Parliamentary questions
Andrew Wilson
771 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what practical action it will take in order to help to address the causes of, and problems associated with, the flooding of land near residential and business properties in the Abronhill and Westfield communities of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.
Answer · Allan Wilson: North Lanarkshire Council has wide powers under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to mitigate flooding of non-agricultural land in its area. Under the act, the council is obliged to publish biennial reports specifying all occurrences of such flooding, …
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representation it will have at the European eSkills Summit 2002 on 17 and 18 October 2002 in Copenhagen and, if no representative of it is to attend, what process is in place to ensure that Scottish interests are addressed and what the reason is for such non-attendance.
Answer · Iain Gray: No representative of the Scottish Executive is expected to attend the eSkills Summit. The summit is primarily intended to address issues about the development of high-level, technical Information and Communication Technology skills within Europe. There are no…
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it maintains a register of historically important buildings currently in disuse or extensive disrepair that could be re-utilised or reconstituted for domestic use, detailing where any such register is held and in what format, how the public can access this information and, if such…
Answer · Elaine Murray: I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:<P>The Buildings at Risk Register is maintained by the Scottish Civic Trust on behalf of Historic Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Executive. It comprises …
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent refurbishment of Halbar Tower near Braidwood, South Lanarkshire was overseen in any way by Historic Scotland and why the previous flagstone roof was replaced with slate tiles, detailing the age of the replaced roof covering, any archaeological importance of the usage o…
Answer · Elaine Murray: I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:<P>The repairs to Hallbar Tower were grant aided by Historic Scotland and were carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions that apply to the histo…
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive why using Capita as the individual learning account (ILA) centre was "significant in respect of the suspension" of ILAs, as stated by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c 2544.) an…
Answer · Iain Gray: In her statement to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, (<I>Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee</I>, 17 April 2002, c2544.) Ms Wendy Alexander, the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learnin…
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (a) the agenda and (b) the minutes of each meeting held during its review of arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning and what the reasons are for its position in respect of any matter where disclo…
Answer · Iain Gray: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28850 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:<P>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, who is participating in its review of arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning; how many meetings have taken place during the review; on what dates such meetings took place, and what specific…
Answer · Iain Gray: No formal review group was established, but preparations for the new individual learning account scheme are continuing. I expect to make a statement about the new scheme before the end of this year.
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, what its current position is on the statement by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning that the individual learning account scheme was "very successful and the feedback was good" (Offici…
Answer · Iain Gray: The ILA scheme attracted over 266,000 members in Scotland, with over 127,000 having used their accounts for learning. The findings of an independent evaluation on the scheme, placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22524) in June of this year…
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, whether arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning currently under review will involve the creation of a second individual learning account (ILA) scheme.
Answer · Iain Gray: I am committed to the development of a new ILA scheme that will encourage the widest possible participation in lifelong learning. This matter is being considered within the broader framework of the Lifelong Learning Strategy currently in preparation.
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in respect of individual learning account fraud (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c 2546.), whether the occurrence of fraud in around 3% of learnin…
Answer · Iain Gray: Fraud has not yet been firmly established for any learning provider. It is a matter for the Procurator Fiscal Service to decide what constitutes "fraudulent activity" and whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings. It is then for …
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been removed from the control room area of Conference Room 1 at Victoria Quay, giving the (a) date removed, (b) reason for removal and (c) disposal process in each case.
Answer · Andy Kerr: A faulty projector was removed and replaced in 1999. Disposal of equipment has been arranged through the Dispersal Service Agency.
3 Sep 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been installed in the east wing basement conference complex of St. Andrew's House, giving the (a) installation date and (b) cost in each case.
Answer · Andy Kerr: The media centre in St Andrew's House was commissioned in October 1999. The following equipment was supplied and installed at a cost of £70,000:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=198><TR><TD VALIGN="TOP"><P>Controller</TD></TR><TR><TD VAL…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected Scottish population levels are over the period for which figures are available and how these compare with the equivalent figures for the United Kingdom.
Answer · Richard Simpson: Population projections for the United Kingdom are the responsibility of the Government Actuary, who also prepares population projections for Scotland at the request of, and in consultation with, the Registrar General for Scotland. The latest, 2000-based, proj…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the source of immigrants to Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.
Answer · Richard Simpson: The 1991 Census is the most complete source of information on migrants into Scotland and their address one year earlier. This information is provided in the table. Similar information from the more detailed results of the 2001 Census is due to be published by…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the destination of emigrants from Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.
Answer · Richard Simpson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28666. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at <A HREF="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa">…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the migration flows (a) in, (b) out and (c) net were for Scotland in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the equivalent figures for the United Kingdom.
Answer · Richard Simpson: Information on flows of international migrants for Scotland and the UK over the period 1991-2000 is published in Table 2.8 of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publication <I>International Migration</I> (2000 edition), which can be accessed on the ONS …
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth figures were in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available, specifying the contribution to the growth rate made by changes in (i) overall GDP and (ii) population levels.
Answer · Iain Gray: The following table gives Scottish GDP per capita growth figures, in cash terms, and also the changes to total GDP and population levels over the period from 1990 to 1999, the years for which consistent data are available. Scottish GDP per capita is not avail…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product per capita was in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available.
Answer · Iain Gray: The following table gives Scottish Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in cash terms for each year from 1989 to 1999, the years for which consistent data are available. Scottish GDP per capita is not available in constant prices.<P>Gross Domestic Product …
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the population of Scotland was in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the total population of the United Kingdom.
Answer · Richard Simpson: Population estimates for the United Kingdom are the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Comparable population estimates back to 1971 for the United Kingdom and Scotland can be found on the ONS website at the following address: <P>http:…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to the main sectoral gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each revision.
Answer · Iain Gray: The following table lists the first published estimate of annual GDP for each year since 1997 and the most recent estimate.<P>Scottish GDP by Main Industrial Sector (1995=100%)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP"…
28 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each revision.
Answer · Iain Gray: The following table lists the first published estimate of annual GDP for each year since 1997 and the most recent estimate.<P>Scottish Gross Domestic Product (1995=100%)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=521><TR><TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP"> …
27 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) current and (b) former members of its security branch have now initiated legal proceedings in respect of underpayment of back pay and allowances; how long any such matters have remained unresolved, and when payments in full should be expected.
Answer · Andy Kerr: No such action has been taken against the Scottish Executive by current or former members of the security branch. Following agreement with the Trades Union Side, serving members of staff were advised on 3 September 2001 of the process for claiming backdated T…
27 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what financial irregularities were identified by the audit of its security branch in respect of each of the last three years, expressed (a) to the nearest pound and (b) as a percentage of the branch's budget for the year.
Answer · Andy Kerr: The last audit of security branch was in 1998. The next will be carried out in 2003. The 1998 audit identified no significant issues.
20 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what the average age was of people who died from mesothelioma in each of the last three years; whether there any projections in respect of future deaths from the disease, and why there is no unit dedicated to the specialist treatment of and research into mesothelioma.
Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The following table shows how many people died from mesothelioma in each of the last three years, and what the average age was. There are no projections of future deaths from mesothelioma.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH="77%"…
20 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any former tied housing stock sold to employees of the Scottish Prison Service or others contained asbestos and, if so, what action it took to advise purchasers of this situation at the time of the sale.
Answer · Jim Wallace: I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:<P>Staff quarters would be designed, built, and maintained in accordance with Building Regulations and Health and Safety Legislation in forc…
20 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what records the Scottish Prison Service holds on asbestos removal from its establishments, (b) who has responsibility for accurately updating any such records, (c) where and for how long such records are held and (d) what process is used in respect of archiving them.
Answer · Jim Wallace: I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>(a) Every establishment maintains a register of asbestos identified by surveys carried out in the mid-1990s: this records where asbestos was id…
19 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out to assess the environmental impact of using the Kelvin Valley route whilst upgrading the A80; who carried out any such studies, and when each was carried out and the results were published.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: An environmental assessment of options for upgrading the A80 to motorway using the Kelvin Valley and the present route of the road was carried out by the Babtie Group in 1996. This work was reviewed as part of the Strategic Road Review and the emerging apprai…
19 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27414 by Lewis MacDonald on 6 August 2002, what "serious detrimental environmental impact" would be caused by using the Kelvin Valley route for upgrading the A80.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The appraisal summary tables published as part of the Strategic Roads Review explained that serious detrimental environmental impacts would occur as a consequence of the Kelvin Valley route in relation to:<DIR><DIR><P>an increase in carbon dioxide emissions (…
9 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, what external bodies have been, or will be consulted, in its investigations into "whether there might be other ways to provide compensation for the loss of future pension rights for the transferred staff affe…
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The Scottish Executive has consulted with the EC and with the maintenance contractors. The process was started in April 2001. The answer given to question S1W-27277 indicated it was a complex area and therefore I am not able to give an indication of when inve…
9 Aug 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, whether it had any power to insist on the provision of better pensions in the trunk roads maintenance contracts and, if so, under what section of (a) the Scotland Act or (b) any other legislation any such pow…
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: There were no legislative powers to allow the Scottish Executive to insist on the provision of better pension rights on the trunk road maintenance contracts.