Jim Mather

Answer · Sarah Boyack · 28 Mar 2007

Research on the options for the Scottish water industry, includingmutualisation, was undertaken in 1997 and 2001. This work informed the creationof the three regional water authorities and Scottish Water respectively. Since thenno research on any prospective mutualisation has been undertaken by the executive.</p>

Answer · Nicol Stephen · 21 Mar 2007

I recently wrote to the Secretaryof State for Trade and Industry setting out Scottish ministers’ views on the EuropeanCommission’s proposal to establish a European Institute of Technology (EIT). I saidin my letter that I support the UK’s negotiating strategy which reflects the issues thathave been raised by the Scottish higher education sector and other stakeholderswhich are:</p><p>EIT should add value to competitivenessand innovation and not duplicate or cut across existing instruments such as theSeventh Framework Programme.</p><p>Funding of EIT needs to be clarified.</p><p>EIT should not have independentdegree-awarding powers and this should remain the preserve of individual institutions.</p><p>The engagement of business iscritical to the success and reputation of the EIT and we need to ensure that businessesin Scotland are involved in the development of the EIT and its proposedKnowledge and Innovation Communities.</p><p>Since the Commission’s Communicationwas first published, I have written to Alyn Smith, MEP indicating my broad supportfor the concept of EIT and that further work is needed before the proposal can befully supported.</p><p>It would be premature to discussthe location for the board of the EIT at such an early stage in the negotiations.However, we will continue to closely monitor this and we will work with the sectorand other stakeholders to ensure that Scotland is able to take best advantage of the opportunities thatEIT may offer.</p>

Answer · Nicol Stephen · 21 Mar 2007

The Scottish Executive has notevaluated the impact of the integration of the careers service in the Western Islesinto Highlands and Islands Enterprise.</p>

Answer · Robert Brown · 8 Mar 2007

We are already taking actionon the key areas identified in this report so new plans are not required.</p><p>Improving outcomes andopportunities for all children in Scotland so that they can reach their full potential is amajor priority for the Scottish Executive. We are investing in pre-schooleducation, and in new and refurbished schools, improving educationalattainment, supporting effective and affordable child care, and protecting andsupporting our most vulnerable children, young people and families.</p>

Answer · Nicol Stephen · 7 Mar 2007

Ministers have not heldmeetings with students, staff or management of the University of Strathclyde on this issue and no such meetings have beenrequested.</p><p>We are of course aware of the financial pressures being faced by the University of Strathclyde.The university has communicated its position to the Executive and the Scottish FundingCouncil and has not sought extra funding in response to its current financialsituation.</p><p>I understand that the universityhas given the assurance that savings against staff budgets will no be made byimposing voluntary redundancies, and that the university will consult on thisissue with the unions and other stakeholders. Given that financial managementis rightly the responsibility of the university’s management, this is thecorrect approach.</p><p>The funding council and inparticular its audit committee closely monitor the financial health of ouruniversities and advise ministers of any specific difficulties. The FundingCouncil’s Chief Executive has been in regular contact with the Principal of theUniversity of Strathclyde on this matter.</p><p>The funding council have notapproached ministers to intervene in the situation at Strathclyde or indeed atany other institution.</p>

Answer · Nicol Stephen · 7 Mar 2007

Ministers have not heldmeetings with students, staff or management of the University of Dundee on this issue and no such meetings have been requested.</p><p>We are of course aware of the financial pressures being faced by the University of Dundee. The universityhas communicated its position to the Executive and the Scottish Funding Counciland has not sought extra funding in response to its current financialsituation.</p><p>The university will now beconsulting on this issue with the unions and other stakeholders. Given thatfinancial management is rightly the responsibility of the university’s management,this is the correct approach.</p><p>The funding council and inparticular its audit committee closely monitor the financial health of ouruniversities and advise ministers of any specific difficulties. The FundingCouncil’s Chief Executive has been in regular contact with the Principal of theUniversity of Dundee on this matter.</p><p>The funding council have notapproached ministers on the situation at Dundee or indeed at any otherinstitution.</p>

Answer · Nicol Stephen · 7 Mar 2007

On 22 February, the DeputyMinister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and I met with a delegation fromDumfries and Galloway Council and representatives of the Crichton Campus toidentify a way forward that will secure provision at the campus. The DeputyMinister also met with the Principal of the University of Glasgow on 23February. There has not been a meeting with student representatives.</p>

Answer · Allan Wilson · 2 Mar 2007

I met representatives of theworkforce and trade union representatives on Monday 5 February 2007 and again at Parliament on Thursday 8 February. I also met with DTIMinister Jim Fitzpatrick on Tuesday 27 February 2007.</p>