Bashir Ahmad

Answer · Linda Fabiani · 15 Jan 2009

<i > This PQ was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:</i></p> <p ><a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0115-01.htm">http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0115-01.htm</a></p>

Answer · Fiona Hyslop · 20 Jan 2009

Figures for the level of adult literacy in each year since 2001 are not available.</p> <p >A national survey is currently under way to measure adult literacy and numeracy levels, the results of which will be available later this year.</p>

Answer · Michael Russell · 18 Feb 2009

Ministers have agreed to undertake the following overseas visits:</p> <p >North America “ The First Minister will travel to Washington DC this month in support of the Scottish Government''s promotion of the year of Homecoming. He will take part in a major symposium on the life and works of Robert Burns, featuring leading Scottish and American academics and scholars.</p> <p >China “ The First Minister will visit China in April and a comprehensive programme of events will be announced in due course. He will be accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.</p> <p >Ministerial diaries are subject to parliamentary and other pressures and therefore often subject to change. Further details of each visit will be announced in due course.</p>

Answer · Jim Mather · 21 Jan 2009

The Scottish Government is working alongside local authorities and agencies (including Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and VisitScotland) to ensure that we respond effectively to the current economic climate. Together we are working to help firms respond to change and grow, whether through one-to-one company support or support for the wider business environment, ensuring a concerted approach to improving business competitiveness in support of long-term growth.</p>

Answer · Fiona Hyslop · 20 Jan 2009

Scottish Government Officials meet with representatives from Jobcentre Plus regularly with the most recent meeting occurring on 19 January 2009. Alastair Macdonald the Customer Services Director of Jobcentre Plus in Scotland and other DWP and Jobcentre Plus Officials attended the constructive meeting I had with Tony McNulty, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform on 27 November 2008 and I anticipate meeting representatives at the forthcoming Partnership Action for Continuing Employment summit.</p>

Answer · Kenny MacAskill · 20 Jan 2009

As at 19 January 2009 there were 798 prisoners serving a life sentence in Scottish prisons.</p>

Answer · Stewart Maxwell · 21 Jan 2009

The Scottish Government remains committed to doing what it can within the available powers to end child poverty by 2020. We recognise that any effective approach to child poverty must also address income inequality in Scotland, and set out our approach to tackling poverty and income inequality in <i >Achieving Our Potential</i>, launched in November 2008.</p> <p >The framework should be seen as one of a suite of social policies, including Equally Well and the Early Years Framework, which taken together signal the intention of moving over time from costly reaction to social problems to their prevention</p> <p >We and our colleagues in the other devolved administrations are also in early discussions with the UK Government on their plans for a UK Child Poverty Bill.</p>

Answer · Stewart Maxwell · 19 Jan 2009

Over the current Spending Review period we are providing over £1.5 billion for affordable housing across Scotland, 19% more than planned for under the previous administration.</p> <p >Following the Budget Bill the government now plans to accelerate £120 million of investment in new supply, £40 million for 2008-09 and £80 million for 2009-10.</p>