Questions · Peter Peacock

27 Jan 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered encouraging a review of the role of non-domestic rating policy regarding fibre optic networks in order to better support expansion of such networks.

Answer · John Swinney: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-39099 on 3 February 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Busines…

27 Jan 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the valuation principles relating to fibre optic networks and what its assessment is of the implications of those principles for extending such networks to remote communities.

Answer · John Swinney: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-39099 on 3 February 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Busines…

27 Jan 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a difference in the non-domestic rates valuation between like lengths of fibre optic networks between BT and other operators and, if so, for what reasons.

Answer · John Swinney: Valuations of non-domestic property in Scotland are determined by the independent Scottish assessors. In determining valuation methodology assessors work with closely with their counterparts in the rest of the UK and consider international best …

27 Jan 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the (a) valuation of and (b) annual amounts collected in non-domestic rates on fibre optic network operators since May 2007.

Answer · John Swinney: Valuations of all non-domestic property are available on the valuation rolls which are published on the Scottish Assessors Association website at www.saa.gov.uk. The Scottish Government does not hold information disaggregated below that which appears on the v…

21 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contents of the hen harrier conservation framework report have been made available to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee and, if not, whether the report will be published before the Parliament has completed consideration of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotla…

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The report in question, A conservation framework for hen harriers in the UK, includes data from the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme and other monitoring work. It has been prepared for the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the publication is…

21 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) timetable and (b) launch date is for the publication and promotion of the hen harrier conservation framework report by the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme partnership.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: When the report is published, a copy will be made available to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee. Scottish Natural Heritage have assured me that this will be before the Parliament has completed consideration of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (…

16 Dec 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when the successful bids for funding from the Broadband Challenge Fund will be announced.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-38435 on 17 December 2010. 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.parlia…

19 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Grampian has been encouraged to submit a business case for the funding of a new health centre for Forres and, if so, when a decision on funding will be made.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: We are aware that NHS Grampian is developing an outline business case (OBC) reflecting the revised scope of the project. Any decision on funding routes will be dependant on the conclusion of an OBC.

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Forestry Commission’s Regional Advisory Committee for Scotland has with regard to ensuring that proposals for forestry and woodland planting, felling and management protect and enhance biodiversity, historic environment and landscape.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The role of the Forestry Commission''s Regional Advisory Committee for Scotland is to advise the Forestry Commissioners on the resolution of disputed grant applications where an objection from a statutory consultee cannot be resolved through the normal channe…

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will retain the Forestry Commission’s Regional Advisory Committee for Scotland and how the UK Public Bodies Bill might affect this body.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The UK Public Bodies Bill provides powers for the Westminster Government, with the consent of Scottish Ministers, to abolish the Regional Advisory Committees as statutory bodies. The Scottish Government intends to retain the Forestry Commission''s Regional Ad…

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is seeking powers to delegate the powers of the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland through the UK Public Bodies Bill.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government already has the powers by virtue of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act, to delegate the powers of the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland and therefore has no need to seek such powers through the UK Public Bodies Bill.

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has, or will seek, powers to abolish the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland through the UK Public Bodies Bill.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government has discussed the proposed content of the Bill with theUK Government. The Bill, as introduced, does not give Scottish Ministers the powers to abolish the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland. Since the Forestry Commission is a Great Brit…

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to the UK Government in relation to changes to the control and management of Scotland’s forestry that might arise from the proposals in its Public Bodies Bill.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I am in contact with ministers in England and Wales with responsibility for forestry and will continue to monitor the passage of the Bill to ensure that the interests of Scottish forestry are protected.

12 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the UK Public Bodies Bill regarding (a) the future operation and interests of the forest estate in Scotland and (b) the powers, responsibilities and obligations of Scottish ministers.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government''s position is that the Public Bodies Bill, as introduced, does not affect the powers, responsibilities and obligations of Scottish Ministers with respect to the public forest estate in Scotland. The Bill provides for new powers for th…

10 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with education authorities to promote and report on performance improvement plans under the provisions in the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government is not directly involved with education authorities regarding their statutory duties under the 2000 Act. The Scottish Government does, however, engage closely with authorities in the process of establishing, monitoring and reporting on…

8 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the result of the public inquiry into a flood alleviation scheme in Forres to be made public.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: My officials have received the report of the public inquiry into the Forres Flood Prevention Scheme and ministers will make a decision on the scheme as soon as possible. However, it is crucial that we have time to consider the recommendations carefully to mak…

1 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what legal protection other than that afforded by the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 extends to animal species not specified as European protected species under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 199…

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: There are two species in Scotland which have been reintroduced under licence. These are beavers, under the Scottish beaver trial and sea eagles. Beavers have been licensed for release as part of the Scottish beaver trial. As these animals are cur…

1 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what relationship it has with Columba 1400 for the purpose of school leadership development.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government is well aware of the work of Columba 1400 on supporting leadership in Scotland''s school and has been taking an active interest in it, most recently through a meeting last month between the Chief Executive of the organisation and Scott…

1 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with local authorities to promote and report on performance improvement plans.

Answer · John Swinney: Performance improvement is a part of the duty of best value which, alongside an obligation to report on performance, is a requirement of local authorities under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. The Accounts Commission is working on behalf of the Sco…

1 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has undertaken since 2003 to promote recognition of the wider achievement of pupils in addition to their academic attainment.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government and its partners have been taking forward work on recognising achievement as an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). In order to explore the issues involved with recognising achievement at a local level, the Scottish Gover…

28 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in trying to secure a future for the Nigg construction yard and when a conclusion to current discussions is expected.

Answer · Jim Mather: The tender process for the Nigg Yard is currently underway and bids have been received. While the Scottish Government is keeping a close interest in the bidding process, Ministers are unable to enter discussions with individual bidders at this time therefore …

22 Oct 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the tradition of harvesting young gannets.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: The harvesting of gannet chicks would clearly be unlawful save for Section 16(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 allows for a licence to be issued for the purpose of providing food for human consumption in relation to a gannet on the island of Su…