Chamber and committees

Practice and policy in relation to the disclosure and discussion of reasons by the Crown for not proceeding against an accused is a matter for the Lord Advocate. In general terms, the Crown's reasons for not proceeding are confidential and will not be divulged to any third party. There may, however, be limited circumstances where a form of restricted disclosure to certain persons is acceptable or necessary because of the circumstances of the particular case or due to the nature of the offence. In light of the incorporation into domestic law of the European Convention on Human Rights by the Scotland Act 1998, this policy has been reviewed and is to remain unchanged.

I do not intend to require the Board to pay interest on accounts or to make ex-gratia payments. The Board is making good progress in dealing with outstanding cases and there is no need for such arrangements which would add to complexity and delay.

The Lord Advocate last year issued a Consultation Paper in relation to the jurisdiction limits in summary cause and small claim actions in the sheriff court.As a result of the consultation exercise I am currently considering advice proposing variations to the jurisdiction limits in these actions.An announcement will be made in due course.

The UK Government is considering responses to consultation on the proposed Climate Change Levy, which is a reserved matter. They are also holding discussions with energy intensive sectors, including the paper industry, on possible agreements to give rebates of the levy for energy efficiency measures. I will consider carefully any potential impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland following the outcome of these two processes.

The UK Government is considering responses to consultation on the proposed Climate Change Levy, which is a reserved matter. They are also holding discussions with energy intensive sectors, including the paper industry, on possible agreements to give rebates of the levy for energy efficiency measures. I will consider carefully any potential impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland following the outcome of these two processes.

There are three tables in the rear of the Assembly Hall, access to which is authorised by the Interim Clerk in terms of Business Bulletin Number 5/1999 published on 24 May 1999.The eastmost table is used by civil servants supporting the Scottish Executive. Up to 12 names are approved for attendance on each day when the Parliament is sitting: only 6 may be in the Hall at any time. These names are notified on the previous day. A copy of the list will be made available in the Reference Point behind the Chamber. A card indicating that the table is for use by officials of the Scottish Executive will be placed on the table.The centre table is used, as required, by staff of the Parliament. This will be clearly marked. All Parliamentary staff wear name badges.The westmost table is available for up to 6 advisers supporting non-executive parties. The names of those granted access on any day will also be listed in the Reference Point. Again, the table will be clearly identified as being available for non-Executive parties' support.

Police grant-aided expenditure for 1999-2000 was set at a level which assumed full use of Government funds available for expenditure on police services. However, while forces must plan to meet their expenditure from within the resources available to them, the funding position is kept under review and if additional resources are identified, any police needs would be taken into account in distributing those.

There will be approximately 560 seats for visitors to the Holyrood Parliament building, of which 170 are in the main chamber. There are 456 seats for visitors to the Assembly Hall Debating Chamber.

The Design Team (principal consultant Enric Miralles) have been working to the Scottish Parliament Building User Brief which states that "a horse shoe or semi- circular arrangement would appear to be the most appropriate". They receive advice from access consultants to help ensure that disabled access requirements are met.The SPCB is considering this issue in the light of the recent debate and decision on the Holyrood building, and of the informal seminars with Members, and will report back to Members in due course.

The targets set out in the Board's annual Corporate Plan are the subject of monthly monitoring by the Board. Recently the Board has fallen seriously behind the targets on the payment of criminal legal aid accounts, and slightly behind in other areas. The Board has recently had a drive for improved quality in accounts assessment, and this, combined with staff turnover, has led to delays. The Board has put in place measures to tackle the backlog including additional staff and is now starting to recover the position. I am being kept fully informed of the developing situation.