Plenary,

Meeting date: Thursday, May 29, 2003

Official Report 699KB pdf

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Question Time

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Depleted Uranium Weapons Testing (Protests)

To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on protests on 29 May 2003 about the environmental effect of the testing of depleted uranium weapons at Dundrennan. (S2O-47)

The Scottish Executive respects the public's right to peaceful protest.

In the partnership agreement that they drew up, the two coalition party leaders stated that they would work

"to improve and sustain our environment",

to put

"environmental concerns at the heart of public policy"

and to secure

"environmental justice for all".

Given that the environment and health are devolved matters and in light of the Royal Society's 2002 report, which stated that there were areas of depleted uranium contamination that posed a risk to children and that there were areas that should be cleared of contamination—

Speech!

—will the minister give an undertaking to stop the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan and will he initiate a clean-up project immediately?

Before Mr Finnie replies, I should say that I will not allow questions of that length in future. I did so on this occasion because that was the member's first question.

The member is right to point to the substantial commitments to the environment that are contained in the partnership agreement—there is no way that we will renege on them. However, she makes a small error about the issue being wholly devolved. The legal framework relating to radioactive substances is the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, under which the Ministry of Defence—as the Crown—has an exemption. Therefore, the monitoring of the depleted uranium is conducted by the Secretary of State for Defence.

That is not entirely satisfactory for our being able to observe what happens in Scotland, but we have sought and obtained clear guidance that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency should satisfy itself that the procedures followed by the MOD are adequate—I am pleased to say that SEPA has done so. Furthermore, we recently received confirmation that the MOD will make arrangements for copies of its monitoring reports to be placed in the Scottish Parliament information centre. That will allow MSPs to arrive at an informed judgment about their contents.

Although I would never want the right of an individual to demonstrate peacefully to be compromised, I refer the minister to an answer given by Dr Lewis Moonie in the House of Commons on 20 March 2002. He stated:

"Comprehensive environmental monitoring programmes have been in place at … Kirkcudbright ever since the beginning of the DU munitions trials announced in the House in 1979. These programmes have focused on the collection and analysis of samples of soil, vegetation, freshwater, seawater, seaweed, molluscs and seabed and shoreline sediments … This monitoring continues to show that DU does not pose a significant risk to members of the public or site personnel."—[Official Report, House of Commons, 20 March 2002; Vol 382, c 312W.]

Does the minister agree that, as no significant risk has been detected for 24 years, the Royal Society's assessment of the health effects of depleted uranium—that the risks are very low—is entirely correct and that that renders the need for demonstrations such as the one taking place in my constituency entirely unnecessary?

The questions are not getting any shorter, are they, Presiding Officer?

Let us try with the answer.

I do not think that the state of play on any subject in any way detracts from an individual's civil-libertarian right to protest, so I will not change the original answer that I gave. However, the point that Alex Fergusson makes demonstrates that the exemption under the 1993 act does not remove the need for the Crown to carry out such monitoring, which I confirm is carried out by contractors for the defence science and technology laboratory. I also confirm that the results to which Alex Fergusson referred are in the public domain—he is also right about that.

I call Chris Ballance. He must keep his question tight.

Will the minister ask SEPA to conduct an inquiry into radioactivity in the Solway to examine whether radioactive material has got into the food chain and whether our fish are safe to eat? The issue is not just about Dundrennan; it is also about Chapelcross and Windscale/Sellafield.

I can only repeat the advice that I have, which is that SEPA has confirmed that it is satisfied with the present monitoring programme. SEPA has not drawn my attention to any matters that would require it to instigate any such inquiry, but, if it does so, an inquiry will take place.

Given the Executive's stance on antisocial behaviour, would the minister think it right if somebody dumped 7,000 tin cans over the cliff at Dundrennan? If that would not be right, how much worse is it that the MOD has dumped 7,000-plus DU shells over the cliff there and continues to do so? Given that the MOD does not even know where the shells are and, a couple of years ago, managed to lose the test rig that was sent down to find them, how confident can we be in the reassurances that have been given?

That question should properly be answered by the Ministry of Defence.

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Area Tourist Boards

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of the area tourist board network review. (S2O-37)

The outcome of the review of the area tourist boards is an important matter that deserves careful consideration. The Cabinet will consider how best to take the matter forward in the context of the commitments relating to tourism in "A Partnership for a Better Scotland". No decisions will be announced on the outcome until that process of wider consideration is complete.

I am disappointed in the minister's reply, given that his predecessor said to the chamber on 13 February that a decision would be made soon and would be announced soon after the election. It seems that we have delay, delay, delay. People in the industry are fed up to the back teeth of reviews and considerations of reviews; they want results.

One of the key recommendations on Scottish tourism from the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, which Mr Neil ably convened in the previous parliamentary session, was that we should try to get it right. The current delay will not jeopardise the longer-term aim of ensuring that we have the right strategy for tourism in Scotland. I had understood that that aim was shared by Mr Neil in his previous role as a convener, but perhaps he has some greater ambitions this afternoon.

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A9 (Kessock Junction)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out an urgent survey of the A9 at Kessock junction and undertake any improvements identified. (S2O-34)

The Executive has instructed BEAR Scotland Ltd to investigate and report on the safety of the North Kessock junction by the end of June 2003. Any short-term safety improvements that are recommended will be implemented.

The minister will appreciate that the Kessock junction has been a source of concern for many years, as it has resulted in numerous serious and fatal accidents. I understand that the proposed improvements have been designed and agreed by the Scottish Executive and the local authority. When is construction work likely to commence?

The scheme is developer led and progress has been frustratingly slow. Planning permission was first granted for housing development in the area as far back as 1998. Both the Scottish Executive and the local authority are involved in making a financial contribution but there is, as yet, no commencement date. My primary concern is for road safety so that we do whatever can be done to prevent further fatal accidents. That is why I am determined that action should be taken on the junction following receipt of the BEAR Scotland report.

I am glad to hear the minister's reassurances about the safety issues. Is he aware that the developers do not consider the project to be developer led? They think that it is Scottish Executive led. Does he realise that the problem is the underwriting of the bond for the contractors? Does the Executive plan to underwrite the bond, or will it consider retendering the contract or building the junction itself and recovering the developers' share later?

I can only repeat what I have said—the scheme is developer led and is related to planning consent. The Scottish Executive and the local authority are both involved in the process and are willing to continue discussions with the developers to ensure that the grade-separated junction is commenced as soon as possible. That will not happen as quickly as I would like. That is why the temporary measures need to be considered urgently.

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Economic Growth

To ask the Scottish Executive what recent steps have been taken with Her Majesty's Government to formulate policies and strategies to ensure that Scottish economic growth matches that achieved by the rest of the United Kingdom. (S2O-18)

Growing the economy is the Executive's top priority and we will use the powers of the Parliament to create the conditions for higher growth. Furthermore, I will be seeking opportunities to discuss relevant reserved issues with UK ministers, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

What additional steps will the minister take if, as is forecast, such convergence of economic growth rates does not take place?

I am not quite sure which forecasts the member is referring to. The Experian Business Strategies forecast summary that is commented on in this morning's The Scotsman predicts that growth will be 1.5 per cent this year, 2.4 per cent next year and 2.8 per cent in 2005. Businesses are what grow the economy. Our role is to try to create the conditions and the environment in which growth can take place and business can flourish. That is the intention and it is what we must do to deliver on "A Smart, Successful Scotland".

I am glad that the Deputy First Minister seemed to acknowledge that to grow the economy we must reduce the burdens on business. Why will he not listen to the business community and reduce business rates in Scotland to remove the competitive disadvantage from which Scottish businesses suffer in comparison with their counterparts south of the border?

We had such a debate before and during the election and, from what Murdo Fraser has said, it looks as if it will continue beyond the election. It is fair to say that we have taken measures to freeze business rates this year and to bring in rate relief for small businesses. The partnership's view is that the Executive's limited resources are far better deployed on tackling skills shortages, for example. That would be of far more lasting benefit to business than the kind of quick fix to which Murdo Fraser refers would be.

In addition, Mr Fraser ought to take into account the fact that revaluation in England was different from that in Scotland. The rate burden, as opposed to the rate itself, is a combination of the rate times the valuation. The Conservative party conveniently ignores that.

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Edinburgh Tram Network

To ask the Scottish Executive what the commencement date will be for the construction of the Edinburgh tram network. (S2O-39)

Subject to the necessary parliamentary powers being obtained, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh expects construction to commence in 2007.

Can the minister tell Edinburgh's pensioners whether they will ride on the trams under the concessionary fares scheme for travel on buses or whether they will be restricted to the second-class scheme that is available for travel on trains?

One of my responsibilities is to progress the concessionary fares scheme, not only for older people, but for young and disabled people throughout Scotland. I will look at the details of that. I would also be delighted to consider the issues surrounding the implementation of the scheme for trams, because I am looking forward to trams forming part of the public transport network in Scotland's capital city.

Will the minister ensure that we get an integrated approach to the development of the tram network in Edinburgh? In particular, will he require consultation between Transport Initiatives Edinburgh and all the public transport operators to ensure that we obtain a tram network that builds on and complements existing transport networks in the city, rather than competing with them?

That is an important issue. In some cities that have gone for a tram network, there has been conflict with other forms of public transport. It would be wrong to go for anything other than a fully integrated approach. That means full consultation with those involved in light rail schemes, bus schemes and other public transport initiatives to achieve a fully integrated approach that frees up the limited road space in the capital city, reduces congestion and provides higher-quality public transport.

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Scottish Ambulance Service

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in reducing the amount of on-call work carried out by Scottish Ambulance Service staff. (S2O-3)

Last year, the Scottish Ambulance Service converted stations at Dunoon, Fraserburgh and Stranraer from part-time to full-time working. The service has a programme of reducing on-call work wherever possible and constantly monitors on-call hours worked.

Is the minister aware that the Scottish Ambulance Service's chief executive wrote to me on 10 April last year to give the commitment that Peterhead station would be upgraded to full-time working? Staff were told on 22 April 2002 that 10 staff would be recruited in the year ending April 2003. On 28 February 2003, the then Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care could not give me a date for full-time working at Peterhead. When will the Executive fulfil its commitments, give me a date and give the people of north-east Scotland the service that they need?

That decision is properly for the Scottish Ambulance Service's chief executive. One of the service's priority stations for conversion from part-time to full-time work is Peterhead, but Mr Stevenson should remember the other significant changes that have taken place in the service in his area recently, such as the start of priority dispatch, joint working initiatives with the national health service and full-time working at Fraserburgh, to which I referred. He should also remember the significant developments in the service throughout Scotland, most notably the recruitment of 200 extra emergency ambulance staff in one year—last year—throughout Scotland.

That is a no, is it, minister?

Order.

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Scottish Agricultural College

To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to meet the Scottish Agricultural College and what matters will be discussed. (S2O-2)

The Executive meets the college regularly to discuss a range of matters relating to the research, education and advisory services that it commissions from the college.

Does the minister share my concern that all the proposed changes in the college—not just those in the Deloitte & Touche report—risk undermining severely the college's ability to serve Scotland's land-based industries? Will he take urgent action to ensure that, until the proposed changes have been fully investigated, the college's management are advised not to lay off staff or to dispose of assets piecemeal?

I am well aware of the potential ramifications of the proposals that have been set out and provisionally endorsed by the college's board of management. Brian Adam will be aware that, immediately before the dissolution of the Parliament, I wrote to express to the board my serious reservations about several matters on which it has reached conclusions.

It is regrettable that several suggestions have been made about moving staff and some assets, but I understand that no irrevocable decisions have been taken. I intend to pursue that matter, because I share Brian Adam's view that such suggestions undermine an objective assessment of the proposals that are on the table.

I recall some vigorous discussions in the Rural Affairs Department three years ago about the costs of the Scottish Agricultural College to the taxpayer, so I commend the minister's proposal to refer the college's structure to independent consultants. Deloitte & Touche has come up with the right solution to build on the excellence of the main SAC campus in and around Edinburgh. I urge the minister to have the courage of his convictions and to see that decision through.

As I said to Brian Adam, there is no doubt that Deloitte & Touche's report confirms what many of us knew—that the college occupies five times the amount of space that it requires to run an effective and efficient agricultural college and to deliver research services.

It is clear that the college cannot survive with more than one campus site. I have said and I stick to the view that the selection of the campus site still requires the SAC to show that it can deal with the criticisms that have been levelled against its management and about the delivery of its educational service; the SAC must also show that it can justify some of the assumptions that it supplied to Deloitte & Touche. If it can do that, all members will feel much more satisfied with the decision, but that has not yet happened. I await the SAC management's response to the questions that I have posed to them.

Does the minister intend to invite the new environment and rural development committee to investigate the restructuring of the SAC and to prepare a report for the Parliament, given that the Deloitte & Touche report appears to be fundamentally flawed?

One thing that a minister should never do is instruct any parliamentary committee to do anything. What parliamentary committees do is for parliamentary committees to decide—that is the proper course of action.

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Forth Road Bridge

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet the Forth bridgemaster as a matter of urgency to discuss measures to relieve peak-hour congestion levels on, and leading on to, the Forth road bridge. (S2O-30)

The Executive is in regular contact with the bridgemaster and is a member of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority management group, which discusses all aspects of the operation of the Forth road bridge.

If the minister is regularly in touch with the bridgemaster, he will be aware that congestion—especially at morning peak hours and on the southbound carriageway—exceeds the bridge's capacity of 3,600 to 4,000 cars an hour, which leads to ever-lengthening tailbacks. Perhaps he will assure me that he is aware of that issue. Will he seriously consider the following: introducing higher tolls at peak hours; ensuring an early start in rebuilding Waverley station; renewing the signalling network; and extending railway platforms in Fife to increase capacity? Will he also, when it is completed, consider seriously the study that has been commissioned by Fife Council and others on cross-Forth ferry services?

I have spoken today to Alastair Andrew, who is the bridgemaster, and am aware that he is considering all those issues. A south-east Scotland transport partnership consultancy study that is in part funded by the Scottish Executive is due to be commissioned shortly and will consider those issues. Through the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, Alastair Andrew also has a consultant considering the implications for the current toll regime on the Forth road bridge.

The issues are sensitive, but important. The facts are plain: currently, about 23 million vehicles a year go across the bridge. Based on the current rate of growth, as estimated by the bridgemaster, that will have increased to 30 million vehicles by 2010.

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Homeless People (Edinburgh)

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions there have been with City of Edinburgh Council about its new housing system for homeless people. (S2O-20)

The Scottish Executive has been providing support for the development of a common housing register in Edinburgh and is also aware of recent changes to the council's letting policies that are designed to provide greater choice to applicants.

I thank the minister for her usual attention to such matters and urge her to keep a close eye on the "EH—your key to choice" programme, which is a new programme for letting in Edinburgh. The programme might be a very good idea, but might also put undue stress on people who have chaotic lifestyles and who are in most need of housing. Although the scheme is very recent, will the minister assure me that she will keep a close eye on it?

I am happy to assure Margo MacDonald that I will do that. Of course, I am assisted in that task by the operations of the regulation section of Communities Scotland, which is required by law to ensure that there is proper compliance with the law and that the interests of homeless people are well protected. We will look at the matter carefully.

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Congestion Charging

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any implications of the congestion charging scheme in London for similar schemes proposed in Scotland. (S2O-42)

We are watching developments in London with interest and look forward to seeing the six-month report that Transport for London plans to publish. We know that Transport Initiatives Edinburgh Ltd is also monitoring progress and expects to learn from London's experience.

Given the opprobrium that was heaped on Mayor Livingstone's scheme when it was first mooted, does the minister agree that that scheme is now recognised as being successful? As a result, there might be lessons to be learned for Scottish cities when measures to deal with severe traffic congestion are considered.

It is certainly the case that the London scheme has been far more successful than many people predicted. However, that does not mean that such schemes will work in every city in the United Kingdom. It is clear that there are important lessons to be learned for any Scottish city that is considering such a scheme.

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Economic Growth

To ask the Scottish Executive what its first steps will be to achieve economic growth. (S2O-53)

As I indicated in an earlier answer, growing the economy is our top priority, but there are no quick fixes that will achieve that. Our first step will be to continue the approach that is set out in "A Framework for Economic Development in Scotland", which recognises that economic development relates to all parts of Scotland's economy and society. The most crucial element of that approach is the medium and long-term enterprise strategy, which is set out in "A Smart, Successful Scotland".

The success of an economic strategy is dependent on the skills of the work force. What progress has Future Skills Scotland made in matching Scotland's skills requirements with industry's needs?

I agree entirely with Marilyn Livingstone that addressing skills needs in Scotland is vital; indeed, it is one of the key features of the "A Smart, Successful Scotland" strategy and it is also well set out in the partnership agreement. We believe that Future Skills Scotland has an important role to play. If we are going to address skills and try to match skills with need, it is important that we have the intelligence to do that.

In the Executive's "The Lifelong Learning Strategy for Scotland" document, which was published earlier this year, we underlined the important role of Future Skills Scotland in developing the knowledge and understanding of the requirements of Scotland's labour market. In the weeks and months ahead, we will want to draw on the important contribution that Future Skills Scotland makes.

Is the minister aware of the work of the economist E F Schumacher, who challenged the notion that a concept of economic growth that includes activities that undermine people's health, freedom and dignity is a false measure of economic growth? Will the minister commit the Executive to investigating more sophisticated measurements of economic well-being? If he does not, is not the Executive's green thread already fraying badly?

I certainly am aware of the work of E F Schumacher—I recall listening to him speak in a hall in Dumfries in the late 1970s and I have read "Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered" and other publications of his. Indeed, the Executive has indicated that sustainability is an important part of all our policies, not the least of which is our economic development policy.

In response to the point that Mr Harvie raised about health, I also believe that only with a growing economy can we address adequately and effectively issues such as improving the health of our nation, and ensure that we have the kind of education system that produces young people with skills and talents and which allows them to develop their abilities. That is why we believe that achieving growth in our economy is vital to achieving our social justice objectives.

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National Waste Strategy

To ask the Scottish Executive how the national waste strategy will ensure the future of community-based recycling schemes. (S2O-57)

The wording of the national waste strategy recognises the key role of the community sector in achieving sustainable waste management. We expect that community-based recycling schemes will continue to play an important part in the implementation of the 11 area waste plans.

Given that the national waste strategy guidelines indicate that the waste strategy should be determined at all levels by a combination of one third local authorities, one third private sector and one third community groups, will the minister explain why there is community representation in only three of the 11 area waste groups? Is the minister willing to contact the area waste groups to find out why that is the case?

I am disappointed by the lack of community representation. When meetings were held at national Government level in the immediate run-up to the launch of the national waste strategy, I paid particular attention to ensuring that the community sector was included in the area waste groups. I am happy to take up Shiona Baird's suggestion and will follow it up. It is important to the Executive that community groups are an integral part of the development of the scheme—they should not be dropped by omission.

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Borders Railway

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is anticipated on the construction of the Borders railway. (S2O-27)

The Waverley railway partnership is taking the project forward. I would expect to see the business case presented to the Executive and a private bill introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks.

The minister will be aware of the transport infrastructure needs of the Scottish Borders. Will he make every effort to secure parliamentary time for the passage of the enabling bill for the railway? Moreover, will he ensure that public money is committed to support its construction?

On timing, I am aware of the reply that Mr Finnie gave earlier. I will do what I can to ensure that parliamentary time is allocated, but, because that is a parliamentary matter, it would be wrong of me as a minister to interfere. That said, I have no doubt that there is wide interest in the issue across the Parliament and that time will be allocated in due course.

As for funding, the railway is a partnership project and will involve local authorities and the private sector. As a result, it would be wrong at this stage to commit a figure up front on behalf of the Scottish Executive. However, I can say that the Executive is committed to progressing the project and that we will make £3 billion available for major infrastructure projects over the next 10 years. It is expected that funding for the Borders rail link will make up part of that figure.

I wish the minister well in his new job. Will he initiate a departmental inquiry into the continuing and unacceptable three-year delay in the construction works that are necessary on the A78 West Station bridge in my constituency?

I am not quite sure of the relevance of that question to the Borders railway. However, I will undertake to examine the matter and am happy to meet Duncan McNeil soon to discuss the matter further.

I think that that would be best.

I heard the minister's comments about funding, so I should remind him of the Liberal Democrats' manifesto pledge to fund and build the Borders railway if it got into Government. In the light of his reply, do I take it that they will not fund it? After all, the partnership agreement—[Interruption.] Hurts, does it? The partnership agreement merely mentions

"Supporting construction of the Borders … Line".

Does the word "supporting" mean "funding and constructing"?

I welcome Christine Grahame's reminder of the Liberal Democrat commitment. Our commitment to the financing of the scheme is exactly as I described it in my previous response.

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Scottish Agricultural College

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the board of the Scottish Agricultural College regarding its rationalisation proposals. (S2O-43)

The Executive has had a number of discussions with the college about its proposals for rationalisation. The college has been asked to submit revised proposals that address ministers' concerns.

The SAC proposes to move most of its teaching to Edinburgh on the basis of a consultant's report that assumes that student numbers will not only remain stable, but increase. Given that considerably more than half the current cohort has chosen to go to Auchencruive, that half of the remainder has chosen to go to Aberdeen, that agricultural students from farming backgrounds are often needed to work part-time on the farm and therefore need to be within reasonable travelling distance of home, and that there are differential accommodation costs within and outwith Edinburgh, does the minister agree that the Deloitte & Touche report is hanging that particular assumption on a very shoogly nail?

Following my response to the earlier question on the subject, I think that we must be clear about several things, the first of which is that the SAC will simply not survive unless there is serious rationalisation. We must focus on the assumptions that underlie the Deloitte & Touche report and the conclusions that are drawn from them. I recall that, in my evidence to the Rural Development Committee during the last parliamentary session, I made it clear that the college board had to come forward and explain the basis of several of the assumptions, not the least of which is the assumption about student numbers. I have other reservations about the nature and delivery of education provision and I await a response on that. If members are concerned about the report's conclusions, they must go back and seek answers to the assumptions that underlie and underpin it.

Does the minister agree that, because the SAC is a separate company and is therefore not part of a Government department, its directors are required by law to take decisions based on the most financially prudent route for the college? Does he also agree that continuing with four times the space that it needs for teaching, at an annual cost of £4.6 million, is a gross waste of taxpayers' money?

I have no hesitation in agreeing with that. However, we should also be clear that it has not been made obvious to anybody reading the Deloitte & Touche report that any of the conclusions that are posited are themselves financially viable. That is a question about which every member of Parliament, and everyone who takes a serious interest in the future of the Scottish Agricultural College, must be seriously concerned.

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Charity Regulator

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation for a statutory independent charity regulator, supported by an accessible appeals procedure and incorporating a new definition of charity based on public benefit and limiting charitable status to bodies independent of Government and, if so, when it will do so. (S2O-63)

As I made clear in my statement on the issue yesterday, the Executive is committed to legislating on charity law. I am considering the scope and timing of such legislation and am determined to ensure that it will be as comprehensive and effective as possible.

I remind the minister that not all charities are large national organisations; some small organisations are the backbone of our communities. Will she assure us that she will consult all the small organisations and umbrella bodies when making any decisions about legislation?

Cathy Peattie makes a significant point about recognising the smaller organisations and the distinctions and variety that exist in the sector. I am aware of those and am committed to ensuring that we consult as widely as possible. I do not know whether I can guarantee that I will consult each and every small organisation, but I will certainly ensure that our consultation is as comprehensive as possible. I am happy to meet Cathy Peattie to ensure that she is satisfied with that.

Will the minister acknowledge and admit that the office of regulator will have no more statutory power to prevent another charity scandal than exists in the present system? Will she take advantage of the genuine cross-party support in the Parliament and give both an undertaking that a Scottish charities bill will be introduced as an immediate priority, and a time scale for its introduction?

I made my commitment absolutely clear yesterday, and I think that I demonstrated genuinely that I am determined to move as swiftly as possible on the issue. I do not have Tricia Marwick's luxury of being able to stand up every day and say that everything is an immediate priority; I am trying to be as honest as possible, and the Executive will be as honest as possible. We have laid out our legislative programme for the next year and we will deliver on that. As soon as is suitable, I will move swiftly and effectively on charity law reform.

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National Health Service (Consultant Surgeons)

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of NHS consultant surgeons. (S2O-67)

The Scottish Executive is committed to aiming to increase the number of consultants in the NHS, including consultant surgeons, by 600 by 2006. We are centrally funding some posts in specialties in which there are shortages. In the past two years, the number of specialist registrars in surgical specialties has increased from 287 to 339.

The minister will be aware of the contingency plans that have been proposed for surgery and accident and emergency services at the Vale of Leven hospital. It is a matter of much concern that, because of a shortage of consultant surgeons, there will actually be a reduction in elective and emergency surgery. Will the minister review the circumstances that led to that decision in order to ensure that all alternatives were explored fully, and will he consider how we can attract some of the additional consultants to posts outwith city hospitals?

The decision that was taken in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area was made very much on the ground of clinical safety; I am sure that everyone must agree that clinical safety and the quality of care must be absolutely fundamental to such decisions. There is on-going work in Argyll and Clyde to examine the configuration of services in accordance with those principles. In response to Jackie Baillie's substantive question, however, we are taking unprecedented action to increase the consultant work force. My reference to specialist registrars is particularly important, because that is the grade below consultant level and that is where we have increased the numbers.

I would like to mention one other important issue. In Scotland, we are still successfully negotiating the final details of the consultants' contract, which is something that has not happened in England. That will be good for consultants and, more important, good for patients and it might give us an advantage over England.