John Farquhar Munro

3 Mar 2011 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has had with Highland Council regarding the future of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music.

Answer · John Swinney: I have not discussed this issue with Highland Council but the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has and he clearly indicated his determination to achieve a successful outcome here.</p>

24 Feb 2011 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made to secure the long term financial future of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music.

Answer · Michael Russell: We welcome the decision by Highland Council to maintain funding to the centre during school year 2011-12 as this allows time for all parties to consider how best to ensure its long term future, a process which is just beginning. The member already has an assu…

23 Feb 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what average length of time it takes the Scottish Police Service to undertake a toxicology report.

Answer · Kenny MacAskill: The processing time for toxicology analysis carried out by the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) on behalf of Scotland''s police forces varies from case to case, and depends on a number of factors. These include whether the analysis is for criminal in…

23 Feb 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the validity of intelligent design as a scientific theory and whether it should be taught in science lessons.

Answer · Michael Russell: As intelligent design is not a scientific theory it is not included within Curriculum for Excellence guidance. Schools are free to determine, in light of the curriculum framework in which they operate, how best to organise the syllabus but there is no evidenc…

23 Feb 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider publishing guidance on the teaching of the theory of intelligent design such as Guidance on the Place of Creationism and Intelligent Design in Science Lessons published for England and Wales.

Answer · Michael Russell: The curriculum in Scotland is not based on statutory prescription. It is for schools, in light of the curriculum framework within which they operate, to determine how best to organise the syllabus.</b></p> <p >However, there are no plans to include intellige…

14 Feb 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what further steps are needed for the reopening of Conon Bridge railway station; how the reopening process will be managed, and what the timescale is.

Answer · Keith Brown: The steps required to be undertaken to enable Conon Bridge Station to be re-opened are:</p> <table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 > <tr > <td width=200 valign=top > <p >Network Rail Process</p> </td> <td width=151 valign=top > <p align=ce…

14 Feb 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made since September 2010 on final design work for the reopening of Conon Bridge railway station.

Answer · Keith Brown: The development of a station at Conon Bridge was identified as a local/regional priority by HITRANS in their Regional Transport Strategy. Progress on the detailed design work for the station is a matter for HITRANS and its transport partners.</p> <p >The mee…

15 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact of the delays to traffic resulting from the planned repairs to the Cromarty Bridge.

Answer · Keith Brown: No assessment of the economic impact to traffic delay has been made. The planned repair works are necessary to ensure the longevity and safety of the bridge and its users. Postponing the works would exacerbate the repair requirements and increase future costs…

15 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the design life is of the repairs planned for the Cromarty Bridge and how this compares with that of a replacement bridge.

Answer · Keith Brown: The planned repairs at Cromarty Bridge have a design life of approximately 20 to 30 years, depending on the nature of the repair. Modern designed structures have a design life of 120 years, however regular maintenance and remedial works will be required throu…

15 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether an assessment will be made of the cost of the (a) repairs and (b) construction of a replacement bridge before a commitment is made to undertake repairs to the Cromarty Bridge.

Answer · Keith Brown: An assessment of these costs has already been made by our operating company, Scotland TranServ and presented to Transport Scotland. The estimated cost of the remaining repairs is approximately £21 million and the overall scheme cost of replacing the structure…

15 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many spans of the Cromarty Bridge remain to be repaired and what the estimated (a) cost and (b) duration is of the planned contract.

Answer · Keith Brown: Sixty-three and a half spans of the Cromarty Bridge remain to be repaired after the current trial refurbishment contract is complete. The estimated cost of the remaining repairs is approximately £21 million, if the works were undertaken as a single contract l…

15 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many spans of the Cromarty Bridge are being repaired under the trial refurbishment that started in July 2010 and what the expected (a) cost and (b) completion date is.

Answer · Keith Brown: Under the current trial refurbishment contract, 4.5 spans of the Cromarty Bridge are being repaired, with an expected cost of £800,000. The trial contract is now scheduled for completion in spring 2011. Completion of the last phase of the works is scheduled f…

23 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when the improvements to the linear radiotherapy equipment at Raigmore Hospital will be completed.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: Linear radiotherapy equipment at Raigmore hospital is not currently subject to improvement work. Work is underway, however, to facilitate the replacement of a linear accelerator (the machine used to deliver radiotherapy to patients) at Raigmore.</p>

11 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-37331 by Richard Lochhead on 11 November 2010, whether it will publish any response that it receives from the UK Government.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: I have not yet received a response to my letter of 8 November 2010. It is, however, not Scottish Government policy to publish exchanges of ministerial correspondence with the UK Government, particularly while matters are under active discussion.</b></p>

5 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the UK Government regarding its decision to decommission the Maritime and Coastguard emergency towing vehicles, Anglian Prince and Anglian Sovereign, in light of their role in protecting Scotland’s marine and coastal interests from maritime accident…

Answer · Richard Lochhead: I wrote to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport on 8 November 2010 requesting that the decision to withdraw funding for the emergency towing vessels (ETVs) stationed at Stornoway and Lerwick be reconsidered.</b></p> <p >…

28 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) timetable and (b) process is for considering the future of the C3 orthopaedics ward at the Raigmore Hospital by (i) NHS Highland and (ii) the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: I understand that the Clinical Management Team at NHS Highland has been reviewing the overall bed usage within Raigmore Hospital, in conjunction with the relevant staff, to ensure that the bed complement continues to be safe and sustainable; remains compliant…

28 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it gave to creameries in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10 and has given in 2010-11, broken down by (i) creamery, (ii) value of grant, (iii) purpose of grant and (iv) source of funding.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: The requested information is provided in the following table:</b></p> <table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 > <tr > <td width=121 valign=top > <p align=left >Company Name</p> </td> <td width=120 valign=top > <p align=center >Location</p>…

6 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward the conclusions of its consultation on high hedges and other nuisance vegetation.

Answer · Fergus Ewing: I intend to inform elected members of the progress made so far at a briefing to be held in Parliament on 16 September 2010, at which all members are welcome.</p>

30 Jul 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government regarding the provision of financial support to people affected by contaminated blood and blood products.

Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the provision of financial support to people affected by contaminated blood and blood products.</p> <p >In late March 2010, I agreed with plans of the th…

28 Jul 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much VisitScotland spent on (a) administration and (b) marketing in 2009-10.

Answer · Jim Mather: VisitScotland''s audited accounts for 2009-10 are not yet available. They will be published later in the year, normally in November, when they are laid in Parliament.</p> <p >According to the 2008-09 accounts which were prepared under UKGAP accounting stand…

9 Jun 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support children attending Junior Academy at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, who recently had local authority funding withdrawn.

Answer · Michael Russell: Some local authorities have made a decision to withdraw support for pupils who attend the RSAMD Junior Academy. Any decision to withdraw such funding is for them to consider. Scottish ministers have no locus to intervene in that decision.</p> <p >The Scotti…

11 Mar 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s workforce by (a) local authority area and (b) full-time equivalents at each pay grade.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: This is an operational matter for SEPA. I have asked Dr Campbell Gemmell, Chief Executive of SEPA, to respond to your question.</p>

11 Mar 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s workforce by (a) local authority area and (b) function.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: This is an operational matter for SEPA. I have asked Dr Campbell Gemmell, Chief Executive of SEPA, to respond to your question.</p>

11 Mar 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) capital and (b) revenue funding was spent on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s building and facilities at Strathpeffer Road in Dingwall in each of the last 10 years.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: This is an operational matter for SEPA. I have asked Dr Campbell Gemmell, Chief Executive of SEPA, to respond to your question.</p>

4 Mar 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether research has been carried out into a connection between glucose-fructose syrup in food and drink and the rise in obesity.

Answer · Shona Robison: Glucose-fructose syrup, also known as High-fructose Corn Syrup is used as an alternative to sugar (sucrose) by the food industry for certain products.</p> <p >In 2009, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) commenced a review of carbohydrate a…

1 Mar 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when the Skye and Kyle Rail Development Company will receive a response to its development grant application, reference number TSEF 259.

Answer · John Swinney: All remaining decisions about Third Sector Enterprise Fund applications will be communicated within the next two weeks.</p>

6 Jan 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of the Draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill, also showing the cost of (a) staff time in drawing up proposals and drafting the draft Bill, (b) publication and distribution of documents, (c) advertising and publicity, (d) holding consultation meetings, (e) travel an…

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30469, on 15 January 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2…

6 Jan 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been of developing the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill to date, also showing the cost of (a) the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, (b) analysing the results of the Draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill consultation, (c) staff time in drawing up proposals and drafti…

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The total cost of developing the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill to date is approximately £1,023,658. A breakdown is provided in the following table. The Committee of Inquiry on Crofting was established by the previous administration during the 2006 Crofting …

30 Nov 2009 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how much farmland is tenanted compared with 1999.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The amount of rented farm land has fallen from 1.78 million hectares in 1999 to 1.59 million hectares in 2008. This information is drawn from the June Agricultural Census, with yearly comparisons available in the Abstract of Scottish Agricultural Statistics, …

30 Nov 2009 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider revising the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 to take into account the changing circumstances in the tenanted sector.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-29420 on 8 December 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/business…