Chamber and committees

The Executive’s approach to implementation was set out in the draft Scottish Regulations implementation of the Public Sector Procurement Directive 2004/18/EC and Utilities Directive 2004/17/EC. Essentially, our regulations are close to the Office of Government Commerce’s (OGC) because we are both subject to the same overarching EU law framework. Also, suppliers operating in Scotland and the rest of the UK might find it difficult to interpret regulations which were substantially different in style and/or substance. Scottish Regulations therefore differ from OGC only where we believe this to be necessary in a Scottish context, for example in respect of the tier of the court in which remedies may be sought.

I can confirm that the Executive intends to publish guidance on social issues in respect of the directives. Given that both Scotland and the rest of the UK operate under the same overarching framework of EU procurement law, the terms of the Executive’s guidelines will inevitably be similar to the Office of Government Commerce’s. However, in preparing Scottish guidance we would expect to draw on any unique Scottish examples and experience. For example, the Executive has been working on a pilot programme to examine the use of community benefit clauses in public contracts. In preparing its guidance for Scotland the Executive intends to consult relevant stakeholders, including the STUC.

Yes. Health services and patient care are improving. Waiting time targets are being met. Deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke are coming down. People are living longer. There remain some real challenges to be met, and we will continue to increase investment in order to continue to improve both health services and health outcomes for patients.

We are working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry on their proposed Microgeneration Strategy and Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP). Linked to this, we propose to begin shortly, work to determine what might be an appropriate such strategy for Scotland.

The information requested is not held centrally.

We are discussing plans for accessibility improvements at Haymarket Station with Network Rail and First ScotRail and hope to agree plans shortly for taking forward accessibility works at the station. In addition, the City of Edinburgh Council has received funding from the Executive to look at wider options for development at the station, including better disabled access.

Last month wepublished a new framework for workforce planning that sets out the actions requiredat national, regional and NHS health board levels. Boards are required to developtheir specific workforce plans early next year.

Provision for the regular inspection and maintenance of those cycle routes for which the Scottish Executives Roads Authority has been included in these contracts.

The Scottish survey on students income, expenditure and debt 2004-05 will be published in November 2005.

The information requested is not held centrally. It is for local authorities to determine their level of facility provision according to local needs and priorities and how best to fund facility development which may be under the new prudential regime for local authority capital, utilising the sports facilities and swimming pools element of their total revenue grant or a combination of funding sources. The Executive has committed over £28 million of Exchequer funding to support the development of a range of facilities being developed through the National and Regional Sports Facilities Strategy.