Robin Harper

7 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take account of the consensus that exists in Scotland on education and sustainable development as embodied in the Education 21 forum.

Answer · Sam Galbraith: The Scottish Executive is committed to integrating the principles of environmentally and socially sustainable development into all Government policies, including education. The Executive shares many of the aspirations of the Education 21 Forum and we will be …

7 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures proposed in the draft Improvement in Education Bill reflect its commitment to integrate the principles of environmentally and socially sustainable development into all policy areas.

Answer · Sam Galbraith: The Scottish Executive is committed to considering the sustainable development implications of all new pieces of legislation. The Improvement in Scottish Education Bill is intended to create a transparent framework for improvement in schools. Within that fram…

7 Sep 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what account it proposes to take in its draft Education Bill of the recommendations in Scotland the Sustainable: the Learning Process produced by the former Secretary of State's advisory Education for Sustainable Development Group.

Answer · Sam Galbraith: The Improvement in Scottish Education Bill is intended to create a transparent framework for improvement in schools.<FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive is committed to integrating the principles of environmentally and socially sustainable deve…

29 Jul 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement regarding the justification for the genetic crop research being carried out in Scotland, and give an assurance that no experiment in respect of such research will endanger or compromise any near or adjacent organic farming enterprise.

Answer · Ross Finnie: It is essential that scientific information is available on the environmental effects of genetically modified crops before decisions are taken on wider use. It is important that full information is obtained on the effects of genetically modified crops under S…

19 Jul 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the operation of the Conservation of Seals Act (1970) to ensure that enforcement arrangements are as effective as possible.

Answer · John Home Robertson: All Scottish police forces have a Wildlife Liaison Officer whose responsibilities include enforcement of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and investigations of any alleged offences under the Act. The Scottish Executive maintains close contact with these of…

14 Jul 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to ban fox-hunting with dogs in Scotland before, or subsequent to, the introduction of similar legislation for England and Wales by Her Majesty's Government.

Answer · Jim Wallace: We have no plans to introduce legislation to ban fox-hunting with dogs.

7 Jul 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that the world heritage site of St Kilda is fully protected from the potential threats posed by the deep water oil developments being licensed there by Her Majesty's Government.

Answer · Sarah Boyack: We are satisfied that the measures in place for consideration of the potential environmental impact of petroleum activities on all parts of the UK Continental Shelf ensure the protection of the St Kilda World Heritage Site. The licensing of blocks for petrole…

21 Jun 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be consulted from 1 July by Her Majesty's Government prior to the licensing of oil developments in Scottish waters and, if so, whether it intends to consult the Parliament on its responses.

Answer · Henry McLeish: The licensing of oil developments is a reserved matter. Nonetheless administrative arrangements are being made to ensure that the Scottish Executive is routinely kept informed of proposed rounds of licensing. If any of the proposals have a particular impact…

21 Jun 1999 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility transfers to it on 1 July for (a) protection of the marine environment and wildlife from pollution resulting from oil exploitation and oil spills in Scottish waters and (b) licensing of oil exploration in Scottish deep water areas.

Answer · John Home Robertson: Within controlled waters (ie waters within the meaning of section 30A)(1) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974), responsibility for the protection of the marine environment from oil pollution rests with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which is acco…