Chamber and committees

I refer to the answer given to S1W-852 on 2 September.

The Scottish Executive's policies on crime generally are set out in Making it Work Together. On youth crime the work of the children's hearings system and the courts aims to tackle offending behaviour through a range of measures. The Cabinet recently discussed the overall approach to youth crime to consider how best to improve policies in this area. As a first step I am undertaking a review of existing disposals available to the hearings system and the courts particularly in relation to persistent young offenders. Our aim is to tackle the causes of crime and prevent reoffending.

The Executive does not have a formal policy on the recording of material for inclusion in future literary diaries by Ministers. However, the principle of collective responsibility and the confidential nature of discussions between Ministers and their civil servants impose certain restrictions on former Ministers who are contemplating the publication of material based upon their recollection of the conduct of Executive business in which they took part. They are required to submit their manuscript to the Permanent Secretary and to conform with the principles of the Radcliffe Report of 1976 (Cmnd 6386).

The Quigley Committee will report to the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales, Scottish Ministers and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. The Committee's report will be placed in the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament at the same time as it is laid before the Westminster Parliament. The Scottish Executive will determine its response and any appropriate consultation when it has considered the findings of the Committee.

Holding replies have been issued on 956 occasions, which represents 42% of 2,271 written questions tabled to date.The Executive aims to give a substantive answer within 14 days where possible and wishes to improve on present performance, but the pressure from increased use of parliamentary questions by this Parliament has been very real.

I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-2044.

I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-2044.

Historic Scotland has been in discussion with the proposed developers and the local planning authority about proposed developments which would affect the extensive Roman remains at Cramond. The Roman fort and civil settlement at Cramond is a scheduled monument and as such any works affecting it require the prior written consent of Scottish Ministers.

The Royal Mint manufactured and supplied the medallions which displayed the appropriate Scottish coat of arms. The lining of all Royal Mint presentation cases contain the Royal Mint’s crest, which is their corporate insignia.

There are 12 miles on the A77 around Kilmarnock without safety barriers. Subject to the availability of funding, safety barriers will be installed by 2000-01.