John Lamont

12 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address affordable housing issues in the Borders.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: I have askedAngiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Herresponse is as follows:</p><p>Local investmentpriorities are agreed jointly by Scottish Borders Council (as the strategichousing authority) and Communities Scotland. These in…

12 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to support, expand and promote the bus network in Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: We are committed toimproving the public transport experience for passengers thereby providing maximumbenefit and easing the commute. We will be working with bus operators, transportauthorities and other key industry stakeholders on more effective transport pl…

5 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support local communities that object to the building of new wind farm developments in the Scottish Borders.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Applications to develop windfarms will be considered on their merits, taking into account all materialconsiderations, including those put forward by local communities. Where anapplication is made under planning legislation for a development with less than50MW…

5 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executivewhether it will support the reopening and development of Jedburgh and Coldstream hospitals in the Scottish Borders, in light of its decision to support the retention of accident and emergency services at Ayr and Monklands hospitals.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: I have already confirmedthat in honouring our commitment to maintain accident and emergency services atAyrand Monklands, I am not signalling a general review of service changes thathave been made in the NHS.</p><p>It is for NHS Borders toplan and deliver serv…

5 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executivewhat action it will take to improve doctors’ out-of-hours services in the Scottish Borders.

Answer · Shona Robison: NHS Borders is responsiblefor providing out-of-hours primary care services in its locality. Out-of-hoursservices must meet the standards and criteria laid down by NHS QualityImprovement Scotland (QIS). These require the new out-of-hours arrangements tobe acce…

30 May 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to NHS Borders to fund a new full-time NHS dentist for Newcastleton.

Answer · Shona Robison: Funding is available throughthe general dental services budget where NHS boards wish to appoint salarieddentist posts to fill gaps in provision. Whilst NHS Borders has no currentplans to establish a full-time dental post in Newcastleton, the board islooking a…

30 May 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to extend access to dentistry in Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

Answer · Shona Robison: NHS Borders has committeditself to improving access to NHS dentistry through the expansion of itssalaried general dental service, concentrating in the first instance on Hawickand Coldstream.</p>

30 May 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to increase the number of NHS dentists in Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

Answer · Shona Robison: NHS Borders will appointadditional salaried general dental practitioners. There are also a range offinancial measures in place to support independent general dental practice whowish to provide NHS dental services.</p>

30 May 2007 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures it will put in place to support rural development and, in particular, wealth creation in the Borders and across Scotland.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: The Government proposes to invest£1.6 billion in rural Scotland over the next seven years through the Scotland RuralDevelopment Programme 2007-13.</p><p>Measures to deliver a wealthierand fairer Scotland include:</p><p>£31 million for the restructuringof agri…