Chamber and committees

WRc's (Water Research Centre) Review of the Scientific Evidence relating to the Controls on the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge reported in 1998. It concluded that there is no direct evidence in the UK of adverse human health effects resulting from the transmission of pathogens from sludge.

In addition, UK Water Research Industry Limited (UKWIR) is currently carrying out research to characterise the risks associated with the beneficial use of sewage sludge in agriculture. This study will be the subject of an independent peer review by the Advisory Committee on Microbiology and Safety in Food.

Risks are minimised when sludge is applied to agricultural land by complying with the sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, the associated Code of Practice and the "Safe Sludge Matrix". The matrix has been agreed between Water UK representing the water industry in the UK and the British Retail Consortium representing the major food retailers. It sets out the minimum acceptable level of treatment for any sewage sludge which is to be used in agriculture depending on the type of crop.

During 2000-01, £3.78 million was spent on applying skidding resistance treatments to the trunk road network. It is important to note that the fact that a section of road is below the investigatory level does not necessarily mean it is unsafe or requires immediate treatment.

Local roads are the responsibility of local authorities.

The skidding resistance of the whole of the trunk road network is measured every two years. The results of the survey are then compared against the investigatory levels set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Those sections of trunk road which are below the investigatory level are then assessed further to consider whether they require to be put in a prioritised treatment programme.

Local roads are the responsibility of local authorities.

The percentage of Scotland's trunk road network which has a skidding resistance lower than the investigatory levels as set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges is 13.7%.

Local roads are the responsibility of local authorities.

It is entirely a matter for each council, as the local roads authority for its area, to take the appropriate action.

Measures are already in hand to tackle health care associated infection in Scotland. NHS Trusts must ensure that adequate infection control arrangements, based on Health Department guidance, are in place. At my request the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland is introducing new standards for infection control and cleaning services. Compliance will be monitored and verified. The new national surveillance system which I have announced will provide more reliable information on the incidence of health care associated infection.

The Executive intends to introduce a system of producer responsibility when the terms of the proposed European Community Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment have been finalised. It is too early to say what the nature of this collection and treatment scheme will be, but industry and other interests will be fully consulted before the new measures are introduced.

The Executive commissioned this research to inform its consideration of the proposed European Community Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment. When the terms of the directive have been finalised and a potentially suitable means of implementing it is determined the Executive will carry out a more intensive study in the form of a Regulatory Impact Assessment.

There are no such targets. However, the proposed EC Directive currently under discussion on waste electrical and electronic equipment contains recycling targets of 50-80% within overall recovery targets of 7080%, depending on the nature of the waste product to be achieved within 46 months of the Directive coming into force.

Scottish Enterprise Tayside are pursuing a wide range of activities to support the Angus economy, acting in partnership with Angus Council and other organisations and agencies. These activities include providing assistance to help the growth of local businesses, carrying out environmental improvement works to enhance the attractiveness of Angus as a visitor destination and business location, providing sites and premises for businesses, promoting and providing learning opportunities and skills training for people in Angus, and also providing careers counselling, assistance and re-training for people who have been made redundant.