Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.

Written material issued by the Scottish Executive can take a number of forms and is issued from a number of areas within the Executive. Central logging of this written material is not undertaken and a comprehensive answer cannot, therefore, be provided to question S1W-24233 on 3 April 2002. However, internal monitoring indicates that relatively little of the material issued by the Scottish Executive is either sent directly to schools or is intended for distribution to them.

I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-24233 on 3 April 2002 and S1W-24781 on 29 April 2002.

The Scottish Executive set out its plans for the fire service in Scotland in the consultation document The Scottish Fire Service of the Future, published on 30 April 2002. This provides the framework for taking forward changes needed in developing the fire service in Scotland in the 21st Century.

The consultation period ended on 12 June. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Once the analysis has been completed, a report of that analysis will be published. In accordance with normal procedures, the responses themselves will also be made available for public scrutiny.

Of the young people who started Modern Apprenticeships in 1999-2000, by mid-June 1,077 have completed their apprenticeships. Modern Apprenticeships can start at any time in the year. Completion dates will vary according to individuals' needs and different business sector frameworks.

The Head of the Home Civil Service, acting on the advice of the Senior Appointments Selection Committee, is responsible for the process of appointments to Permanent Secretary. The Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code makes explicit provision for consultation with the relevant minister, in this case the First Minister, whose agreement is required to any proposed appointment. Formal responsibility for making Permanent Secretary appointments lies with the Prime Minister.

There are a number of posts that carry the title of policy adviser in the Policy Unit and elsewhere. This role is not confined to a single band and the occupants are, in almost all cases career civil servants. They cover a wide range of duties within divisions and heads of division will determine job descriptions and job titles according to management needs.From time to time ministers and senior civil service colleagues require particular expertise and advice and in these exceptional circumstances the Executive may appoint specialist policy advisers. Specialist advisers may be appointed on secondment or hold temporary appointment as civil servants.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27046.

The Executive is in regular contact with police forces and there is a regular flow of material, in both directions, across a range of subjects. This flow includes e-mails and letters, in addition to circulars and other papers. There is no central monitoring of this exchange and no estimates have been made of the costs of producing and circulating these documents. To put such a process in place would be unduly bureaucratic and costly.