Scottish Executive

Central Heating

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-34103 by Jim Mather on 21 June 2010, how many completed applications to the boiler scrappage scheme were received and what the reason was for the refusal of any applications, broken down by postcode area

Jim Mather: Applications were approved on a first come, first served basis until the initial allocation of vouchers was equal to the budget allocated. The system did not record unsuccessful applications. A total of 4,602 vouchers were allocated during the initial allocation. Following subsequent appeals by individuals and the clarification of these and existing cases the number of current applications is 4,645, 20 of these are duplicates.

The reason for refusal of applications, broken down by postcode, is tabled below.

Child Poverty

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help reduce child poverty.

Alex Neil: There are a very wide range of actions being undertaken by the Scottish Government and partners to reduce child poverty. Our broad approach is set out in the three inter-linked policy frameworks Achieving Our Potential, Early Years Framework, and Equally Well. These link with other relevant policy frameworks, such as the national approach to supporting and working with children and young people, to ensure all receive the help they need, when they need it. They also link to policies promoting the employability, education and life chances of both adults and young people (such as Workforce Plus, More Choices More Chances, and Curriculum for Excellence). We are working across Government and with partners in CPPs, third sector and wider society, to implement these frameworks in a cohesive way.

Scottish Government has also ensured that Scotland is covered by the Child Poverty Act, and is developing a Child Poverty Strategy in line with this. The strategy will set out the measures that we propose to take to contribute to the UK-wide target to eradicate child poverty by 2020, and to ensure as far as possible that children in Scotland do not experience socio-economic disadvantage. This strategy will be published in spring 2011.

Early Years Framework

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since the publication of the Early Years Framework to establish a social marketing campaign that supports parenting skills.

Adam Ingram: Please refer to the information note on implementation of the Early Years Framework, which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51402).

Our social marketing campaign which supports parenting skills was launched in September 2009. The PlayTalkRead campaign aims to support, empower and enable parents to improve life chances for their children. Evaluation has shown 90% awareness of the campaign but a continuing need to promote the importance of positive interaction between parents and their children aged 0 to three, whilst focusing our efforts on targeting parents in the most deprived areas across Scotland. We are considering the next phase of the campaign in the light of the evaluation.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since the publication of the Early Years Framework to ensure that local partners develop a parental capacity-building model for antenatal and postnatal services.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many local partners have developed parental capacity-building models for antenatal and postnatal services since the publication of the Early Years Framework.

Adam Ingram: Please refer to the information note on implementation of the Early Years Framework, which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51402)

Effective local implementation of the Early Years Framework is the key to achieving the changes we want to see. Single Outcome Agreements are the mechanism in the relationship between national and local partners through which shared priorities are progressed. Each Community Planning Partnership (CPP) is expected to reflect high level, strategic progress on the Early Years Framework within their SOA.

Most local areas have developed formal parenting strategies, which will have been informed by the Early Years Framework. These include the use of evidence based parenting programmes and approaches to ensure they have a competent and capable workforce to identify and address need as early as possible.

It is for local partners in CPPs to develop models tailored to meet local needs and the Scottish Government is not enforcing local action. We are however providing support to the national third sector parenting organisations and others to develop parenting capacity through well trained, multi-disciplinary/multi-agency staff in quality, evidence based parenting programmes/approaches.

We are also supporting specific initiatives including the Family Nurse Partnership and the Barnardo’s You First programme.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since the publication of the Early Years Framework to develop mutual support networks for parents and other carers.

Adam Ingram: Please refer to the information note on implementation of the Early Years Framework, which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51402).

It is for local partners in CPPs to develop models tailored to meet local needs and the Scottish Government is not prescribing local action. We are however providing support to the national third sector parenting organisations and others to develop parenting capacity through well trained, multi-disciplinary/multi-agency staff in quality, evidence based parenting programmes/approaches.

The Scottish Government provides funding for a range of parenting programmes which promote positive parenting skills and funding to voluntary sector services to provide a range of support services for parents and carers. These organisations include Parentline Scotland, Parenting Across Scotland, Home-Start, One Parent Families Scotland and Parent Network Scotland who provide training and classes for parents to help them deal with difficult behaviour and general parenting skills. Parentline Scotland also provides a free confidential helpline to parents and carers which offers support, information and advice.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since the publication of the Early Years Framework to develop the roles of (a) nurseries, (b) schools and (c) childcare services in supporting (i) family and (ii) community learning.

Adam Ingram: Please refer to the information note on implementation of the Early Years Framework, which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51402)

The focus of the Early Years Framework is supported by the joint COSLA and Scottish Government Statement on Community Learning and Development (CLD) which highlights the need to build the capacity of individuals, families and communities to secure the best outcomes for themselves. The Scottish Government, working with key partners such as Learning and Teaching Scotland supports the leading role of local authorities in facilitating partnership and in developing programmes which cover the three national priorities for CLD of: achievement through learning for adults, achievement through learning for young people and achievement through building community capacity.

In addition, information on the importance of family and community learning in improving outcomes for children has been disseminated through a range of seminars and conferences which have been held by Scottish Government, HMIE and Learning Teaching Scotland with ministerial input and key note speakers from high level roles in the field.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since the publication of the Early Years Framework to ensure that community development programmes include parenting and early years as one of their priorities.

Adam Ingram: Effective local implementation of the Early Years Framework is the key to achieving the changes we want to see and the Scottish Government is ensuring that Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs), including community development teams, are aware of the wide range of evidence that highlights the importance of parenting and the very early years of life.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many community development programmes have included parenting and early years as one of their priorities since the publication of the Early Years Framework.

Adam Ingram: This information is not held centrally.

Education

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on education provision for children with additional support needs.

Adam Ingram: The Parliament held a debate on the Supporting Children’s Code of Practice on 26 May 2010. I have no immediate plans to make a further statement on provision for children with additional support needs at this stage.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers in each (a) primary and (b) secondary school in each local authority area take part in residential outdoor education.

Adam Ingram: The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to schools to provide the necessary leadership and direction for delivering outdoor education as part of the Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning.

Adam Ingram: Curriculum for excellence through outdoor learning provides guidance to schools and centres on progressive outdoor learning experiences from ages three to 18. The guidance emphasises that all staff at every level of involvement with the education of children and young people have a responsibility to make the most of the outdoor environment to support the delivery of the experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence. The new guidance is supported by a Learning and Teaching Scotland online resource which is designed to support schools in making learning in the outdoor environment a reality for all children and young people.

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/outdoorlearning/.

We are in the process of establishing an implementation group to provide strategic direction on the delivery of curriculum for excellence through outdoor learning. This group will lead and direct the formation of a national network for outdoor learning which will help to build capacity in schools and local authorities.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver outdoor education as part of the Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning.

Adam Ingram: Learning and Teaching Scotland is developing a structured programme of continuing professional development events and resources to support teachers, educators and their partners as they implement the new guidance on outdoor learning. The programme will be available from October 2010. This will complement curriculum for excellence through outdoor learning and build on the series of seminars held during May and June 2010 to raise awareness of the new guidance and facilitate reflection and discussion.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to ensure that HM Inspectorate of Education inspection frameworks recognise and encourage outdoor learning as part of the Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning.

Adam Ingram: The Outdoor Learning Strategic Advisory Group, on which HMIE was represented, recommended to ministers that HMIE inspections should consider and evaluate outdoor learning provision in schools and other settings. HMIE are committed to evaluating the learning experiences of children and young people across a broad curriculum in line with the curriculum design principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Part of this is an expectation that schools should take advantage of the opportunities for outdoor learning that exist within and across the curriculum, and which are reflected in some of the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence. In addition, HMIE will continue to identify and share good practice in outdoor learning through its reports, Journey to Excellence and other activities.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Saltire Prize Official Applicant status (a) have been made and (b) were successful.

Jim Mather: One application has been received and will be awarded Saltire Prize Applicant Status. A further three potential applicants have indicated their intention to compete following the outcome of the Further Scottish Leasing Round for wave and tidal energy being opened by The Crown Estate later this year.

It is intended that the application period for the Saltire Prize Grand Challenge will remain open as long as possible. The competition opened for business in March 2010, and the application period will remain open until January 2015.

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive in what country each of the applicants for Saltire Prize Official Applicant status is based.

Jim Mather: Of the three potential applicants, one is based in Australia and two are based in the USA.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to give greater incentives for local authorities to improve economic growth in their area.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government fully recognises local authorities’ role in local economic development and is committed to ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute to growing local business success. It supports local authorities in this work through a range of measures. For example, local delivery of the Business Gateway was transferred, along with funding, to local authorities as part of the reform of the Enterprise Networks. This helped to ensure better integration of these services with other local authority services.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with COSLA and the Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group (SLAED). For example, it has recently agreed a framework to offer local authorities clear guidance on business support activities that are likely to be supported through the European Regional Development Fund. This will ensure local authorities can develop suitable and consistent proposals to address the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises across Lowland and Upland Scotland.

The Scottish Government is also supporting local authorities through various business rate relief schemes. These schemes will reduce taxation for Scottish businesses by an estimated £2.4 billion over the next five years. Money which would otherwise be paid as tax, can now be reinvested in those businesses. Measures also include proposals for a business rates incentivisation scheme to encourage authorities to grow their tax base.

The Scottish Government also recently signed a funding agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to establish a £50 million JESSICA Holding Fund in Scotland – a new, flexible source of investment capital for revenue generating regeneration projects. The Holding Fund, which has been jointly financed by the Scottish Government and European Commission, will invest in Urban Development Funds, who will provide loans and other forms of repayable investment to projects. Schemes in 13 local authority areas will be eligible for investment.

Scottish Enterprise and HighIands and Islands Enterprise continue to work collaboratively with local authorities and Community Planning Partnerships providing expertise, advice and mentoring to support economic development at a local level.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve businesses’ awareness and understanding of the grant schemes available.

Jim Mather: The most widely used service for business seeking an effective advice support service is the Business Gateway. Local authorities are now responsible for its local delivery. The Business Gateway service involves extensive marketing programmes to ensure that the services it provides and signposts are publicised to businesses as comprehensively as possible.

The support provided by the Business Gateway includes advice on the financial support that may be available. The Business Gateway website contains a section dedicated to Finance and Grants, while its Enquiry Service provides details of grants and finance schemes available in each local authority area, ensuring that customers receive appropriate advice tailored to local needs.

Fire Safety

Stewart Maxwell (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many domestic fires have been caused by faults in electrical installations and products since the introduction of a minimum standard for electrical installations was included in the tolerable standard in 2006

Fergus Ewing: The latest national statistics are contained in the Scottish Government Statistical Bulletin, Fire Statistics Scotland, 2007, which was published in August 2009. This report provides an overview of Scottish fire statistics over the 10 year period from 1998 to 2007. Table 10(a) shows that of the 6,684 Scottish primary dwelling fires in 2007, 664 were recorded as being caused by "faulty appliance and leads". The report is available on the Scottish Government website at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/28090735/0.

Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of accidental fires caused in domestic properties each year from faults in electrical installations and products in the Glasgow parliamentary region

Fergus Ewing: The Scottish Government funds the national fire safety campaign Don’t Give Fire a Home. The website www.dontgivefireahome.com hosts information, advice and interactive materials to educate people about fire risks and to help them prevent fire in the home. The section "electricity and fire safety" covers areas from mains wiring and sockets to electrical appliances and lighting. In addition, targeted advertising campaigns promote the risks created by electrical appliances. Fire and rescue authorities including Strathclyde, which covers Glasgow, also run local community fire safety initiatives. Free home fire safety visits are offered by Scottish fire and rescue services to assess homes for fire hazards and offer advice.

Fisheries

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list every new regulation applied to the commercial fishing sector since 1999, broken down by year of introduction

Richard Lochhead: Marine Scotland has published a list of fisheries legislation detailing the year it came in to force at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/Regulation/legislation/si.

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the success of real-time closures

Richard Lochhead: Article 13 of Council Regulation (EU) No 1342/2008 (the Cod Recovery Plan) provides for allocation of additional fishing effort for cod avoidance measures. The Scottish Government has implemented Article 13 through the conservation credits scheme (CCS), which allows for real-time closures (RTCs) to buy back additional fishing effort for Scotland’s fishing fleet.

Marine Scotland Science submitted an analysis of these measures for consideration by the Commission’s Scientific Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) at its plenary meeting in mid-July. The recently published STECF assessment of that analysis acknowledged the progress made by Scotland in improving the situation for North Sea cod through the CCS.

STECF also noted that the most recent stock assessment results indicated that the 25% reduction in North Sea cod mortality in 2009, required by all member states under the Cod Recovery Plan, had not been realized. STECF suggested that measures under Article 13 of the Cod Recovery Plan should be expanded to include increasing the size of RTCs and increasing the uptake of cod-selective gears that reduce the level of discards. The Scottish Government had already taken action on both fronts in early July, both by extending the scope of RTCs and by making available buy-backs for the use of further selective fishing gears in the CCS.

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training and (b) start-up funding is available for new entrants into commercial fishing

Richard Lochhead: Training for new entrants into commercial fishing is delivered through a network of industry-led group training associations (GTAs) covering the whole of mainland Scotland and the Highlands and Islands. The GTAs are registered with the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) as their approved training providers for the statutory safety training courses undertaken by all fishermen going to sea.

The GTA network provision is supplemented by a number of colleges of further education specialising in training for fishing industry, i.e. Banff and Buchan College, North Atlantic Fisheries College, Orkney College and Lews Castle College. These colleges deliver SVQs and certificates of competency for deck and engineer officers. There are currently four learning providers supported by Skills Development Scotland for delivery of the Fishing Deckhand SVQ Level 2 through the Skillseekers national training programme.

Grant aid for capital investment in the fisheries sector is available under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) programme for 2007-13. EFF provides for capital grants to assist across a range of measures including assistance to young fishers (up to 40 years of age) to purchase their first full, or part, ownership of an active fishing vessel (subject to eligibility criteria).

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishermen who decommissioned their vessel under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 still possess quota

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive for how long fishermen who decommissioned their vessel under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 were permitted to retain quota.

Richard Lochhead: Under the 2001 decommissioning scheme, the fixed quota allocation (FQA) units associated with the licences of decommissioned vessels could be transferred to other over 10 metre licences, licence entitlements or to fish producer organisation "dummy" licences. The deadline for such transfers was 31 December 2004.

By far the majority transferred FQA units to fish producer organisation (PO) "dummy" licences. The conditions under which such transfers took place were commercial matters solely between the vessel owner and PO.

More than five years have passed since the above deadline. It is not possible, therefore, to say now how many vessel owners still enjoy quota allocations deriving from the licences of their decommissioned vessels.

Information Technology

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to develop town and city-wide wi-fi networks

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government will consider helping any local authority wishing to establish town and city-wide wi-fi networks by facilitating discussions with relevant organisations and the telecoms industry. At a community level, as announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment on 1 July 2010, rural communities are now able to bid for a share of a €1 million fund to bring enhanced broadband to their areas. The new investment is being delivered by the LEADER scheme which supports small-scale, community driven projects in rural areas and is aimed at improving coverage and bringing faster broadband rural communities. These projects could include the establishment of small wi-fi networks.

Justice

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many train drivers have been breathalysed and, of those, how many were found to be over the legal drink-drive limit in each year since 1997, also expressed as a proportion of total tests undertaken.

Kenny MacAskill: Data on the number of train drivers who have been breathalysed, and the number of those who were found to be over the legal drink-drive limit is not available centrally.

The information provided by the police refers to the number of cases recorded where an individual endangers rail passengers. This offence includes, but is not restricted to, driving a train while unfit through drink or drugs. Because there are several different preliminary tests (preliminary breath test, preliminary impairment test, and preliminary drug test), and the police officer involved may administer any one or more of these, the number of such incidents does not relate directly to the number of times that a breathalyser test has been carried out. Furthermore, the data is collected at an aggregate level, so details of individual crimes, such as the occupation of the individual, are not available.

Section 27 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 makes it an offence to drive (or guard or signal) a train, tram or other guided vehicle either when unfit through drink or drugs or when the quantity of drink or drugs exceeds the prescribed limit. Section 38 sets out the prescribed limit which is the same as the one for road vehicle drivers.

The tables below show the number of offences of endangering rail passengers recorded by the police by local authority since 1997-98.

(i) 1997-98 to 2002-03

(ii) 2003-04 to 2008-09

Notes:

1. The British Transport Police figures can be provided only at Scotland level. Prior to April 2006 figures for specific offences were not held centrally.

N/A = Not available.

- = zero.

Looked After Children

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that looked-after children receive the money that they are due from the Child Trust Fund that has already been passed to local authorities.

Adam Ingram: Guidance on making payments was issued to local authorities in February 2009 and was further clarified in June 2010 in light of the decision by the UK Government to abolish Child Trust funds. I wrote to all local authorities on 29 July 2010 reminding them of their obligation to ensure every eligible child receives the appropriate Child Trust Fund payments.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many looked-after young people have not received the funds that they are entitled to from the Child Trust Fund that has already been passed to local authorities.

Adam Ingram: This information is not centrally held.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to follow the example of the Welsh Assembly Government and provide a top-up to the funds provided by the UK Government for the Child Trust Funds for looked-after children.

Adam Ingram: We have no plans to make further payments.

Procurement

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether its procurement contracts include a community benefit clause.

John Swinney: Community Benefit clauses are one of a range of social clauses that can be included in contracts. In February 2008 the Scottish Government published a detailed report on Community Benefit clauses with practical information on how and when to use the clauses and since then we have been involved in encouraging their use across the wider public sector. They should be considered on a contract by contract basis.

Use of Community Benefit clauses has been considered for a number of Scottish Government contracts and the clauses have been included in contracts for the Scottish Government Energy Assistance Programme and in contracts relating to the Scottish Crime Campus.

The Scottish Government Ready for Business Programme and the Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action and Delivery Plans will continue to promote Community Benefit and other social clauses within the core Scottish Government and across the wider public sector.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether its procurement policy follows the guidelines set out in the EU handbook on green public procurement.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government policy on green procurement is set out in the Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, which is broadly consistent with the EU handbook

Rail Network

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what it anticipates the total cost of the Borders railway project will be and how much it plans to contribute to the scheme in each year between now and the estimated date of completion

Stewart Stevenson: As I stated to the Parliament on 5 March 2008, the Borders Railway is expected to cost between £235 million and £295 million (at 2012 prices).

The Borders Railway will be designed, built, financed and maintained by a newly created, Transport Scotland-backed single purpose vehicle (SPV), using a design, build, finance and maintenance contract. The SPV will enter into a contract with Transport Scotland for the delivery and maintenance of the Borders Railway over a 30 year period. Repayments will be made throughout the 30 year duration by the Scottish Government via a not for profit distributing procurement model via an annual unitary charge.

Transport Scotland provides the initial capital required to purchase the land and undertake required early activities. The Transport Scotland budget for these activities, broken down on a year by year basis up to the date of construction completion in 2014, is shown in the table below:

Renewable Energy

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area.

Jim Mather: The following table shows the number of applications made to the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area. The information is not routinely held broken down by parliamentary constituency.

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants were awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area.

Jim Mather: The following table shows the number of grants awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area. The information is not routinely held broken down by parliamentary constituency.

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what average amount was awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years.

Jim Mather: The following table show the average amount awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme in each of the last three years.

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what average percentage of the cost of installing a home renewables device has been covered by grants awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme since 2007.

Jim Mather: The following tables show the average percentage of the cost of installing a home renewables device that was covered by grants awarded under the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme since 2007. As the cost of the devices varies quite considerably, it is more representative of the scheme to break this down by technology type.

2007-08

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme were made between 17 March and 1 July 2010.

Jim Mather: Between 17 March and 1 July 2010, the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant scheme received a total of 764 applications.

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much from the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grant budget lines in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10 was spent on grants for (i) electricity and (ii) heat generating technologies.

Jim Mather: The following table shows how much from the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grants budget was spent on grants for electricity and heat generating technologies in each of the last three years.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with tourism industry representatives in South Ayrshire regarding the cumulative impact of wind farm developments.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has held no such discussions regarding wind farm applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act (1989). However, where applications are to be determined by Scottish ministers there are robust and transparent planning procedures in place to ensure that all landscape, environment and visual impact issues relating to any development are taken fully into account.

In addition, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), which sets out the Scottish Government’s planning policies on the siting of wind farms, indicates that planning authorities should consider the likely impacts of wind farm developments on tourism and recreation interests.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-31065 by Jim Mather on 9 February 2010, what additional grid capacity will be needed to facilitate new wind farms located in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Jim Mather: Responsibility for the development and reinforcement of grid infrastructure to accommodate new generating capacity is a matter for the relevant electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO); in this case Scottish Power Networks. It is for individual developers to engage with the DNO on grid connections and any necessary associated infrastructure development. The Scottish Government encourages individual developers and DNOs to engage proactively on grid connection and to deliver electricity transmission network enhancements and improvements that meet Scotland’s existing energy needs and help deliver our considerable energy potential.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-31065 by Jim Mather on 9 February 2010, what percentage of the total number of wind farms is located in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Jim Mather: Applications for onshore wind farms in excess of 50 megawatts (MW) are considered by Scottish ministers under Section 36 of the Electricity Act (1989) and a total of 30 wind farms in Scotland have been consented in this way.

Of these 30 wind farms, five are located in South and East Ayrshire local authorities, representing 17 per cent in terms of wind farm developments, 25 per cent in terms of wind turbine numbers and 11 per cent in terms of installed capacity.

Application for wind farms of 50 MW and below are considered by the relevant local planning authority. Information on such developments is not held centrally and is a matter for planning authorities across the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many expressions of interest have been submitted to develop wind farms in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Jim Mather: Information on expressions of interest to develop wind farms of 50 megawatts and below is not held centrally and is a matter for planning authorities across the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Requests for scoping opinions for possible developments that may be greater than 50 megawatts are dealt with by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.

At this time, five formal requests for scoping opinions have been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit, together with Environmental Assessments and preliminary details of proposals for wind farm developments within the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive which wind farm operators have (a) operational sites, (b) developments being considered in the planning process and (c) expressed an interest in development in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit holds the following information on wind farm developments and potential developments of greater than 50 megawatts (MW) in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency:

(a) Operational sites are operated by:

i Scottish and Southern Energy

ii Scottish Power Renewables.

(b) Applications for wind farm developments have been received from:

iii Scottish Power Renewables

iv E-on UK.

(c) The following wind farm operators have formally requested a Scoping Opinion for potential developments which may be greater than 50 MW:

v Coriolis,

vi Scottish Power Renewables

vii North British Wind Power

viii Infinergy.

Information on wind farm developments of 50 MW and below is not held centrally and is a matter for planning authorities across the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage wind farm developers to contribute to community development.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government welcomes the commitment shown by developers through voluntary, ex-gratia community benefit agreements and has published guidance and models for delivery online at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/261186.

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid by wind farm operators in community benefit funding to community groups in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999 and what projects have received this funding.

Jim Mather: The information requested is not held centrally. Community benefit agreements for wind farms are a private matter between the developer and communities concerned. The Scottish Government has no legal powers to compel parties to disclose the commercial details of such agreements.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the decision of the public local inquiry into the Fallago Rig wind farm.

Jim Mather: The application was re-referred to Public Local Inquiry and a hearing was held in April this year in Duns. To date the official inquiry report has not been received, however upon receipt, full consideration will be given to all material issues, including the reporter’s findings and recommendations, in accordance with the relevant legislative and planning obligations.

Any recommendation by the reporter is still subject to consideration by ministers, when they make their decision on the Section 36 Fallago Wind Farm application in due course.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers employed by local authorities have been subject to misconduct allegations by pupils in each year since 2005-06.

Adam Ingram: This information is not centrally collated by the Scottish Government. Local authorities are responsible for the conduct of their employees.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers employed by local authorities who have been subject to misconduct allegations by pupils in each year since 2005-06 were (a) disciplined and (b) dismissed.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers employed by local authorities who have been subject to misconduct allegations by pupils in each year since 2005-06 were cleared of the allegations.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many allegations of misconduct made by pupils against teachers employed by local authorities in each year since 2005-06 were subsequently dropped by the pupil.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers employed by local authorities have been disciplined in each year since 2005-06 for (a) misconduct and (b) capability.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers employed by local authorities have been dismissed in each year since 2005-06 for (a) misconduct and (b) capability.

Adam Ingram: This information is not centrally collated by the Scottish Government. Local authorities are responsible for the conduct and competence of their employees.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases have been heard by the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s disciplinary sub-committee in each year since 2005, broken down by (a) reason and (b) outcome.

Adam Ingram:

2005-06

Nineteen cases were heard to conclusion:

Twelve cases related to criminal convictions – of these

eleven teachers were removed from the register

in one case the Disciplinary Sub-Committee decided to defer making a decision for a period not exceeding two years.

Five cases related to alleged relevant misconduct – of these

two teachers were removed from the register

in one case no order was made following a finding that the teacher was not guilty of relevant misconduct

in one case a decision to make no order was reached following a finding of guilty of relevant misconduct

in one case the Disciplinary Sub-Committee decided to defer making a decision for a period not exceeding two years.

One application for registration related to alleged relevant misconduct was considered – this was refused

One application for restoration to the register was considered – this was accepted and the teacher restored to the register

2006-07

Fourteen cases were heard (eight to conclusion and six continued):

five cases related to criminal conviction – all five teachers were removed from the register.

Three cases related to allegations of relevant misconduct – all three teachers were removed from the register

In six cases (including one application for restoration to the register) – hearings were continued into 2007-08.

2007-08

Nineteen cases were heard to conclusion:

Thirteen cases related to criminal conviction – of these

eight teachers were removed from the register

in one case a decision to make no order was reached

in one case a reprimand was issued

in three cases a conditional registration order was made

Three cases related to alleged relevant misconduct – of these

two teachers were removed from the register

in one case no order was made following a finding that the teacher was guilty of relevant misconduct

One application for registration related to criminal conviction was considered – this was refused

Two applications for restoration to the register –

one was refused

one was withdrawn.

2008-09

Twenty cases were heard to conclusion:

Seven cases related to criminal conviction – of these

six teachers were removed from the register

in one case a reprimand was issued..

Ten cases related to alleged relevant misconduct – of these

eight teachers were removed from the register

in one case a reprimand was issued

in one case a conditional registration order was made.

One case related to professional competence – this teacher was removed from the register.

One application for registration related to criminal conviction – this was accepted.

One application for restoration to the register – this was accepted and the teacher restored to the register.

2009-10

Twenty-three cases were heard to conclusion:

Nine cases related to criminal conviction – of these

eight teachers were removed from the register

in one case a conditional registration order was made.

Ten cases related to alleged relevant misconduct – of these

eight teachers were removed from the register

in one case no order was made following a finding that the teacher was not guilty of relevant misconduct

in one case a reprimand was issued.

One case related to professional competence – this teacher was removed from the register.

Two applications for registration related to conviction – one was refused and one was withdrawn.

One application for restoration to the register – this was withdrawn.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have been struck off the teaching register in each year since 1999.

Adam Ingram: The table shows the numbers of teachers struck off the teaching register in each year.

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer teachers have not successfully completed their probationary period and registered because of (a) misconduct and (b) incompetence in each year since 1999.

Adam Ingram: The following details relate to the period since the teacher induction scheme was introduced in autumn 2002. Comprehensive records are not available before this date.

The following table shows:

Column a – Teachers who have not completed their probationary period due to misconduct;

Column b(i) – Probationary teachers who have had their provisional registration cancelled at the end of the one year probationary year referred to, having not achieved the required standard.

Column b(ii) – Probationary teachers who have either had their provisional registration cancelled or have resigned or lapsed from the register, having not achieved the required standard subsequent to having been granted a period of extension to their provisional registration at the end of their probationary year.

Correction

The reply to question S3W-34419 which was originally answered on 21 June 2010, has been corrected: see page 9725 or http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/pqa/wa-10/wa0727.htm.

The following questions were given holding answers:

S3W-35081

S3W-35083

S3W-35087

S3W-35093

S3W-35095

S3W-35099

S3W-35101

S3W-35111

S3W-35112