Parliamentary questions
Michael Russell
1,207 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
13 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a body dedicated to the physical, social and economic regeneration of small towns similar to the Association of Market Towns in England supported by the Countryside Development Agency.
Answer · Wendy Alexander: A wide range of public and private sector organisations, authorities, and agencies throughout Scotland are committed to local initiatives to promote the physical, social and economic regeneration of small towns. The Scottish Executive supports the aims of the…
13 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what research on the future of Lanark Racecourse it or any of its agencies or non-departmental public bodies have undertaken or commissioned since 1999 and whether it will publish any such research.
Answer · Elaine Murray: I am not aware of any research undertaken or commissioned by the Executive or any of its agencies, or non-departmental public bodies since 1999 on the future of Lanark Racecourse.
13 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive where horse racing fits within its strategies on (a) sport and (b) tourism.
Answer · Elaine Murray: There is no recognised Scottish governing body for horse racing. Consequently, no approach has been made to <B>sport</B>scotland for the recognition of horse racing as a sport. Horse racing has not been identified separately in the Executive's tourism strateg…
13 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received on the restoration and re-opening of Lanark Racecourse.
Answer · Elaine Murray: Following their approaches to me and my predecessor I am arranging to meet Karen Gillon and David Hughes, the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer. I have received no other representation on this matter.
5 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what new facilities will be available at the renovated Lanark Sheriff Court that were not available prior to commencement of the renovation works and who requested that any such facilities be provided.
Answer · Jim Wallace: The renovated facilities will provide a courtroom to replace the courtroom currently housed in a porta-cabin at the rear of the building. It will upgrade the custody suite, improve access to the building, including disabled access, and generally upgrade the i…
5 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the rebuilding and extension of Lanark Sheriff Court, including the cost of any temporary accommodation used during building works.
Answer · Jim Wallace: Presently the proposed redevelopment is at scheme design stage and as such, the anticipated costs are under review. The costs associated with the temporary outhousing accommodation are, however, contractually committed.<P>The anticipated cost of the proposed …
4 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to verify the location of a fingerprint in cases where there is a dispute over the provenance of a fingerprint lift.
Answer · Jim Wallace: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22713.
4 Feb 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently any requirement for Scene of Crime Officers to photograph a fingerprint on the surface on which it has been found and what safeguards are in place to ensure probity and continuity in the treatment of fingerprint lifts.
Answer · Jim Wallace: In dealing with fingerprints at a crime scene the presumption is that any marks discovered may be evidential and must be treated accordingly. All actions involving the processing of fingerprint lifts and impressions must therefore be fully documented and audi…
30 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations govern the materials which can be used to provide safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22524.
30 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the provision of safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Health and safety is a reserved matter enforced by the Health and Safety Executive or local authorities depending on the type of premises. There are no specific regulations covering children's playgrounds under health and safety law. The Health and Safety Exe…
30 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive and prepared by Professor David Ball which suggests that the cost of safety surfaces in children's playgrounds cannot be justified in cost benefit terms, as reported in Scotland on Sunday on 27 January 2002.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I understand that the Health and Safety Executive has commissioned a report from Professor David Ball as part of wider discussions about playground safety. The report has not yet been published but will be made available publicly soon in the Health and Safety…
30 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to Arthur Andersen Consulting by (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) agencies of the Scottish Executive and (c) non-departmental public bodies stating, for each organisation under (a), (b) and (c), (i) the number of contracts awarded, (ii) the total value …
Answer · Andy Kerr: Only four contracts have been placed with Arthur Andersen or Arthur Andersen Consulting since 1 July 1999. All four were awarded following competition. <P>Expenditure to date on these contracts is £410,000. However, three contracts have not yet been completed…
30 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what contacts (a) ministers and (b) civil servants have had with (i) the accounting firm Arthur Andersen and (ii) Arthur Andersen Consulting including (1) meetings (2) hospitality received including events organised by bodies other than the Executive (3) briefings or assistance with poli…
Answer · Andy Kerr: It is not practicable to provide the information in the detail requested. In particular, detailed records are not kept of the other participants in, or sponsors of, events such as conferences or seminars that are attended by ministers or officials. Partners o…
30 Jan 2002 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on primary class si'e numbers as of August 2002.
Answer · Nicol Stephen: Information on primary class sizes is collected in September of each year as part of the School Census. <P>As set out under the National Statistics Code of Practice, results from the September 2002 School Census will be published as soon as rigorous validatio…
30 Jan 2002 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the structure of, and system of election for, the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The General Teaching Council for Scotland is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body the structure of which was comprehensively reviewed in 1999. There are currently no plans for further review.<P>The scheme to elect members of the General Teaching Council f…
29 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all national or international energy companies which have ever (a) met ministers, (b) met officials and (c) made representations to it either directly or through a third party.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22482.
29 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any past or current ministers or any of its officials have at any time attended an official or unofficial function, reception, dinner or event paid for in whole or in part by Enron or a company lobbying on behalf of, or representing Enron.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22482.
29 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any past or current ministers or any of its officials have at any time in the course of their duties met in an official or unofficial capacity anyone who worked for, was a board director of, or lobbied on behalf of Enron.
Answer · Lewis Macdonald: In the course of their duties, Scottish ministers and officials with responsibility for a wide range of issues have been in contact with a large number of companies and other organisations and individuals, both in the energy field and in other areas. This wil…
28 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum level of provision of community facilities in rural areas is appropriate and what action it will take to ensure that councils do not cut such provision beyond that level.
Answer · Andy Kerr: Provided they fulfil their statutory duties, it is for councils to decide what level of services and facilities to provide in their area.
28 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to protect the interests of communities which may be adversely affected by cuts in services proposed by Scottish Borders Council.
Answer · Andy Kerr: It is entirely a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.
28 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the effectiveness of the way in which Scottish Borders Council has managed its financial affairs.
Answer · Andy Kerr: The Accounts Commission for Scotland, which is independent of ministers, is responsible for securing the audit of local authorities and for monitoring and investigating stewardship of public funds by local authorities. The commission has undertaken an investi…
24 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the word "soon" as used in answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial statements means a period of (a) less than one week, (b) between one week and one month, (c) more than one month, (d) more than six months, (e) more than one year or (f) some other unspecified period of …
Answer · Patricia Ferguson: Interpretation of the term will depend upon the particular context in which it is employed. Where the term is used, it will, as is always the case, be the Executive's intention to follow up the issue without any avoidable delay. Whenever possible, however, we…
24 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21573 and S1W-21574 by Dr. Elaine Murray on 22 January 2002, how it defines "soon".
Answer · Elaine Murray: A major funding package of £3.5 million for Scotland's theatre sector over this and the coming two years was announced on 28 January 2002.
23 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what criteria it used when deciding to award funding in September 2000 and November 2001 to the Piping Centre, Glasgow.
Answer · Elaine Murray: The criteria included being a centre of excellence and providing international leadership in piping, its educational role, which involves teaching on the RSAMD's course in Scottish music, and evidence of financial need.
23 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether losses on commercial activity are taken into account when it considers deficit funding to cultural bodies.
Answer · Elaine Murray: All the relevant financial and operational factors are taken into account.
23 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what reasons given were for the Piping Centre, Glasgow having debts of this nature.
Answer · Elaine Murray: The Piping Centre incurred a substantial debt in the conversion of the building. In its initial years the centre's income without public subsidy has not yet matched its costs.
22 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans ministers have to visit Kilmartin House Museum in Argyll; whether any visits planned by ministers in the last 12 months have been cancelled, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.
Answer · Elaine Murray: I have no plans to visit Kilmartin Museum. The Scottish Executive has responsibility for the National Museums and Galleries, whereas responsibility for the 400 or so non-national museums lies with local agencies. <P>I understand that arrangements had been mad…
22 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what international best practice on funding for museums is informing the development of a national policy on museums.
Answer · Elaine Murray: There could be difficulties in deciding how international best practice can inform the development of national policy on museums in Scotland. We will take account of best international practice taking appropriate account of the differences in historic pattern…
22 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what input the Scottish Museums Council has had to the development of a national policy on museums.
Answer · Elaine Murray: Scottish Museums Council is the Executive's main adviser on local museums and the main channel of Executive support for Scotland's 400 or so local museums and galleries. Scottish Museums Council is conducting the national audit of the museums sector, and is l…
22 Jan 2002 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing its policy on museums.
Answer · Elaine Murray: The National Cultural Strategy committed the Executive to initiate a national audit of collections in museums and galleries, beginning with the industrial museums. £250,000 has been made available for the audit and an interim report was published in October 2…