Chamber and committees

The two varieties of oilseed rape which are currently being grown as part of the farm scale evaluations both contain the following introduced genetic sequences:- PssuAra (a promoter)- bar (a gene conveying tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium)- 3`g7 (stop signal)- PTA29 (a promoter)- barnase (a gene conveying male sterility)- barstar (a gene conveying fertility restoration)- 3`nos (stop signal)The outcome of this modification is a hybrid crop resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, which is widely used in agriculture to control annual and perennial weeds. Further details of the construction of these varieties is contained in the public register along with precise location details for each of the trial sites.The term "terminator gene" is understood to apply to genetic modifications which leave a plant incapable of producing seed able to germinate (seed sterility). Crop varieties containing these genes have neither been developed nor grown in Scotland. The varieties of modified oilseed rape which are grown in Scotland are fully fertile and produce viable pollen.

The plans for the A95 Gaich to Craggan improvement scheme require to be reviewed and once completed they will be subject to public consultation prior to construction which is programmed for 2001-02. Details will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre when finalised.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14585.

In advance of the Water Industry Commissioner's Strategic Review of Charges, it is difficult to predict precisely how water and sewerage charges will change. Given the need to invest, as set out in the Quality and Standards consultation paper, it is unlikely that charges in the north will fall. It is, however, the case that if a single water authority for Scotland is established, then we would expect that charges in the north would need to rise far less sharply than if the three authorities remained separate.

The total costs incurred by Deloitte and Touche were around £125,000. This represents good value, given the comprehensive consultation exercise and the need to analyse a very complex set of issues.

The remit given to Deloitte and Touche was prepared in partnership by the Scottish Executive, the six local authorities involved in the study, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. All the partners agreed that it was not for Deloitte and Touche to recommend a single way forward, but instead to advise on the issues to be considered by the partners in reaching such a decision.Consistent with this, Deloitte and Touche set out the case for and against establishing a HIITA and make recommendations about the form a HIITA might take, for example, that Shetland should not be included in any authority.

On pages 89-90 of Volume I of the report, Deloitte and Touche estimate the resource costs of option 4A, a minimum function HIITA, as being around £600,000.This estimate provides a baseline by which one could calculate the resource costs of a most-function HIITA (Option 4B), depending on which of the additional functions were taken on.

The Scottish Executive has had discussions with the Road Haulage Association.Conditions under which livestock can be moved under licence direct from the farm to the abattoir are tightly drawn and enforced, to minimise any risk of transmission of foot-and-mouth disease.

Thorough disinfection of vehicles is carried out under strict supervision on behalf of Scottish Ministers, once livestock have been unloaded at the abattoir. This system should help to ensure that any risk of infection is minimal.

The scheme licensing the movement of animals to slaughter for human consumption, which came into effect at midnight on 2 March, permits animals from outside infected areas to be moved under strict controls direct from the farm to a slaughterhouse. Where such movements go within 3km of an infected place this may only be done by motorway, trunk road or railway. The movement of livestock from farms which lie within areas where foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed is prohibited.Information on the number of applications for a licence to move livestock from an infected area is not held centrally. If any such applications were received they would be rejected.The transportation of livestock across roads within infected areas is not permitted unless under licence for animal welfare purposes.With this arrangement operating, the movement of stock is kept under review.

The Executive will continue to support the development of salmon farming within a framework which has due regard to the environment and to the interests of other coastal stakeholders. To that end it is involved in a range of initiatives which includes a comprehensive R&D programme, a fish health inspection regime and a new FIFG scheme designed to support competitiveness and to assist businesses to diversify and embrace more environmentally sustainable practices. We are actively considering the Rural Development and the Transport and Environment Committees' recent request and will give our reply soon.