Carolyn Leckie

29 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W 23269 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 February 2006, whether it is its understanding that the Chief Medical Officer was referring to thousands of (a) live virus vaccines or (b) attenuated vaccines and that he was suggesting that it is safe to administer to a c…

Answer · Andy Kerr: Whether the vaccines are liveor inactivated is not specified by the authors of the paper referred to in my previousanswer. The administration of 10,000 vaccines at the same time is a theoreticalconcept to illustrate the capacity of an infant’s immune system, …

24 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate an investigation into the link between landfill sites and environmental pollution and, in particular, whether there is a relationship with birth defects.

Answer · Ross Finnie: A review of theenvironmental and health effects of waste management was carried out by theenvironmental consultants Enviros and the University of Birmingham, and was published by the Department for Environmentaland Rural Affairs in May 2004.</p><p>With regard…

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the written ministerial statement by the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the statutory redundancy payments scheme (Official Report, House of Commons, 2 March 2006, Vol 443, c 39WS)  which states that the EU Employment Directive “provides fo…

Answer · Tom McCabe: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-24591 on 20 April 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be foundat: <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/w…

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the written ministerial statement by the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the statutory redundancy payments scheme (Official Report, House of Commons, 2 March 2006, Vol 443, c 39WS)  which states that the EU Employment Directive “provides fo…

Answer · Tom McCabe: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-21675 on 17 January 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/w…

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what urgent action will be taken to provide parents with the alternative of single vaccines on the NHS, in light of the decision by the Chiron Corporation to withdraw its MMR vaccine from Italian and developing world markets because it may be associated with a higher rate of adverse side …

Answer · Andy Kerr: There are no implicationsfor the childhood immunisation programme in Scotland because the MoruparMMR vaccine produced by the Chiron Corporation is not used in the UK.</p>

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding it has budgeted to make available to assist local authorities to meet their obligations in respect of equal pay.

Answer · Tom McCabe: The core local government financesettlement for 2006-07 was approved by the Parliament on 8 February 2006.This includes provision for the salaries and wages paid by local authorities. The settlement is largely unhypothecated and it is forcouncils themselves t…

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in respect of equal pay, it is aware of agreements and legal waivers that women have been asked to sign by some local authorities in relation to compensation, the value of their equal pay claims and their right to pursue such claims and, if so, whether it has issued any guidance …

Answer · Tom McCabe: The Executive is aware thatoffers of compensation have been made by some local authorities in return foremployees waiving their right to pursue equal pay claims through the courts.These are issues for local authorities and their employees to determine and the…

22 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23069 by George Lyon on 21 March 2006, whether, in applying the gender duty, it will evaluate local authorities’ success in implementing equal pay and their compliance with the duty.

Answer · Tom McCabe: The gender duty is containedin the <i>Equality Act 2006</i> and does not come into force until April 2007. TheEqual Opportunities Commission (EOC) will be initially responsible for issuingcompliance notices to public authorities who are deemed to be in breach…

17 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23221 by Tavish Scott on 13 March 2006, whether the regulatory parts of the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1992/1499), prescribing both the route and use by all classes…

Answer · Tavish Scott: The Invergarry-Kyle of LochalshTrunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme 1992 (SI 1992/1499)remains in place.</p><p>Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more informationif req…

15 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a recent report that Dr Peter Fletcher, former Chief Scientific Officer at the Department of Health and Assessor to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines, previously responsible for deciding whether new vaccines were safe, believes that at least part of the “extremely worr…

Answer · Lewis Macdonald: (a) Children with autism spectrumdisorders should have their health needs, including any gastroenterological problems,addressed in the same way as anyone else. It is up to patients or parents to discusswith individual clinicians what symptoms mean and how the…

15 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a recent report that Dr Peter Fletcher, former Chief Scientific Officer at the Department of Health and Assessor to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines, previously responsible for deciding whether new vaccines were safe, believes that the evidence suggests that for a pro…

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the Departmentof Health’s previous response to Dr Fletcher’s claims which can be found at:</p><p><ahref="http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/PressReleases/PressReleasesNotices/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4009879&amp;chk=2/XPDP">http://ww…

15 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what urgent action is planned to investigate environmental factors influencing the increase in, and medical symptoms associated with, the diagnosis of autism, in light of recent statistics issued by education authorities indicating an over 300% increase since 1998 in the numbers of school…

Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The Executive is unaware ofany peer-reviewed evidence that the prevalence of autism has actually increased.However, due to a variety of factors, including increased awareness, betterdiagnosis and wider diagnostic criteria more children and young people arebei…

14 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23632 by Cathy Jamieson on 13 March 2006, what the Minister for Justice’s policy intentions are in relation to pre-recorded messages and whether the Minister is satisfied that the Executive is not at risk of a successful legal challenge.

Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:</p><p>The pre-recorded telephonemessage is a proportionate measure to ensure the prevention of crime and theprotection of victims. We intend to kee…

9 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, given that the assignation statement in relation to the Skye Bridge toll order bears no year of issue, when it was made and how that is confirmed.

Answer · Tavish Scott: I refer the member to the answer to questions S2W-15739 and S2W-15741 on 26 April 2005. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the searchfacility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliamen…

9 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8363 by Sarah Boyack on 18 July 2000, what the purpose was of the assignation statement in relation to the Skye Bridge toll order, given the statement by the then Minister for Transport that it was not a probative document.

Answer · Tavish Scott: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-21510 on 19 December 2005. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…

9 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether Miller Civil Engineering Limited or Miller Bhuideann Limited were members of the Skye Bridge PFI consortium.

Answer · Tavish Scott: No. Miller Civil EngineeringLimited, and its successor Miller (Buidheann) Limited, formed part of the jointventure company Miller Dywidag, which constructed, maintained and operated the crossingunder contract to the concessionaire, Skye Bridge Limited (SBL).<…

9 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of the first share issue, as identified in the statutory assignation statement made in relation to the A87 Skye Bridge crossing.

Answer · Tavish Scott: This is a matter for the concessionaire,Skye Bridge Limited. Copies of the company’s annual Directors Report and FinancialStatements are available from Companies House.</p>

7 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23001 by Mr Tom McCabe on 7 March 2006, when it will publish the proposed draft regulations that will amend the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (Scotland) 1998.

Answer · Tom McCabe: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23000 on 16 March 2006, which deals in part with this question.I can also confirm that the discussions referred to in that answer are stillon-going.</p><p>All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are avail…

3 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-22997 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 March 2006, whether it or any of its agencies considered lessons from the past when deciding not to recall products made under the circumstances leading to the shutdown of the Protein Fractionation Centre.

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23791 on 14 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…

3 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-22994 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 March 2006, whether it will provide details of the (a) specific areas of improvement found to be necessary and (b) parts of the production process affected as a result of the shutdown of the Protein Fractionation Centre and…

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23791 on 14 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…

3 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-22995 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 March 2006, whether it will publish the communications between the Protein Fractionation Centre (PFC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in respect of risk assessments carried out on products manufa…

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23791 on 14 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…

3 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-22995 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 March 2006, whether it will list in detail (a) each risk assessment carried out at the Protein Fractionation Centre and its full outcome and (b) the actual risks calculated in respect of patient safety and describe, in scie…

Answer · Andy Kerr: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23791 on 14 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/…

3 Mar 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-22996 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 March 2006, what information has been given to patients in respect of the shutdown at the Protein Fractionation Centre and the safety of products made under the circumstances that led to the shutdown.

Answer · Andy Kerr: The safety and regulatory implications of the suspension of manufacturing at the Protein Fractionation Centre are being carefully reviewed as part of the response to the recent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency inspection. I cannot comment f…

28 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it agrees with the Scottish Prisons Complaints Commissioner that the pre-recorded message on all outgoing calls from Scottish prisoners should be removed or reworded; whether it is aware that in England similar pre-recorded messages have been removed; when it will take action on t…

Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:</p><p>The current message, which precedesany call from a prisoner, advises recipients that the call is coming from a prison.The SPS believe…

28 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the analysis of the responses to its consultation on the implementation of the private landlord provisions of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The report of the analysis of the responses is in preparation and will be published in the spring.</p>

27 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7004 by Malcolm Chisholm on 30 March 2004, what the take-up rate of the MMR triple vaccine at 24 months was in (a) each year from 1990 to 2000, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005, broken down by NHS board.

Answer · Andy Kerr: The information requested is not available centrally for all years.</p><p>Uptake rates for 1990-94 cannot be produced as universal MMR immunisation was not fully implemented at this time.</p><p>Figures for 2005 are not yet available. They will be published on…

22 Feb 2006 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has to ensure that an environmental impact assessment is undertaken of the proposed Rolls-Royce aero engine test bed site at East Kilbride and to monitor its impact subsequently.

Answer · Ross Finnie: Consideration of individual planningapplications, together with the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),is a matter, in the first instance, for the planning authority concerned, in thiscase South Lanarkshire Council. I understand that South Lana…

21 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how the 2006-07 NHS spending plans, announced on 20 February 2006, reflect the actual redistribution of funding according to the Arbuthnott formula and what the funding would have been had the Arbuthnott formula been applied in full to each NHS board.

Answer · Andy Kerr: When the Arbuthnott formula was introduced in 2000-01, it was agreed that, in order to ensure no detrimental effects, no Board would lose funding and moves to target allocations would be achieved by a levelling up process. Since then, all boards have received…

21 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Care Commission and public bodies with reference to the efficacy of the current monitoring, regulatory and statutory framework in respect of NHS patients in contracted beds.

Answer · Lewis Macdonald: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23332 on 6 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…

21 Feb 2006 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor, review and issue advice on the contractual arrangements and regulatory framework between the Care Commission, public bodies and the private sector in light of the case of Mrs Alma Murray, whilst a patient in an NHS-contracted bed at the BUPA Hatton Lea Nursin…

Answer · Lewis Macdonald: The Scottish Executive HealthDepartment issued guidance in September 2005, to health boards about their responsibilityfor commissioning health services provided by the independent sector. This was developedin consultation with the Care Commission and NHS Qual…