Chamber and committees

This is a matter for the Better Government for Older People Network. The requested information is not held centrally. I asked the Network Director to write directly to the member. A copy of the reply has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20755). For information, a copy of the Network's journal Stratagem and two briefing notes, prepared by BGOP, have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20573).

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.

Fees for junior counsel in criminal proceedings in the sheriff court are prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Fees) Regulations 1989. Legal aid fees for junior counsel undertaking civil work in the Sheriff Court are prescribed in Regulation 10(2) of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) (Fees) Regulations 1989. This is 90% of the amount of fees, which would be allowed for that work on a taxation of expenses between solicitor and client, third party paying, if the work done were not legal aid. My officials are in discussion with the Scottish Legal Aid Board about the need for a detailed table of legal aid fees for counsel involved in civil cases in the sheriff court.

This is a matter for the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The information requested is not held centrally.

Currently those teachers graduating with a teaching qualification in a secondary subject can teach their subject in a primary school. However, to gain full registration they must complete two years probation within a secondary setting. They cannot become fully registered as a primary teacher without further training and a further period of probation.The new scheme will guarantee all eligible probationary teachers a one-year training contract, teaching the subject in which they are qualified. In the case of those with a secondary qualification, this will be in a secondary school. This will lead to achievement of the standard for full registration and the opportunity to register as a fully qualified secondary teacher.The opportunity to teach in their subject in primary schools is still available but, as with the current situation, will not lead to full registration as a primary teacher.The Scottish Executive considers there is no anomaly in this situation and does not collect information on how many students are in this position.

The Ministerial Report on Women's Offending, A Better Way, was published on 28 February 2002.The report looks at the pressure points in the Criminal Justice System in respect of women offenders i.e. remands, imprisonment for fine default and short sentences and proposes specific action to address these problems. Specifically, the report proposes the development of a Time Out Centre in Glasgow to provide access to services and specific programmes including assessment, counselling and support for women either on a day or residential basis.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Prison Service is currently evaluating the need to provide an open facility for women.

The information is not available in the form requested, however current waiting times range from one week to 24 weeks. All referrals to the Young People's Unit are prioritised according to clinical need.