Parliamentary questions

Des McNulty

1,840 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-95 by Stewart Stevenson on 1 June 2007, what actions it plans to take to achieve fuller utilisation of the current rail and road networks.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Details of the deliveryof our current committed programme of major and important trunk road and rail infrastructureimprovements can be found on the Transport Scotland website at <ahref="http://www.transportscotland.co.uk/">www.transportscotland.gov.uk</a>. Fu…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-79 by John Swinney on 5 June 2007, whether baseline information will be provided and clear quantifiable targets set to allow effective parliamentary scrutiny of performance in achieving ministers’ ambitions for simpler, smaller government.

Answer · John Swinney: We will establisha baseline against which progress can be measured. Our ambition for a simpler,smaller government is not only about numbers, but about removing unnecessaryduplication and establishing structures that can support and drive the deliveryof joined…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-79 by John Swinney on 5 June 2007, what additional information can be provided about the practical implications of ministers’ ambitions for simpler, smaller government.

Answer · John Swinney: As I announced on24 May 2007, we intend toachieve a simpler, smaller Government in Scotland through de-cluttering and simplifyingthe public service landscape. We have already reduced the number of GovernmentDepartments and Scottish ministers. We are taking fo…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that completion of the North Clyde Development Route will enhance accessibility to proposed Commonwealth Games venues.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The North Clyde Development Route is intended to provide a gateway route fromWest Dunbartonshire to Western Glasgow and open up development/regeneration opportunities forWest Dunbartonshire and Glasgow City Council areas on the northbank of the Clyde.T…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether any forecast has been made of expenditure resulting from any works required under section 31 of the draft Glasgow Commonwealth Games (Scotland) Bill and, if so, what the forecast is of such expenditure.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-3222 on 29 August 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.s…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what matters will be considered in the transport plan provided for under section 31 of the draft Glasgow Commonwealth Games (Scotland) Bill.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Glasgow 2014 transportplan will set out how the existing and proposed transport infrastructure aroundgames venues will support the games and provide details of operational transportproposals. These will include transport services for athletes, officials a…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers consider that public sector investment can crowd out investment by the private sector and what impact this has on policy.

Answer · John Swinney: I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-3220 on 6 September 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/w…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers have a view of the desirable size of the Scottish public sector and what steps they will take to reach this target.

Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Government believes that Scotland''s economic success must be a partnership between the private, public and third sectors, with the private sector the principal driver of growth. The debate about the size of the public sector in Scotland to date …

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the initiatives involving additional expenditure that it has announced in Session 3 of the Parliament, showing the projected costs of each for the next three years.

Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Governmentwill publish in year changes to spending programmes in the usual fashion in theautumn and spring budget revisions. This will include the costs of policy announcementswith spending implications. The consequences of such announcements wil…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget will be for the proposed Scottish Broadcasting Commission.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: The costs for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission will be met from existing budgets. Total costshave not yet been decided, but will depend upon a work plan for the conduct of thecommission, which remains to be settled.

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which section of the Scotland Act 1998 it considers provides a legal basis for the establishment of the proposed Scottish Broadcasting Commission.

Answer · Linda Fabiani: The Scottish BroadcastingCommission will conduct an examination into the current state of the broadcastingindustries in Scotland and will make recommendations for methodsby which greater success might be achieved. In these respects, the commission willbe conc…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s Clyde Fastlink project which aims to deliver a modern, quick reliable transport system to service the Clyde corridor.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: My officials receiveda presentation on Clyde Fastlink earlier this year, from the consortium led by StrathclydePartnership for Transport. They are currently considering the STAG report on Phase1 of the project, subsequently received.

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support studies of transport connectivity along the Clyde waterfront, particularly appraisal of the proposed North Clyde Development Route and the steps necessary to ease traffic flows at the Kilbowie roundabout on the A82.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Any studies conductedin connection with the construction of the North Clyde Development Route are a matter for West Dunbartonshire Counciland Glasgow City Council as the relevant local roads authorities. They may alsowish to seek funding contributions for suc…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to improving public transport access to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital from (a) within and (b) outwith greater Glasgow.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The provision oflocal bus services is a matter for operators and local transport authorities. Thelevel of First ScotRail train services is specified in the ScotRail Franchise.The NationalWaiting Times Centre Board – the special health board which runs …

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in completing the East End Regeneration Route.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The construction of the East End Regeneration Route is a matter for Glasgow City Council as thelocal roads authority.

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating units have been installed in 2007 in areas not connected to the gas network and what steps are being taken to prioritise systems for eligible residents living in such areas.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is notheld centrally on the number of central heating systems installed in areas not connectedto the gas network.In all app…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers are considering making changes to the national planning framework and, if so, what changes are under consideration.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish governmentis continuing to implement the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006.I would like torefer the member to the timetable for implementation of the Planning etc(Scotland) Act 2006 which is available at <ahref="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/P…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what its top objectives are for the national planning system.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The primaryobjectives for the Scottish planning system are, as set out in SPP1 (ScottishPlanning Policy 1: The Planning System), to:set the land use framework for promoting sustainableeconomic development;encourage and support rege…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers support the introduction of a limited third-party right of appeal in planning matters and what limits on such a right of appeal they would support.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The Governmentintends to implement the provisions of the Planning Etc (Scotland) Act 2006 and has no plans to alter the arrangementson rights to appeal.

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers will set objectives for the Glasgow city-region strategic development planning authority and, if so, what objective they intend to set and, if not, what kinds of objectives ministers believe should be set by those responsible.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Under thePlanning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, Strategic Development PlanningAuthorities (SDPAs) will be required to prepare a strategic development planfor their areas. It will be for each SDPA to set its objectives for deliveringthis requirement. The Scottish …

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how ministers will ensure co-operative working between the Glasgow and Edinburgh city-region strategic development planning authorities to deliver sustainable economic growth in the central belt.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Glasgow andEdinburgh are two powerful engines for the growth of the Scottish economy. Tomaximise their success they need to compete together in the global marketplaceand not against each other. Strategic planning is a powerful tool forco-ordinating the land a…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what additional political powers ministers believe are necessary in order for it to make Scotland a cleaner, greener place to live and what relevance this has to combating climate change.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: Choosing Scotland’s Future was published on 14 August 2007 to provide a starting point and inspiration for a nationalconversation on the best type of government for Scotland’s future. There are numerous additional political powers, a numb…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic objectives ministers have set for Scottish Water and whether these are fully reflected in its corporate plan.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer themember to the answer to question S3W-97 on 1 June 2007. All answers to parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at:<ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search"…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic objectives it expects each strategic development planning authority to set in its corporate plans.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Under thePlanning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, Strategic Development PlanningAuthorities (SDPAs) will have a duty to prepare Strategic Development Plans fortheir areas. It will be for each SDPA to set their own strategic objectives, inlight of this requirement a…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-94 by Stewart Stevenson on 30 May 2007, what additional information can be provided about its plans to improve the dissemination of information and service to stakeholders.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA),to answer. His response is as follows:The SBSA willcontinue to fulfil its role as a national centre of excellence by thepublication of Technical Handbooks, …

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, toanswer. His response is as follows:The SBSA intendsto continue its programme of auditing the effectiveness of local authorityverifiers with particular regard bo…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-94 by Stewart Stevenson on 30 May 2007, what additional information can be provided about its plans to increase compliance with building standards.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, toanswer. His response is as follows:It has beenagreed to establish a Building Standards Advisory Committee working group toconsider issues relating to compliance…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency(SBSA), to answer. His response is as follows:Work is ongoingthrough a Building Standards Advisory Committee working group which isexamining the existing means of e…

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-94 by Stewart Stevenson on 30 May 2007, what additional information can be provided about its plans to introduce better standards to prevent noise nuisance.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, toanswer. His response is as follows:A BuildingStandards Advisory Committee working group has now been set up and is in theprocess of reviewing the standards and …

13 Aug 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-94 by Stewart Stevenson on 30 May 2007, what additional information can be provided about its plans to complete implementation of the EU directive on the energy performance of buildings.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I have asked DrPaul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, toanswer. His response is as follows:All legislationrequired for the implementation of the EU Directive on the Energy Performanceof Buildings Directive (EPBD) came…