Prime Minister’s Office stating that people captured by British forces could have been sent illegally to interrogation centres, as reported in the Guardian on 21 January 2006, to es…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive has notapproved and will not approve a policy of facilitating the transfer of individualsthrough Scottish territory or airspace to places where there are substantial groundsto believe they would face a real risk of torture. The Scottish…