Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27323 on 24 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions area available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

It is for each local authority to consider its priorities for managing flooding in its area.

The Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) outlines a number of transport interventions that will improve trains services to Perth and Kinross.

These include improvements to the Highland Main Line to reduce journey times and improve service frequencies between Perth and Inverness and improvements to the rail line between Aberdeen and the Central Belt, to reduce journey times.

Policy relating to the removal of public phone boxes is reserved to the UK government and is governed by regulations prescribed by Ofcom to BT. Information relating to the number of phone boxes which have been removed is not held by the Scottish Government.

Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Fife, Orkney and the Councils which are included in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley and Joint Ayrshire Structure Plan areas are all covered by spatial frameworks for wind farms over 20 megawatts. A further 12 authorities are still in the process of preparing spatial frameworks.

As with all areas of Scotland, Angus is marketed by VisitScotland based on its considerable strengths and its ability to deliver what visitors are looking for on their visit. VisitScotland uses a range of channels including websites, direct mail and PR activity to reach potential visitors across Scotland, the UK and international markets. Angus'' strengths include its many castles and country parks, its Pictish trail and historical centres like the Pictavia Visitor Centre in Brechin and Edzell Castle.

No representations have been made since 2007 to the UK Government on the amalgamation of Scotland''s army regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The new regiment was created prior to the Scottish Government election in 2007.

This question was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0917-01.htm

The government believes that national planning policy provides a sound basis for planning authorities to prepare local policies for onshore wind farms. As with all forms of development, planning applications should be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Planning is a local responsibility and planning authorities should support the development of wind farms in locations where the technology can operate efficiently and environmental and cumulative impacts can be satisfactorily addressed.

The government expects planning authorities to prepare spatial frameworks for wind farms over 20 megawatts. These frameworks should identify: (a) areas requiring significant protection because they are designated for their national or international natural heritage value, or they are green belts or are areas where the cumulative impact of existing wind farms limits further development; (b) areas with potential constraints where proposals will be considered on their individual merits against identified criteria, and (c) areas of search where appropriate proposals are likely to be supported subject to detailed consideration against identified criteria and all other material considerations. These frameworks should provide greater certainty for developers and local communities and speed up the decision making process.