Parliamentary questions
Peter Peacock
1,395 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies and organisations with high growth potential it estimates there are in the Western Isles.
Answer · John Swinney: This information is not collated or routinely held by the Scottish Government. The Enterprise Agencies, in this case Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), are responsible for determining which businesses are considered to have high growth potential and the …
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter regulations relating to the planning fees charged by local authorities.
Answer · John Swinney: No decision has yet been taken on this issue at this time.</p>
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authorities on issues associated with planning fees.
Answer · John Swinney: Circular 1/2004, <i >The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (</i><i >Scotland</i><i >) Regulations 2004,</i> was published to accompany the regulations.</p> <p >A further circular, 2/2007 <i >The Town and Country Plan…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what discretion local authorities have to waive or reduce planning fees for community organisations and community interest companies.
Answer · John Swinney: None. The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 require that where an application is made to a planning authority for planning permission or for the approval of reserved matters, a fee shall be p…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry route is being considered as part of the Ferries Review and, if so, whether it expects a recommendation regarding this route.
Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22100 on 2 April 2009, All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/B…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any progress has been made in securing a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry route and when ministers expect to make an announcement on this.
Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22100 on 2 April 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/B…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to institute another search for a vessel suitable for the potential Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry route.
Answer · Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22100 on 2 April 2009 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/B…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the economic downturn may have resulted in more ferries being available worldwide that could have potential use on a Lochboisdale to Mallaig route.
Answer · Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government''s consideration of a standalone ferry service between Lochboisdale and Mallaig concluded on 5 December 2008 when officials wrote to Storas Uibhist to advise that we would consider the matter in the context of the Scottish Ferries Revi…
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the numbers of Renewable Obligation Certificates issued to renewable energy schemes can be regarded as a proxy for carbon savings and on what basis.
Answer · Jim Mather: The Scottish Government considers that the number of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) issued provide a means of estimating the potential carbon saving made by renewable generation, compared to generating the same amount of electricity represented by …
19 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has recorded the actual measured carbon savings resulting from the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) scheme since 2002 and whether it plans to record actual measured carbon savings in the future.
Answer · Jim Mather: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20734 on 9 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/B…
18 Mar 2009 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibility its justice directorates have for ensuring that Scottish Government proposals comply with EU law.
Answer · Kenny MacAskill : <i > This question 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/sor0326-01.htm">http://www.scot…
13 Mar 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables are gamekeepers, stalkers or estate workers, broken down by police force.
Answer · Kenny MacAskill: The information requested is not held centrally.</p>
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is envisaged that inshore fishery groups will have a coordinator; what roles any such person will perform; how an appointment will be made, and to whom the person will be accountable.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFG will have an Inshore Fisheries Coordinator who will be responsible for assisting the IFG in the conduct of its business. The coordinator will also be secretary of the committee and any subcommittees and the Treasurer of the IFG. The recruitment will b…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages that any of the work of its Marine Directorate will be taken over by inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: IFGs are not statutory organisations and therefore do not have the statutory role, powers or responsibilities of the Marine Directorate. It is not envisaged that any of the functions of the work of the Marine Directorate will be taken over by the IFGs. Their …
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a form of weighted voting in the proceedings of inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFG Executive Committee shall aim to reach agreement on any matter before it. Where agreement cannot readily be reached, the chair, supported by the co-ordinator, will endeavour to resolve the matter.</p> <p >Voting at the IFG General meeting shall be on…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what rules will apply to the appointment of the chairs of inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFG Chair will be recruited through an open recruitment process by the IFG Executive Committee. The chair will be independent in the discharge of his/her duties and have no financial or commercial interests as are likely to affect him or her in the discha…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what would constitute a quorum at inshore fishery group meetings that will ensure a range of interests are represented.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The quorum for a meeting of the IFG Executive Committee is 40% of its membership.</p>
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of inshore fishery groups is to be established and how changes in membership over time are to be managed.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFG Coordinator will maintain a register of IFG members and has the right to demand evidence from any applicant to prove eligibility against the criteria set out in the IFG Constitution. The IFG Coordinator shall, so far as practicable, keep the register …
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its preferred legal status is of inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: IFGs are not statutory bodies and can choose to constitute themselves as either an unincorporated association or go further by becoming an incorporated association, e.g. a limited company. It is recommended that IFGs should seek their own legal advice as to t…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the status and role are of the Scottish Fisheries Council and what its relationship is with inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Council (SFC) is a Scottish Government-led stakeholder group which provides a means by which the Scottish government can implement policies in partnership with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, profitable future for fishing in Scotl…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance for inshore fishery groups remains to be considered, finalised or completed and what timescales it envisages for completion.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: A constitution to facilitate the establishment and operation of IFGs was drawn up in consultation with members of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and is now in place. It is available on the Scottish government website <a href="http://www.scotlan…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that inshore fishery groups can meaningfully contribute on draft legislation or legislative proposals.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: It will be open to IFGs to express their views on any consultation on legislative proposals made by Scottish ministers. Further, Scottish ministers will positively consider sound and considerate legislative proposals from IFGs in their management plan when th…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include marketing interests in the membership of inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFG Executive Committee will be supported by an Advisory Group which is an integral part of the IFG structure. The Advisory Group is made up of relevant experts and key stakeholders, including marketing interests.</p>
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were associated with the Fuel Task Force established to work on policy to respond to rising fuel costs in 2008.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: As a response to rising fuel costs, the Scottish Government funded a package of measures designed to help the fishing industry adjust in order to better prepare for the long-term. As part of this process, total costs of £3,774.16 were associated with the Fuel…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how much aid has been awarded to fishermen following policy initiatives to respond to rising fuel prices and whether any changes to those policy initiatives resulted from subsequently falling fuel prices.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: £325,115.08 has been paid out to fishermen as part of a package of measures designed to help the fishing industry adapt in order to ensure its long term future. This includes £316,476 for VMS warranties and £8,639.08 to help cover the cost of maintaining safe…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that fishing associations represent all fishing interests on inshore fishing groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: All individuals with an active commercial interest in the inshore fisheries in the IFG area are eligible for membership of the IFG. This includes Fishermen''s Associations and individuals who are not affiliated to any Fishermen''s Association.</p>
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that fishing communities are represented on inshore fishery groups alongside fishing associations and others.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The IFGs will enable commercial inshore fishermen to participate on an inclusive, transparent and consensual basis in the management of Scottish inshore fisheries balancing competing sectoral interests with environmental and socio-economic priorities.</p> <p…
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with fishermen and fishing communities in drafting operating rules and guidance for inshore fishery groups and how consultees were selected and consulted.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The guidance and constitution of the IFG was drawn up following the Taking Stock exercise in summer 2007, which involved consultation with a wide range of inshore fishing interests, including the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group.</p>
16 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing inshore fishery groups.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The first meetings of pilot Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) Executive Committees have been held in the South East (Tuesday 27 Jan), the Clyde (Friday 30 January) and the Outer Hebrides (Friday 6 February). First meetings of three further pilot areas in Moray …
13 Feb 2009 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific nature conservation reasons were for planning applications being refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I refer the member to answer to question S3W-21012 on 26 February 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/…