Contents
- Scottish Parliament Thursday 6 March 2003
- Scottish Executive (Record)
- Business Motion
- Question Time
- First Minister's Question Time
- Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- Decision Time
- Fairtrade Towns
Question Time
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Alcohol (Sales to Young People)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to deal with the selling of alcohol to under-age young people. (S1O-6572)
It is for the police and the prosecuting authorities to respond to reports of licensees selling alcohol to young people under 18. The Executive's plan for action on alcohol problems acknowledges that several approaches are required, including proof-of-age schemes and training for bar and off-licence staff.
Will the minister reflect on the serious impact that the selling of alcohol to young people has on the peace of mind and security of many of my constituents who have to live with the subsequent disorder, vandalism and aggression? Does he agree that it is urgent that we adopt a more rigorous approach to dealing with those who knowingly sell drink to under-age young people and to adults who pass alcohol on? In particular, will he examine how the use of young people in the test purchasing of cigarettes and solvents might be extended to alcohol so that shopkeepers who are willing to bolster their profits in that way can be exposed and dealt with effectively?
I share Johann Lamont's concerns. A test-purchasing scheme involving tobacco sales is under way and will be examined to see how successful and effective it is.
Johann Lamont also referred to the scheme that was started in Fife, which arose from a debate sponsored by Marilyn Livingstone to which Fife Council responded. Fife Council is considering some of the issues surrounding shopkeepers who sell to under-age children. That will be different from the tobacco scheme, the evidence from which could be used for prosecution purposes. The local authority is running a solvent-abuse scheme to identify the extent of the problem.
There would be nothing to prevent authorities such as Glasgow City Council from reacting as Fife Council has done and testing the extent of illegal sales. From any evidence gathered, we could reflect on what has to be done.
The Crown Office and the Executive have made it clear that we will act on the information gathered from the tobacco scheme. Anything that Fife Council, or any other authority that has responded to Johann Lamont's point, can do will be of benefit and use to us.
Does the minister agree that, as we consider a review of licensing terms and conditions, we could consider giving courts the opportunity to deal with such breaches by means of the temporary suspension of a licence? In view of the loss of revenue to the licensee, that is more likely to be successful than a straightforward court fine.
There are complex issues surrounding what Bill Aitken has suggested. If the tobacco-purchasing and solvent-abuse scheme identifies issues of concern, we will reflect on what has to be done.
The clear message has to go out from the Parliament that, as Johann Lamont says, irresponsible shopkeepers who are prepared to damage the health of young people will face harsh penalties and we will not tolerate them.
Council Tax System
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to change the council tax system and, if so, when and in what way. (S1O-6576)
We have no plans to change the council tax system at present.
Is the minister aware that council tax in Scotland has increased by 62 per cent in the past seven years, and by 72 per cent in Scotland's poorest city, Glasgow? Is he aware that the council tax is unfair because it hammers pensioners and low-paid Scots while pampering the wealthy and the millionaires? Does he agree that it is time to replace the unfair council tax with an income-based tax in order to redistribute wealth in Scotland?
No, I do not agree with the member. The real-terms increase in council tax levels since 1997-98 is 12.9 per cent. I congratulate 30 out 32 of our local authorities for maintaining the indicative levels for their council tax increases.
I do not support the tax system that the member wants to introduce, which would undermine accountability and lead to fiscal flight. Two people on the average wage would pay more under Tommy Sheridan's scheme, which would ignore the assistance that council tax benefit gives people in need. His system would be unstable, unsound and complex, and the tax would be expensive to collect.
The council tax system delivers for Scotland's communities. It delivers a tax that is easy to collect and that allows our local authorities to provide valuable public services.
If the Executive is unwilling to consider radical council tax reform immediately, will it consider at least restructuring the banding system to eradicate unfair anomalies whereby people whose houses have widely varying values pay the same amount of council tax? Would it not be fairer to introduce more bands?
As the member probably knows, council tax revaluation is scheduled to be undertaken in Wales in 2005, in England in 2007 and at 10-year intervals after that. Scotland's non-domestic rate revaluation will take place in 2005. Between now and then, we will consider the implications of the measures that have been described. However, we do not intend to take action. We must get the non-domestic rate revaluation out of the way before the Executive considers whether there are any other measures that it wishes to take.
Benefits (Payment Method)
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the Department for Work and Pensions about the impact of changes to the method of payment of benefits on urban and rural communities. (S1O-6590)
Pensions and benefits matters are reserved. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with United Kingdom ministers and departments on a range of issues, which include how benefits are paid.
Does the minister agree that the Executive has some responsibility for ensuring that our elderly citizens receive proper information and education about the changes, so that they can make informed decisions about managing their finances? What are the Executive's plans on that?
I agree that the Executive has responsibility for ensuring that all our citizens are informed about matters that are of great importance to them. As I have said many times in the chamber, we have a comprehensive programme for financial literacy, which we are trying to encourage through our funding of credit unions and many other initiatives. We also launched in December last year a fund of £2 million to develop post offices in deprived urban areas. That enables us to assist in the Labour Government's delivery of the modernisation programme and to ensure that people are adequately informed, so that they can maximise their opportunities.
Does the minister agree that one of the most significant impacts on urban and rural communities of the changes to the benefits payment method might be on post offices? Does she share my concern that much of the literature published by UK Government departments does not make it sufficiently clear that people can receive their benefits through the new Post Office card account?
I make it clear that the DWP has responded to concerns that were expressed in Scotland and is undertaking a range of initiatives that will deal with David Mundell's points. The department is to arrange a meeting with Age Concern Scotland in the near future to address immediate concerns and will undertake other initiatives to ensure that information is issued.
I accept that the matter is reserved, but does the minister share my serious concern about the impact on post offices and therefore on the quality of life of the people of Scotland? Will she make the strongest representations on the issue to the UK Government—with which she has good contact—because it affects the viability of post offices in many rural and urban communities?
I understand Keith Raffan's comments, which he has made before. My colleague, Allan Wilson, has made strong representations about the matters raised. We understand the significance of post offices and the contribution that they make to urban and rural communities. That is why we have provided £2 million of funding and why the DWP has responded and will continue to respond to concerns. The DWP believes, and we accept, that it can deliver the modernisation project, which is significant. It will also address the social justice concerns that Keith Raffan flagged up, which Allan Wilson's representations dealt with.
Civil Service Posts (Dispersal)
To ask the Scottish Executive on what criteria its decisions to disperse civil service and executive agency posts are based. (S1O-6586)
Relocation decisions are based on a range of factors, including costs, the quality and efficiency of service, economic factors such as unemployment and other indicators of deprivation, the availability and suitability of staff, transport issues, environmental considerations, the position of staff and the requirements of the organisation concerned.
I draw the minister's attention to the position in which Scottish Natural Heritage finds itself. He should treat the dispersal that is already evident in that agency as something of a prototype and model. Instead of pursuing some unholy grail to disperse people if they are not nailed down, should not he realise that losing between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of its staff in a dispersal programme from now on would not be in that agency's best interests?
The Executive closely considers such matters in discussions. The holy grail in the case in question is to disperse jobs to parts of the country that can then become economically active, which will allow everybody to engage with the work of the Executive and the Parliament. Our relocation triggers allow us to make sensible decisions.
In my constituency, 2,500 people are employed by the Inland Revenue and more than 500 people are employed by the Department for International Development in East Kilbride. I think that we would lose those jobs under the policies of the member's former party. We want to ensure that we provide relocation for real jobs throughout Scotland to effect an impact on our communities rather than provide dislocation, which there would be under the policies of the member's former party.
In applying the criteria, is the minister limited to discussing only Scottish Government and civil service jobs? Does the option still exist to attract United Kingdom civil service and Government jobs to Scotland? Does he pursue such issues?
We are constantly engaged with fellow ministers in respect of such matters. We shout loud for Scotland when a valuable opportunity to relocate arises. The opportunity to relocate senior civil service jobs in Scotland would be lost under the SNP.
Whitehall rather stole a march on us, as it has put 70 jobs in the Western Isles—doing so has been well received. The minister is aware that I am always banging the drum for Wick. Does he agree that putting pensions and information technology jobs into the far north would greatly boost the ailing economy in that part of Caithness?
We bang a drum for all parts of Scotland. Our micro-policies seek to ensure that we put a small number of jobs into communities where a small number of jobs will have a massive impact. The Executive is committed to such policies to benefit all Scotland.
The minister will be aware of bids from Inverness for SNH and Forest Enterprise relocations. Will he take into account the operational benefits to those organisations that could be delivered through relocation to Inverness?
I am aware of the member's close interest in such matters through letters and correspondence with her. A strong case is being made. The Executive must look at good opportunities throughout Scotland to allow services to be delivered and staff to engage properly within the process, and to ensure that we continue to deliver first-class, high-quality public services. The Executive considers such matters and we seek to make announcements in the near future.
Emergency Ambulances<br />(Dumfries and Galloway)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of emergency ambulances in Dumfries and Galloway is adequate. (S1O-6570)
From 1999-2000 to date, the Scottish Ambulance Service has seen an increase of more than 40 per cent in emergency demand in the Dumfries and Galloway area. Despite that increase, the service in that area is achieving a response time that is higher than its targets. The Scottish Ambulance Service will continue to monitor and review ambulance provision, not just in Dumfries and Galloway but throughout Scotland to ensure that demand and response time standards are met.
The figures that the minister has given hide the fact that, within certain stations in Dumfries and Galloway, the number of emergency calls has increased by well over 100 per cent in the past couple of years. Given that fact and the increased pressure from inter-hospital transfers—such as from Stranraer to Dumfries or from Dumfries to Edinburgh and Glasgow—will the minister at least undertake to investigate whether the local service has sufficient resources to meet demand? Increasing concerns are certainly being passed on to me by constituents.
I would be happy to explore the concerns that the member has raised. However, we have already invested in the Dumfries and Galloway area to change accident and emergency provision to full-time working at the Stranraer unit, which is meeting some of the increased demand. We are also providing two accident and emergency vehicles 24 hours a day. We have tried to address many of the concerns by increasing overall resources by almost 10 per cent in the period that I mentioned. As we have said, we are happy to look at the situation throughout Scotland and to monitor accident and emergency services to ensure that we are delivering the highest-quality service in accident and emergency and non-emergency work.
Pollution
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in tackling pollution. (S1O-6595)
The Executive has made progress in tackling pollution. The quality of our rivers, estuaries and coastal waters is steadily improving, with investment in improved sewage treatment playing a major role. Parliament has passed the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, which will improve our ability to enhance the protection of the water environment.
Air quality is generally good and areas of poorer air quality in the centres of some of our major cities are being addressed through local authority action plans under the air quality strategy. Last week, I launched the national waste plan, which sets a course for a more sustainable and less polluting approach to waste management.
What steps can the minister take to assist my constituents, who have a very serious problem? We have tried to address that problem through Scottish Water, but it appears not to have the resources to deal with the matter. Sewage sludge is being left on children's playing fields in the area. Developers cannot continue to develop, despite having planning permission from the local authority because the sewage is holding up that work. The health issues are causing grave concern for the entire village. I would value the minister taking a keen interest in the matter. Clearly, he has the will to tackle such problems through the strategy, but that is not happening in practice.
I am aware of the particular problems in relation to the case raised by the member. Given the intricacies that are involved across several authorities, the appropriate action for me to take would be to write to the member with a detailed response to the question.
Is the minister aware that, over the past week or so, there has been a worrying increase in the number of radioactive particles—by way of radioactive pollution—found around Dounreay? Will he consider instructing the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to move from a process of routine monitoring to a full and detailed study of the area to get to the bottom of the scale of radioactive pollution that surrounds the area? That would help to put people in that neck of the woods much more at ease with the surrounding environment.
I am aware of the recent reports and of the testing that has produced the results. The proper course of action is to assess the results and to discuss them with SEPA. We also speak to the radioactive waste authorities about the matter. Detailed controls are in place. We must be clear about whether the levels in the evidence to which the member refers breach the controls. If they do, that would certainly give us cause to have the review that he suggests. I assure the chamber that, as the member says, processes are in place to monitor outflows from Dounreay regularly.
With regard to the disposal of refrigerators and the 143 tonnes of chlorofluorocarbon gases that need to be disposed of annually, is Scotland's fridge mountain still growing? When is Scotland's ability to dispose of waste fridges likely to meet the demand for the service?
As the member is aware, the Scottish Executive has given financial assistance to local authorities, both last year and this year, to assist in the storage of fridges. The installation of equipment to deal with that situation is a matter that private concerns have seen as something that they want to participate in. It is for that sector, with which John Scott will be familiar, to proceed with that work. I am not aware of any impediments that the Executive has put in place that would prevent that from happening.
Learn to Let Go
To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of its learn to let go campaign have been. (S1O-6568)
The learn to let go campaign is designed to encourage people to consider a wider range of options when undertaking their daily journeys. Recent independent research indicates that it has been successful in raising travel awareness for significant numbers of people throughout Scotland.
Does the minister agree that, having spent £1.1 million over recent times, it is disgraceful that only now is he getting round to evaluating the research? Is he aware of research, commissioned by his own department, which states that advertising, however well designed, is unlikely to impact upon behaviour and that there is no evidence of it having such an impact? Does he recognise that the Executive has a serial addiction to spending our money on promoting its benefits and that it is the minister's party that must learn to let go over the next eight weeks?
An attack on advertising by the Scottish National Party is a fascinating political initiative.
I will set some of the facts straight, because Stewart Stevenson is clearly not aware of them. The research to which I refer includes research conducted by two different agencies; it was conducted in February 2001, October 2001, December 2002 and January 2003. I am sorry that he has only now got round to reading that research but, now that he has, he will appreciate that the campaign contributes significantly to our strategy of raising awareness about the availability of public transport throughout Scotland.
Does the minister agree that the best way in which to get people to give up using their cars is to provide adequate public transport choices, particularly in rural Scotland? To that end, will he further the progress of the petition to reopen Laurencekirk station in Aberdeenshire?
I agree with Mr Davidson's point about the importance of rural public transport. I am glad to put on the record the Executive's contributions in the past few weeks, such as another £150,000 towards rural community transport in Aberdeenshire alone. Our contributions to scheduled rural bus services in Aberdeenshire are significant and, at the end of last year, we agreed to provide a further £2 million for the consideration of bus access from Aberdeenshire to Aberdeen.
The appropriate body, which is Aberdeenshire Council, is considering Laurencekirk railway station, and I look forward with interest to the council's conclusions.
Drugs and Alcohol Misuse
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help children living with parents who misuse drugs and alcohol. (S1O-6566)
The Scottish Executive issued "Getting our Priorities Right: Good Practice Guidelines for working with Children and Families affected by Substance Misuse" on 26 February 2003, which makes it clear that all relevant agencies have a responsibility to protect vulnerable children.
Will the minister and her colleagues try to ensure that all the agencies involved work together better? People who look after children, people who deal with drugs and alcohol problems and people who try to help adults and families sometimes fail to work together as well as they could. Can she improve that situation?
I hope to improve the situation. The report entitled "For Scotland's children: Better integrated children's services" identified the case of a five-year-old in a drug-misusing household who had not attended school for almost a year. That case was a result of the failure of agencies to work together. Because of such tragic circumstances, I have made it a priority to ensure that the relevant agencies join up to consider the needs of such children and young people.
Does the minister agree that children whose parents suffer from such addictions would benefit from the provision of local detoxification, rehabilitation and throughcare facilities? Will she and her colleagues consider the development of a national strategy to provide such facilities?
The member will be aware of a number of pieces of work to consider the provision of treatment facilities for people who require to come off drugs. We must also ensure that the needs of children and young people in those circumstances are addressed because, for too long, the focus has been only on the adult and not on the needs of the child. Children need support in dealing with parental drugs and alcohol misuse.
I have been approached by several constituents who look after their grandchildren on a temporary or permanent basis because the parents have chaotic lifestyles as a result of drug misuse. Sadly, in some cases, the parents have died. What further measures will be considered to assist those often unhappy children to settle with their grandparents?
A number of initiatives provide support to such families; some support the parents with chaotic lifestyles to ensure that they look after their children, and others support the grandparents. A number of representations have been made to me on the question of how local authorities might be able to provide better support through the fostering arrangements for relatives who look after children. I intend to pursue that issue.
As Mr Adam pointed out, there is a dreadful shortage of facilities for such people. Does the minister agree that it is better for children to see their parents make progress? Perhaps we should make better use of the facilities in places such as Castle Craig hospital—which has 14 available places at the moment—to help parents and to allow their children to see them make progress.
I want children to see their parents make progress, but I also want to ensure that we get the services right for the children and young people involved. That must be part of the overall approach to the issue. It is simply not good enough that children have fallen through the net and—as has been pointed out—have, on occasions, died because the various agencies did not get their act together and take account of the needs of the children. That is not good enough. The message that we want to send out loud and clear to all agencies is that they have a responsibility to consider the needs of the children.
Hospital Services (Lothian)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for further development of hospital services in the Lothians. (S1O-6582)
The first phase of the new royal infirmary of Edinburgh opened on time and on budget in January last year. In May, all patient services will have transferred from the old royal infirmary. In addition, a £2.6 million development to increase capacity in accident and emergency services at St John's hospital in Livingston will open later this year.
When I launched the white paper "Partnership for Care" last week, I emphasised our aim to have a national health service that delivers faster and better-quality health care locally. NHS Lothian's plans include a new hospital for Midlothian residents, proposals to develop the hospital services that are currently provided on the site at Roodlands hospital, in Haddington, and community treatment centres in Leith and Musselburgh.
I am particularly grateful for the minister's reply concerning Roodlands hospital, in Haddington. He will be aware that preliminary consultations about hospital services in East Lothian established a clear consensus for a comprehensive redevelopment of Roodlands hospital to include not only its existing services but relocated mental health services. Does he acknowledge that the efficient running of the new Edinburgh royal infirmary will depend on the provision of a good range of services, including day surgery, at local hospitals? Can he give an indication of the time scale for the redevelopment of Roodlands hospital?
John Home Robertson is right. Increasing the capacity of community health services is a key feature of the white paper that was published last week, and it is beginning to feature in the plans of NHS Lothian. Some of that work is already under way—for example, in the new diagnostic services and community services that are being built at the Leith community treatment centre. I very much hope that the redevelopment of Roodlands hospital will not be far behind. The outline business case is being completed this month and will be considered by NHS Lothian next month. I hope that the developments at Roodlands hospital will take place as quickly as possible.
Is the minister aware that ward 1 of Belhaven hospital, Dunbar, is currently being operated as a nursing home? Is that where some of the 53 residents of Cockenzie House are to be placed if their nursing home closes? If not, where else are those 53 people to go? Their families and friends are desperate to know.
There are complex issues to do with the care home sector. However, the public will acknowledge and appreciate the substantial contribution to resolving some of those issues that has been made by the Executive, which has amounted to £130 million over the past 18 months. I hope that the particular issue to which Christine Grahame refers is resolved. In relation to care home fees and the substantial investment that has been made in reducing delayed discharge, the Executive has made enormous progress over the past 18 months.
Road Safety
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve road safety. (S1O-6593)
The Scottish Executive is addressing road safety through a combination of engineering, enforcement and education.
What impact does the minister expect that the schemes to introduce 20mph zones around schools and in residential areas will have in reducing the number of child casualties from road traffic accidents? What form of evaluation will the Executive place on such schemes?
We want the number of child casualties to be reduced by 50 per cent by 2010, and we regularly monitor the figures and the progress that has been made. One of the most interesting of the trials that are under way in West Lothian, which includes Bristow Muldoon's constituency of Livingston, is the trial of part-time speed limits around schools, whereby 20mph speed limits are in place when they can have the most effect in protecting our children as they go to and from school.
The minister is well aware of safety concerns on the section of the A77 that runs between Ayr and Ballantrae. Last week, he made a welcome announcement of road improvements to that section to address safety issues. What design-and-construct contracts have been or will be awarded for that? What is the time scale for the completion of what are relatively small but necessary improvements?
I am keen, for several different reasons, for the improvements to progress quickly. I think that Mr Gallie has written to me asking the questions that he just asked. I have sought detailed answers and I will make them available to Mr Gallie when I have them.
Will the minister audit and report on the development of home zones in Scotland?
All the improvements that we make in road safety, including making roads in residential areas safer, are part of efforts that we audit regularly, both directly and through local authorities. We will continue to do that.
General Practitioner Services (Islands)
To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the effects of the outcome of the negotiations on general practitioner contracts on the provision of GP services in the islands. (S1O-6581)
The new general medical services contract is subject to a ballot of general practitioners that will take place between mid-March and early April. During the negotiations, a working group was established to consider and assess specific remote and rural issues, including island issues. The group's findings have been reflected in the new contract, which addresses the needs of patients in remote and rural areas in a number of ways and promises to alleviate many of the pressures that currently exist in those settings.
I thank the minister for his reply, particularly for his point about pressure on island GP practices. Will he ensure that the negotiations reflect the difficulties in retaining doctors that the Lerwick doctors' practice and Shetland NHS Board are facing? Does he accept that the Lerwick practice is running with only 50 per cent of its recommended doctor work force? Given that recruitment and, crucially, retention are widespread difficulties for island and rural GP practices, will he consider measures, particularly out-of-hours cover, to help those areas?
I was sorry to hear that a further GP will leave the Lerwick practice at the end of June. I spoke to the chief executive of Shetland NHS Board about that today. She said that someone had been recruited to start in Lerwick in July. However, that will not lessen the problems that exist there. The new contract that has been agreed—subject to the ballot of GPs—will offer substantial opportunities not only for island areas, but for areas throughout Scotland. There will be a 33 per cent increase in primary care services. That is an important development, which is consistent with the messages of the "Partnership for Care" white paper about the importance of developing more services in primary care, particularly community health partnerships, which we emphasised during last week's debate.
Part of the new contract will be a statutory patient service guarantee. I am aware of the concerns about the provision of out-of-hours cover. However, other options are open to GPs, including not having to deliver that cover themselves, which are helpful in terms of GPs' work load and recruiting people into general practice. All patients will be guaranteed an out-of-hours service.
In the negotiations, are any special incentives being offered to attract GPs to work on islands? Will the minister consider offering travel warrants? The cost of travel is an aspect that makes people unwilling to live on an island, because they would be unable to afford to keep in touch with people on the mainland.
The agreed funding arrangements are responsive to the extra cost of delivering care in island areas. Indeed, the group to which I referred earlier included an Orkney GP, so particular account was taken of the islands. Funding for general practices on the islands will be increased and that will make the islands more attractive for GPs to work on in the future.
Charity Law Reform
To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made for consultation with the voluntary sector during the development of its response to the McFadden commission recommendations on charity law reform. (S1O-6565)
There was extensive consultation with the voluntary sector and other relevant interests prior to the Executive's response to the McFadden commission report, which was published on 16 December 2002. In taking forward our policy, we will continue to be open and responsive to the views of the charity sector.
The minister will be aware of the Home Secretary's positive announcement that he will publish a draft charities bill that will provide a coherent framework for charity legislation in England and Wales. Does the minister agree that there is a need for early legislation on that matter? Does he also agree that the task of establishing a new regulator should progress hand in hand with the new bill? Will he make a commitment to a Scottish charities bill that is based on the McFadden commission's recommendations?
As much as I agree with Jackie Baillie, I do not entirely agree that we should hold up the establishment of the office of the Scottish charities regulator pending legislation. It is important that we get the office of the regulator off the ground as an executive agency as soon as we can. However, I accept that important work has been done south of the border and that the definition of charity work that was produced by the Cabinet Office strategy unit reflects other aspirations and bears the spirit of the McFadden recommendations. I will be writing to the Home Secretary to stress the importance, from a Scottish perspective, of the new modernised definition of a charity.
I do not think that it would be proper, so close to an election, to commit a future Administration to legislative plans.
The voluntary sector is fearful that the spirit of the McFadden recommendations is being eroded by the delay since the first of four social justice ministers in this Executive announced the review of charity law, and since the second of the four announced that legislation would be introduced. Does the minister accept those concerns? Will he explain why the fundamental recommendation that there should be a charities act is being ignored, and why the pledge of a previous minister is being reversed?
I do not accept that the spirit of the McFadden recommendations has been eroded. Indeed, one of the McFadden commissioners was reported in Third Force News as saying that the Executive response was worth the wait. It is clear that we have accepted the thrust of the report, namely that there should be better regulation of charities in Scotland, and that we have responded positively to the majority of the McFadden recommendations. Legislation would be useful to introduce a new legal form for charities—the charitable incorporated organisation; to extend trustees' investment powers; to improve the procedures and powers of the charities' nominees; and perhaps to implement other measures to extend the regulatory powers available to the regulator. However, the point is that that bill was not envisaged for this parliamentary session, and while some legislation will be necessary, it would not be appropriate to give a time scale for it or to commit the next Administration to it.
Deprived Communities<br />(Investment and Enterprise)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to sponsor investment and enterprise in deprived communities. (S1O-6573)
Working with the United Kingdom Government, we have developed a range of initiatives, including investment incentives, to support businesses and other enterprises operating in disadvantaged communities. We are also investing £2 million a year over the next three years to stimulate the social economy, which provides valuable public services, particularly in the most deprived communities.
How many of the 20,000 modern apprenticeships already created and the 5,000 additional modern apprenticeships that the minister announced this week are likely to assist those living in our most hard-pressed communities? How important are modern apprenticeships in sustaining the strongest labour market that the country has had in 25 years?
The modern apprenticeships are crucial in that regard. Although I cannot give a direct answer in numbers, I note that local enterprise companies have responsibility for modern apprenticeships and that enterprise networks have a strategic objective of closing the gap in unemployment between the worst 10 per cent of areas and the Scottish average. Modern apprenticeships are important in that regard as well.
As Wendy Alexander said, 20,000 modern apprenticeships have already been created and 5,000 additional ones are to come. I made it clear this week that I would like there to be 30,000 modern apprenticeships, as they are central to the maintenance of the historic low levels of unemployment in the country.
How much money have the Scottish Executive and its agencies invested in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company and how much of that money has been lost or misspent as a result of the mismanagement of the company by the board, which is mainly made up of Labour people?
I understand that Renfrewshire Council is compiling a report on the operation of the company. That report will be submitted to Communities Scotland, which will take any necessary action.
Would the minister concede that a much more convincing message would be sent to deprived communities if Scottish Enterprise were able to demonstrate that it had even a passing acquaintance with the condition of privation? Does he agree that, to achieve that, it would be sensible to direct a significant part of its budget to cut business rates and improve investment in transport infrastructure?
The point, of course, is that around 50 per cent of Scottish Enterprise's budget is for investing in skills through modern apprenticeships, skillseekers and other training schemes. Investing in our people is the best way to give them the kind of future that we want. I understand that the Tories disagree with that. I think that that is unfortunate.
Before we come to First Minister's questions, I invite members to welcome two distinguished visitors—Mr Lehohla and Mr Lekhanya, the Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition leader from Lesotho. [Applause.]
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