Tuesday 20 September 2016

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Communities Pauline McNeill (Glasgow ) (): To ask the Scottish Government how it is using its powers under the Housing () Act 2006 to improve the standard of private sector housing. (S5W-02262) Kevin Stewart: Private home owners are primarily responsible for improving their own property. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 gave local authorities discretionary powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard houses and to provide assistance with repairs and improvements to private property. The 2006 Act also set standards for private rented housing and gave tenants the rights to apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 made some amendments to these powers to make them more effective in response to consultation with local authorities and other stakeholders, and also added additional safety elements to standards in private rented housing and third party reporting for local authorities to apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel on behalf of vulnerable tenants. It is for each local authority to determine how best to make use of those powers in order to meet its statutory duties and strategic aims, with regard to local priorities and resources.

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow ) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the condition of the current housing stock. (S5W-02267) Kevin Stewart: Private home owners and landlords are primarily responsible for improving their own property. Social landlords, including local authorities, are responsible for improving social housing. The Scottish Government requires local authorities to produce a local housing strategy which must, in particular, set out their strategy to address houses that do not meet the statutory tolerable standard, and their strategy for providing assistance for improving houses. The performance of social landlords against outcomes in the Scottish Social housing Charter is monitored by the independent Scottish Housing Regulator who will engage with landlords who are at risk of not meeting standards. The Scottish Government includes an element for private sector housing activities in the general capital and revenue grant made to local authorities. However, it is for each local authority to decide what actions should be taken to improve housing, with regard to local priorities and resources As social landlords, local authorities are expected to use rental income and prudential borrowing to ensure social housing owned by the authority complies with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and to plan to meet the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing by 2020.

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow ) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the provision of maintenance and repairs for social housing. (S5W-02270) Kevin Stewart: The Scottish Government has set out minimum standards for maintenance and repair that can be expected by tenants in social housing. These standards are set out in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and, by 2020, landlords will also have to meet the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). We have made available £10 million in grant and loan funding over the last two years to help social landlords meet EESSH. The performance of social landlords is monitored by the independent Scottish Housing Regulator who will engage with landlords who are at risk of not meeting standards. The Regulator’s most recent report found that 91.4% of social housing met the SHQS, and 68.6% of social housing already met the EESSH, in 2015-16. The report also found that tenants’ satisfaction with their landlord’s repairs and maintenance has improved, and that landlords are responding faster to emergency repairs. In some cases maintenance and repairs to social housing in tenements are blocked by owners who are unable or unwilling to consent to common works. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 introduced a discretionary power for local authorities to pay missing shares, and we are seeking views from stakeholders on extending this power to registered social landlords. The Scottish Government has also established a stakeholder forum to consider a single condition standard for all housing tenures, and I announced earlier this week the launch of a pilot equity loan scheme to assist home owners with essential energy efficiency works and repairs.

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the call on 30 August 2016 from the Existing Homes Alliance for the forthcoming programme for government to set an objective for a national infrastructure programme that supports every home to reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2025. (S5W-02272) Kevin Stewart: The programme for government reaffirms our commitment to develop a very significant energy efficiency and low carbon heat generation programme and includes a commitment to make available over half a billion pounds to Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme over the next four years. A one-size fits all target may not be appropriate for something as diverse as Scotland’s housing stock. We are currently undertaking analysis as part of the development of the Climate Change Plan which will inform the long term objectives of the National Infrastructure Priority. Further details will be set out in the draft Energy Strategy, which will be published for consultation alongside the draft Climate Change Plan this winter.

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the call on 30 August 2016 from the Existing Homes Alliance for it to publish a delayed consultation on the regulation of energy efficiency in private sector. (S5W-02273) Kevin Stewart: We recognise that action is needed to stimulate demand for energy efficiency improvements, and the programme for government sets out our intention to consult this winter on the regulation of private rented sector housing to increase energy efficiency standards as part of the development of Scotland’s Energy Efficiency programme. We will also, in due course, consult on phased regulation of other existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency to support the aims of the programme as well as looking at what financial incentives may be appropriate. Further detail on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency programme will be set out in the draft energy strategy in winter 2016.

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Scottish Ministers’ decision to call-in for determination consideration of, and their subsequent decision to grant, planning consent for the Trump International Golf Links Scotland development in Aberdeenshire, sets a precedent for the consideration of any future planning application at Coul Links in Sutherland, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. (S5W-02282) Kevin Stewart: Ministers intervene in the processing of planning applications in exceptional circumstances where issues of genuine national importance are at stake. There is no definitive list of criteria used to decide whether to call-in a planning application as each case is considered on its own merits.

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the developers of the proposed golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland, and what its position is on this matter. (S5W-02283) Kevin Stewart: I am not aware of any such discussions having taken place or scheduled to take place as this is a matter for Highland Council, as planning authority.

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Ministers will call in any future planning application for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland for their determination, and what its position is on this matter. (S5W-02284) Kevin Stewart: Ministers do have the power to call in any undetermined planning application. However, as I am sure you will appreciate, as there is no current planning application, it would be inappropriate for Ministers to comment on the merits of call in at this stage as that could potentially prejudice any future involvement they may have.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01610 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, whether the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group has raised concerns about the availability of credit (a) to increase the pace and momentum of housing delivery to meet the 50,000 new homes target, and (b) since the UK voted to leave the EU. (S5W-02329) Kevin Stewart: Minutes from previous meetings of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group can be viewed on the Scottish Government website: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/reform/jhpdg/jhpdg-meetings The most recent meeting of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group was on 22 June 2016. The Group has not met in plenary since the UK voted to leave the European Union. The next meeting of the Group will be in November 2016.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01610 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, whether it and the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group have determined the level of credit required to increase the pace and momentum of housing delivery in order to meet the 50,000 new homes target. (S5W-02330) Kevin Stewart: Minutes from previous meetings of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group can be viewed on the Scottish Government website: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/reform/jhpdg/jhpdg-meetings

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01610 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, what the date of its last meeting was with the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group when the availability of credit was (a) on the agenda or (b) discussed. (S5W-02331) Kevin Stewart: ‘Risk and capital lending – delivery challenges for affordable housing providers’ was an agenda item at the most recent Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group meeting (22 June 2016). The minutes of this meeting will be available on the Scottish Government website once they have been approved by the group in November 2016.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01610 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, whether the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group advises it on the borrowing commitments of the industry. (S5W-02332) Kevin Stewart: The remit of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery group is to promote collaboration and joint working across the sector with a specific focus on the Joint Housing Delivery Plan for Scotland, and to advise Ministers on new and existing housing policy and legislation. Although there is no specific action in the plan which directly covers the borrowing commitments of the social housing sector, access to finance is key to delivering many of the actions and, as such, may be discussed by the group in general terms from time to time. The Joint Housing Delivery Plan for Scotland can be viewed here: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/05/3392

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01610 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, whether the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group plans to consider the Wheatley Group's credit downgrade by Standard and Poor's on 6 July 2016. (S5W-02333) Kevin Stewart: The agenda for the next meeting of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group in November has not yet been finalised. The agenda for this meeting will be published on the Scottish Government website in November 2016, after the meeting has taken place.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many of its 33,490 affordable homes were delivered by the Wheatley Group in the fourth parliamentary session. (S5W-02334) Kevin Stewart: During the last parliamentary term, a total of 1362 affordable homes were delivered by the Wheatley Housing Group.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Wheatley Group since the UK voted to leave the EU regarding its credit downgrade by Standard and Poor's on 6 July 2016. (S5W-02335) Kevin Stewart: I attended a meeting with the Wheatley Housing Group (WHG) on 13 July 2016. At this meeting, the Chief Executive of WHG emphasised that, despite recent changes, the WHG still has a strong credit rating and had enough liquidity to borrow significant sums in future.

Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01595 by Kevin Stewart on 8 August 2016, whether strategic housing investment plans require local authorities to advise how many (a) sites of allocated land there are and (b) housing unit consents remain outstanding where development has not been brought forward. (S5W-02338) Kevin Stewart: Scottish Planning Policy (2014) sets out the Scottish Government's policy on enabling the delivery of new homes. It sets out that local authorities, through their development plans, should address the supply of land for all housing, maintaining at least a five-year supply of effective housing land at all times. Planning authorities should prepare an annual housing land audit as a tool to review and monitor the availability of effective housing land, the progress of sites through the planning process, and housing completions. This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. Local authorities are not required to provide this information in their Strategic Housing Investment Plans.

Oliver Mundell () (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost per unit has been for (a) 1-, (b) 2- and (c) 3-bedroom social housing built by registered social landlords in each year since 2007. (S5W-02437) Kevin Stewart: The Scottish Government records units by bedspace rather than number of bedrooms. The following table shows the average cost per unit to deliver new homes for social rent by registered social landlords since 2007-08, together with the average number of bedspaces per unit: Financial Year Average cost Average no. of per unit bedspaces per unit 2007-08 £126,954 3.95 2008-09 £130,717 3.89 2009-10 £130,058 3.94 2010-11 £117,720 3.78 2011-12 £112,057 3.69 2012-13 £109,976 3.50 2013-14 £114,098 3.61 2014-15 £119,939 3.46 2015-16* £120,585 3.39 * Programme management information only – not published as yet and as such, could be subject to change.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost per unit was for new social housing built by local authorities for (a) one-, (b) two- and (c) three-bedroom properties in each year since 2007. (S5W-02438) Kevin Stewart: Funding for Council House Building was introduced in April 2009, the aim of which was to incentivise local authorities to build new homes. Cost information on the new homes delivered was not held on our recording system. From 2012-13, we have recorded total project costs based on information provided by councils. The following table therefore shows the average cost to deliver a new home for social rent by councils since 2012-13, together with the average number of bed spaces per unit: Financial Year Average cost Average no. of per unit Bed spaces per unit

2012-13 £122,866 3.89 2013-14 £124,651 3.61 2014-15 £123,956 3.40 2015-16 £117,114 3.65 The figures within this table are from programme management information only and are not published.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost per unit was for (a) one-, (b) two- and (c) three-bedroom properties built under the Rural Homes for Rent pilot grant scheme in each year since 2007. (S5W-02439) Kevin Stewart: The following table shows the average cost per unit to deliver new homes under the Rural Homes for Rent pilot grant scheme, together with the average number of bed spaces per unit since 2007-08: Financial Year Average cost Average no. of per unit Bed spaces per unit 2009-10 £171,853 4.67 2010-11 £144,272 4.67

Richard Lyle (Uddingston and Bellshill) (): To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has received in response to its invitation to prospective providers to submit proposals for expanded mid-market rented housing. (S5W-02470) Kevin Stewart: The Mid-Market Rent Invitation closed on 29 July 2016 with Scottish Government receiving five proposals that are now being assessed.

Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether its forthcoming digital strategy will seek to (a) reduce the number of government domain names and (b) develop a one-stop hub for business interaction with all arms of government. (S5W-02497) Derek Mackay: We are currently engaging with partners to refresh the digital strategy. I can confirm that we remain committed to building on mygov.scot as the single, but not exclusive, point of access to public information and services for citizens and businesses in Scotland. This will enable us to further reduce the number of domain names being used by Scottish Government. Mygov.scot has already enabled us to offer a coordinated information service for businesses, replacing both the Scottish Business Portal and the Finance Hub. I would anticipate that the process of consolidation will accelerate as we continue to improve the online information and services available to businesses across Scotland.

Crown Office Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many attempted prosecutions of alleged hate crime in the last three years have resulted in (a) a conviction and (b) an aquittal, broken down by (i) charges marked as having been aggravated by prejudice and (ii) having no marking for being aggravated by prejudice. (S5W-02098) James Wolffe: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of alleged hate crime have been reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each of the last three years. (S5W-02099) James Wolffe: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of alleged hate crime have been taken to court in each of the last three years. (S5W-02100) James Wolffe: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of alleged hate crime have resulted in a prosecution in each of the last three years. (S5W-02101) James Wolffe: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents of alleged hate crime (a) have been marked as (i) having been aggravated by prejudice and (ii) charged under another offence with no marking for being aggravated by prejudice and (b) resulted in no charge being brought forward in each of the past three years. (S5W-02102) James Wolffe: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Enterprise and Environment Mike Rumbles (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met its target to pay all final common agricultural policy payments by 30 June 2016 and, if not, what percentage of the total payment amount remains outstanding, broken down by Rural Payments and Inspections Division local office. Holding answer issued: 29 August 2016 (S5W-01537) Fergus Ewing: In response to the first part of your question, I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-01160 on 17 July 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx As outlined in that response, it is not possible to confirm the value of outstanding payments, and hence the percentage remaining to be paid, as cases are still undergoing processing and the number of businesses eligible for payment is subject to change while that processing continues. However, details of the number of currently eligible businesses either fully paid, partially paid or not paid, broken down by area office as at 14 September 2016 is in the following table: Area Office Eligible Full Part Unpaid Ayr 1817 1774 14 29 Benbecula 624 590 6 28 1373 1309 27 37 Elgin 474 464 2 8 Galashiels 1599 1507 29 63 Golspie 443 429 8 6 Hamilton 765 749 7 9 Inverness 1332 1298 14 20 Inverurie 2750 2673 33 44 Kirkwall 679 660 9 10 Lerwick 882 855 18 9 Oban 891 841 18 32 Perth 2567 2475 24 68 Portree 501 479 4 18 Stornoway 892 842 8 42 Thurso 711 689 9 13 Other 37 0 0 37 Total 18337 17634 230 473

Andy Wightman (Lothian) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release of 27 January 2016, Common Land to be reviewed, what progress it is making with the review of the Division of Commonties Act 1695, and what discussions it has had with the Scottish Law Commission regarding the matter. (S5W-02239) Roseanna Cunningham: Following a request by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Law Commission has agreed to consider the Division of Commonties Act 1695 as part of its next tranche of statute law repeals work. General information on the statute law repeals work is on the Commission’s website at http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/law-reform/law-reform-projects/joint-projects/statute-law- repeals/. In line with the Commission’s normal practice, the Commission will undertake research and then consult formally on the repeal proposal. I have asked the Commission to ensure that when it sends out its consultation covering the 1695 Act it includes the member as one of the people receiving the consultation. Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what changes have been made to the application criteria for the Transition Training Fund since February 2016. (S5W-02246) Keith Brown: The downturn in the oil and gas sector presents a unique set of challenges given the diverse skills and company base that have been affected. The Transition Training Fund has been designed to be a flexible and dynamic response to these challenges as they emerge. This was clearly demonstrated by the previous Energy Minister, announcing in the parliamentary chamber on 10 March 2016, a change to the Transition Training Fund criteria, clearly stating that funding was no longer dependent on individuals securing a job outcome.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the flooding that took place across Scotland during the 2015 festive period, what it is doing to encourage the implementation of preventative flood measures. (S5W-02259) Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government is working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, local authorities, Scottish Water and others to deliver the flood risk management actions set out in the 14 Flood Risk Management Strategies published in December 2015. Taken together, the strategies form the first ever national flood risk management plan for Scotland. The strategies are supported by the 14 Local Flood Risk Management Plans which were published in June 2016. These local plans provide additional local detail on the funding and delivery timetable for actions between 2016 and 2021. The Scottish Government has reached agreement with COSLA on a ten year funding plan to deliver the actions set out in these plans, including 40 new flood protection schemes aimed at protecting around 10,000 properties across Scotland, and 134 flood protection studies to help find potential solutions for another 26,000 residential properties currently at risk. This agreement will give local authorities the certainty they need to deliver the actions set out in their Local Flood Risk Management Plans to help protect individuals, business and communities from the danger of flooding.

Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many Basic Payment Scheme payments are outstanding, broken down by local authority. (S5W-02290) Fergus Ewing: The information requested is not categorised by local authority and I am therefore supplying the best alternatives available at present which is the information relating to each Rural Payments and Inspections Division local area office as at 14 September 2016. Area Office Eligible Full Part Unpaid Ayr 1817 1774 14 29 Benbecula 624 590 6 28 Dumfries 1373 1309 27 37 Elgin 474 464 2 8 Galashiels 1599 1507 29 63 Golspie 443 429 8 6 Hamilton 765 749 7 9 Inverness 1332 1298 14 20 Inverurie 2750 2673 33 44 Kirkwall 679 660 9 10 Lerwick 882 855 18 9 Oban 891 841 18 32 Perth 2567 2475 24 68 Portree 501 479 4 18 Stornoway 892 842 8 42 Thurso 711 689 9 13 Other 37 0 0 37 Total 18337 17634 230 473

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what suitable sites it has identified for new hydro-electric schemes. (S5W-02355) Paul Wheelhouse: It is the role of developers, rather than the Scottish Government, to identify suitable sites for new hydro-electric schemes in Scotland. However, the Scottish Government is committed to encouraging and promoting hydro-electric power and creating a supportive environment. At present, over 70% of the small scale hydro projects in operation in the UK are in Scotland. This includes a number of community hydro projects and the recently consented, 600MW, Coire Glas project.

Daniel Johnson ( Southern) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the UK Government regarding development of its 2012 report, BIS Retail Strategy, and its 2013 report, A Strategy for Future Retail, Industry and Government delivering in partnership, in Scotland. (S5W-02369) Keith Brown: The Department for Business Innovation and Skills published both the 2012, BIS Retail Strategy and 2013, A Strategy for Future Retail, in response to the Mary Portas independent review into the future of UK high streets and in support of work they were undertaking to revitalise high streets and town centres. At that time, the Scottish Government were undertaking their own independent review of town centres with a focus that went beyond retail. The UK Government did not consult with the Scottish Government on these strategies as town centre regeneration, which both of these strategies address, is devolved to the Scottish Government.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent call by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for global action to be taken to halt the loss of and restore damaged peatlands, what action it is taking to ensure that Scotland’s peatlands are (a) protected and (b) restored. (S5W-02392) Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government, along with Scottish Natural Heritage, published Scotland's National Peatland Plan in August 2015. The Peatland Plan establishes a framework in which the Scottish Government, along with SNH, are leading the way forward in the management, protection, and restoration of Scotland’s peatlands, and as a consequence, protects its biodiversity and ecosystems. The Peatland Plan established a National Peatland Group which involves partners such as the IUCN Peatland Inquiry to support its delivery and along with a Monitoring and Research Group ensuring an evidence base and helping future actions. In addition to the protection afforded by the suite of Natural sites and SSSIs, specific actions in the Plan include Scottish Planning policy which provides protection for peatlands as well as the work funded by the Scottish Government, through its Strategic Research Programme and Centres of Expertise, to deliver multi-disciplinary research to improve our knowledge of peatlands. This knowledge is then used to develop new tools and approaches to support sustainable management and help achieve restoration targets. Funding to support peatland restoration and management is available through the Scottish Rural Development programme and SNH has supported more than 100 projects through its Peatland Action initiative.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with the UK Government in response to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) UK Peatland Programme’s recent call for the UK to restore one million hectares of peatlands by 2020. (S5W-02394) Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government liaises with all UK administrations on matters of common interest such as sharing knowledge and best practice around peatland protection and restoration. Through the National Peatland Plan Scotland has established a programme of action to protect, manage and restore our peatlands and through the Scottish Natural Heritage led Peatland Action the Scottish Government has been able to support of peatland restoration projects delivering around 10,000 hectares since 2012-13 as well as support to projects that enhance our capacity to undertake restoration, such as training and best practice guidance.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with the UK Government to meet the UK target to phase out the use of peat in the horticultural sector by 2030, and what steps it is taking to address any historic consents regarding permission to extract peat beyond that year. (S5W-02395) Roseanna Cunningham: Scottish Government officials contributed to the work that led to the Sustainable Growing Media Task Force's 2012 report, ‘Towards Sustainable Growing Media’. In 2014 the level of peat sold for horticultural use was 24% lower than the 2011 baseline. At its August meeting Scotland’s National Peatland Group discussed the scope for further work to support phasing out the use of peat in horticulture and the group is considering what further actions it could support to address a global issue. Scottish planning policy confirms that planning authorities should use their development plans to protect areas of peatland and only allow commercial extraction in very limited circumstances; consents from historic consents are a matter for individual planning authorities.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many hours its civil servants have spent preparing (a) analysis and briefings and (b) draft legislation in relation to land reform since 6 May 2016. (S5W-02445) Roseanna Cunningham: Taking forward the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 is a key part of the current programme for government. Scottish Government resources are allocated in accordance with government priorities.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how details of flood mitigation schemes are shared with the insurance industry and whether it considers this process adequate. (S5W-02484) Roseanna Cunningham: The details of flood protection schemes owned by local authorities are held on the Scottish Flood Defence Asset Database (SFDAD) administered by SEPA. This database is available for registered users to view through a secure website. The aim of this website is to provide users with a tool to view detailed information on flood protection schemes and their associated assets within Scotland. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is aware of SFDAD and that it is open for its members and other insurers to register for the service and view the information therein. At the moment, SFDAD only includes those schemes that have progressed under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961. However, the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (the 2009 Act) makes provision for capturing all structures and measures that contribute to flood risk management into one dataset. The Scottish Government is working with SEPA and the local authorities to develop SFDAD so that it can, ultimately, include more the more detailed information required by the 2009 Act.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that SEPA flood map data is not being used inappropriately by insurers to assess flood risk for insurance purposes. (S5W-02485) Roseanna Cunningham: SEPA's Flood Maps do not show flood risk to individual properties, instead they identify areas which, as a whole, are at risk of flooding and its impacts. Insurance companies have their own flood maps on which to base their decisions, and SEPA’s Flood Maps should have no influence on insurance premiums. SEPA's terms and conditions have to be accepted before anyone can access the Flood Maps online which make it perfectly clear that the Maps must not be used for commercial purposes, or to set insurance premiums. SEPA is working with the Association of British Insurers, to help to increase understanding across the industry of the purpose of the flood maps (i.e. for community level decision making) and stress that they are not suitable for property level assessments. SEPA has also taken action to inform insurance companies that work across the UK of the differences that exist between England and Scotland in the data available to insurers. Unlike the Environment Agency in England, SEPA does not provide specific flood risk datasets to the insurance industry. When evidence is submitted to SEPA showing misuse of the flood maps, SEPA is proactive in dealing with the issue. In the first instance a letter of concern would be issued to the organisation responsible for the misuse, to reinforce SEPA's terms and conditions and to stipulate that the particular use of the maps brought to SEPA's attention is accountable to legal challenge. If an organisation continues to misuse the maps, and there is sufficient evidence to prove this, SEPA will take legal action against the organisation.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how flood risk communities are involved in the planning and delivery of flood mitigation schemes. (S5W-02486) Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government believes that public awareness, participation and community support are essential components of sustainable flood risk management. That is why the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 sets out a framework for coordination and cooperation between all organisations involved in flood risk management, including a formal statutory process which leads to confirmation of a flood protection scheme. This process provides an opportunity for local people to comment on, and lodge objections to, any proposed scheme, which local authorities will then be obliged to seek to address. However, long before a planned flood protection scheme gets to the stage of formal confirmation, local authorities are encouraged to involve local residents, land managers and key community representatives in the scheme planning process. This helps to build understanding and trust locally, which means that communities understand the basis on which decisions about flood risk management actions have been made.

Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what legislation can assist communities that want to bring housing back into use on privately-owned rural estates in order to promote sustainable development. (S5W-02641) Roseanna Cunningham: There is a range of legislation available to assist communities throughout Scotland in acquiring housing on privately owned estates. Legislation that is currently in place includes the Community Right to Buy in Part two of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which was recently amended by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2016. This gives a community the opportunity to register a community interest in land and, if successful, the opportunity to purchase that land when is it to be disposed of. Legislation that is currently being progressed includes: Part four of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2016, which relates to Part 3A of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which provides for a Community Right to Buy Abandoned, Neglected or Detrimental Land. This legislation is expected to be in force by summer 2017, and; Part five of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2016, which relates to asset transfer requests over land owned by prescribed public bodies. This will provide that any request for an asset transfer which is denied by an ‘authority’ must give reasons for doing so. This legislation is expected to be in force by the turn of the year. Local authorities and other bodies currently have compulsory purchase powers. Finance Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether acquisitions made by registered social landlords are subject to Land and Building Transaction Tax if those acquisitions are made without the assistance of grants or other financial assistance. (S5W-02336) Derek Mackay: Schedule six of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Scotland) Act 2013, as amended by The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Addition and Modification of Reliefs) (Scotland) Order 2015, provides relief for certain acquisitions by registered social landlords. Paragraph two of schedule six sets out the qualifying conditions. If these conditions are not met then relief will not be available.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether it monitors the number and value of public contracts that it and other public bodies in Scotland award to supported employment workplaces for disabled people. (S5W-02408) Derek Mackay: Public bodies should publish a contract award notice for contracts that are in scope for procurement regulations. Generally these are contracts for £50,000 or more for goods and services and £2 million for construction. In addition public bodies are required to publish and maintain a public contracts register setting out such details as the name of the contractor, the subject matter of the contract and the estimated value of the contract. Public bodies with procurement spend of £5 million or more per annum are required to publish a procurement strategy. Part of that strategy will set out how the public body will consider how it can undertake procurements in a way which facilitates the involvement of supported businesses. Such bodies must also produce an annual procurement report that will set out the steps the public body has taken to facilitate the involvement of supported businesses in regulated procurements. These reports will be published by the individual public bodies and will form the basis for an annual report on procurement activity in Scotland to be prepared by Scottish Ministers. Financial year 2017-18 will be the first full year subject to annual procurement reports under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. The Scottish Government Framework for Supported Factories and Businesses was awarded in September 2012. The answer to question S5W-02407 on 20 September 2016 provides details of spend through that Framework. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what projects it has identified for support from the £20 billion infrastructure programme that it referred to in its 2016-17 Programme for Government. (S5W-02540) Derek Mackay: The Infrastructure Investment Plan 2015, published in December 2015, sets out the Scottish Government's infrastructure priorities over the next 20 years. An update on the Scottish Government's plans for infrastructure will be provided in the Budget.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs will be supported by the £100 million of funding it announced following the EU referendum, and what contribution this will make to economic growth in 2016-17, expressed as a percentage. (S5W-02549) Derek Mackay: It is estimated that the capital stimulus package funding of £100 million will support around 800 full time equivalent Scottish jobs, with just over half of those in construction. The impact on economic growth in 2016-17 will not be known until the projects being funded have been taken forward. However, it is anticipated that this investment will deliver a vital boost to the economy, helping retain skills and activity in key sectors as well as enhancing Scotland's asset base.

Health and Social Care Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what impact the reduction in funding for alcohol and drug partnerships in 2016-17 will have on their interventions aimed at harm reduction and reducing drug-related deaths. Holding answer issued: 15 September 2016 (S5W-02032) Aileen Campbell: The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Shona Robison, wrote to the Chief Executives of Scotland’s Health boards on 7 January 2016 confirming that Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are to maintain services and performance in 2016-17 at 2015-16 levels utilising the funding available. NHS boards provide funding from their general resource allocation and the specific funding allocation for ADPs provided by the Scottish Government.

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what services will be (a) withdrawn and (b) downgraded because of the reduction in funding for alcohol and drug partnerships in 2016-17. Holding answer issued: 15 September 2016 (S5W-02035) Aileen Campbell: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-02032 on 20 September 2016. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Miles Briggs (Lothian) ( and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has carried out of the investment made by integrated joint boards through the Integrated Care Fund. (S5W-02131) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government is currently examining information provided by Health and Social Care Partnerships on use of the Integrated Care fund in 2015-16. Going forward partnerships will report on their investments and outcomes through their annual performance reports.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Integrated Care Fund has been invested each year in third sector organisations. (S5W-02132) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. Distribution of the Integrated Care Fund is a matter for local Health and Social Care Partnerships based on their strategic plan and the needs of the local communities that they serve.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how integrated joint boards account for Integrated Care Fund spending. (S5W-02133) Shona Robison: Allocations from the Integrated Care Fund (ICF) are part of the overall resources available to Health and Social Care Partnerships and sit within the context of Partnerships’ strategic commissioning plans. From 2016-17 reporting on ICF spend, and outcomes achieved, will be through Health and Social Care Partnerships’ annual performance reports. These will be published from July 2017.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether each integrated joint board reports on the outcomes achieved through Integrated Care Fund spending. (S5W-02134) Shona Robison: The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 requires each Integration Joint Board (Health and Social Care Partnership) to publish an annual performance report setting out an assessment of performance in planning and carrying out the integration functions for which they are responsible. Health and Social Care Partnerships will report on the use of the Integrated Care Fund through their annual performance reports.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what account it takes of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities when bringing forward proposals for revised (a) mental health and incapacity legislation and (b) mental health strategies. (S5W-02342) Maureen Watt: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) requires governments to take action to remove barriers to independent living and enable disabled people to enjoy real freedom, dignity and equality. It is the framework that the Scottish Government uses to improve the lives of disabled people and deliver change. In 2015 we published a draft action plan for consultation setting out how we will implement the UNCRPD (2016 to 2020) which commits us to taking practical actions across all areas of Government to make changes for disabled people. We are strengthening and developing the plan on the basis of the consultation responses and will publish the final Disability Action Plan in December 2016. As part of the draft plan the Scottish Government committed to consulting on the Scottish Law Commission’s review of Adults with Incapacity (AWI) legislation with particular reference to issues around deprivation of liberty and thereafter to carry out a scoping exercise in relation to a wider review of AWI legislation. That consultation has concluded and the Scottish Government is now actively engaging with service users and stakeholders to determine the focus for areas of reform. During the passage of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015, the UNCRPD was referenced for example through measures taken to strengthen the provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 which promote supported decision making such as advance statements and advocacy. The new Mental Health Strategy will be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment.

Jenny Marra (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government by what date and method it will publish the findings of its recent national scoping survey of funding for speech and language therapy services. (S5W-02354) Shona Robison: The findings of the survey will be published on the Scottish Government website later in 2016.

Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist ): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-00878 by Shona Robison on 19 July 2016, in light of the number of vacancies, what its response is to midwifery graduates from Scotland taking up offers of full-time places in England. (S5W-02398) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring a sustainable supply of midwives and providing attractive employment opportunities for newly qualified midwives in Scotland. In addition to the One Year Job Guarantee Scheme for newly registered midwives and better pay for Agenda for Change staff in Scotland compared to anywhere else in the UK, Scottish Government reintroduced a national Return to Practice scheme from April 2015 to attract former nurses and midwives back into the profession, enabling them to retrain and re-enter employment. There were 111.6 WTE Band 5 midwives employed in NHS Scotland at 30 June 2016, compared to 71.9 WTE employed at 30 June 2014 (Source: ISD Scotland National Statistics release, 6 September 2016 http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp)

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many people have received electroconvulsive therapy in each year since 2007. (S5W-2429) Maureen Watt: Information on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is available in the annual reports published by the Scottish ECT Accreditation Network (SEAN) http://www.sean.org.uk/AuditReport/Main.html.

These reports summarise data that have been collected from an electronic care pathway installed in all ECT treatment clinics in Scotland. Data are collected on every aspect of patient care, including the number of patients, episodes and treatments relating to ECT to ensure compliance with SEAN standards.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much it has cost it to provide mental health treatment in each year since 2007. (S5W-02430) Maureen Watt: Scottish Health Service Costs is published annually by Information Services Division Scotland and provides a detailed analysis of where its resources are spent: (http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Finance/).

Learning and Justice Pauline McNeill (Glasgow ) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle gender inequality of opportunity in the workplace. (S5W-02256) Keith Brown: Creating a fairer workplace is essential to a sustained, long-term prosperous economy. Scotland’s labour market strategy launched on 26 August 2016, sets out a vision for a strong labour market where fair work drives inclusive, sustainable economic growth and is central to improving the lives of individuals and their families. This government is driving forward a range of activity to tackle gender inequality in the workplace including: We appointed an independent Fair Work Convention which published its Fair Work Framework 2016 on 21 March 2016. The framework recognises Fair Work as work which offers: Security, Opportunity, Fulfilment, Respect and Effective Voice. The programme for government reinforces our commitment of up to £500,000 to support the Fair Work Convention to embed their framework in workplaces across Scotland. Ensuring greater pay transparency by lowering the threshold for listed public authorities to publish their gender pay gap and equal pay statements, from those with more than 150 employees to those with more than 20. Promoting the 'Partnership for Change' initiative, a key Scottish Government policy aimed at improving the percentage of women and other under-represented groups in the boardroom in Scotland. Encouraging employers to support payment of the real Living Wage by signing up to the Scottish Business Pledge or achieving Living Wage accreditation. As part of our 2016-17 budget we are investing a further £250 million per year through health and social care partnerships, to protect and grow social care services. It will allow councils to commission care from the independent and voluntary sectors on the basis that people are being paid £8.25 an hour – giving up to 40,000 care workers, mainly women, doing some of the most valuable work in Scotland a pay rise. We are working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace and the Minister for Employability and Training will chair a working group whose remit will include creating guidelines for employers to ensure best practice, as well as improving access to guidance for pregnant women and new mothers. We have committed to abolishing fees for employment tribunals to improve women's access to justice, when we are clear on how the transfer of powers and responsibilities will work. We will develop a Workplace Equality Fund to support equality groups including women, where the labour market does not provide good outcomes. We are providing £205,000 to 'Close the Gap' in 2016-17, a partnership initiative working across Scotland with employers and employees, to encourage and enable action to address the gender pay gap. It works strategically with employers, employees and policymakers to encourage and enable action to narrow the gender pay gap by reducing horizontal and vertical occupational segregation, reducing discrimination embedded within pay systems and increasing flexible working opportunities.

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow ) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent reports of a gender pay gap in Scotland of 29.9%, what steps it is taking to reduce this. (S5W-02257) Keith Brown: We do not recognise the figures quoted. The long-term trends in relation to the gender pay gap in Scotland are positive. The official source of UK earnings estimates is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), 2015. ASHE provides evidence to support policy making in a variety of areas including: low pay; the gender pay gap, and regional economic analysis. ASHE data is published annually and is based on a 1% sample of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. The most recent estimates of gender pay gap sourced from the ASHE data (based on median hourly earnings excluding overtime) show that both the full time pay gap and overall pay gap (full and part-time) have narrowed considerably in Scotland since 1999 - the full-time pay gap from 16.7% in 1999 to 7.3% in 2015 and the overall pay gap from 24.6% in 1999 to 16.8% in 2015. However, there is clearly still more to do, and we are working hard to address the complex drivers and causes of the pay gap. We are providing £205,000 in funding to the 'Close the Gap' partnership in 2016-17, to encourage and work with employers to enable actions to address the gender pay gap. Under the programme for government we have committed to almost double the level of free childcare for three and four year olds by 2020; we actively promote the living wage because we know that women are disproportionately likely to be in low paid jobs, we have brought more transparency to pay issues by lowering the threshold for public authorities in Scotland to publish their pay gap. We also support fair work practices, including flexible working, which can be crucial in helping women and men combine career development with family responsibilities.

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are to increase funding for university places through the Scottish Funding Council. (S5W-02346) Shirley-Anne Somerville: The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that investment in the higher education sector supports the excellence of our world-class universities and enables greater equity in access to a university education. Through the Scottish Funding Council, we have invested in excess of £1 billion in Scotland’s higher education sector each year for the last four years, and will invest more than £1 billion in 2016-17. Scottish Government Ministers and officials engage regularly with higher education sector partners and the Scottish Funding Council, including in relation to preparation for the forthcoming Spending Review.

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how many university places the Scottish Funding Council has funded in each year since 2010-11. (S5W-02349)

Shirley-Anne Somerville: I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided for each university place in each year since 2010-11 in (a) cash and (b) real terms. (S5W-02350) Shirley-Anne Somerville: The answer provided in response to Scottish parliamentary question S5W-02349 on 20 September 2016 sets out the number of university places supported by the Scottish Funding Council on behalf of the Scottish Government in each year since 2010-11. A funded place consists of two elements. A tuition fee element paid to universities through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). With a relatively small number of specific variations, this has been at a rate of £1,820 per funded place since 2006-07. The second element is paid by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to cover teaching and related costs. The amount allocated by the SFC will vary according to the subject group into which the funded place falls, with certain courses incurring greater costs, such as medicine in group 1, funded at a higher level. Since 2012-13, six subject groups have been employed. SFC Teaching Price Groups for 2012-13 to 2016-17: Price Price for Group 2012- 2012-13 2013- 2013-14 2014- 2014-15 2015- 2015-16 2016- 13 (2016-17 14 (2016-17 15 (2016-17 16 (2016-17 17 prices) prices) prices) prices) 1 £16,734 £17,549 £16,796 £17,328 £16,946 £17,214 £16,946 £17,200 £16,454 2 £9,495 £9,958 £9,530 £9,832 £9,615 £9,767 £9,615 £9,759 £9,336 3 £8,416 £8,826 £8,447 £8,715 £8,522 £8,657 £8,522 £8,650 £8,274 4 £7,326 £7,683 £7,353 £7,586 £7,418 £7,535 £7,418 £7,529 £7,203 5 £6,476 £6,791 £6,500 £6,706 £6,558 £6,662 £6,558 £6,656 £6,367 6 £5,278 £5,535 £5,298 £5,466 £5,345 £5,430 £5,345 £5,425 £5,190 GDP Deflators at market prices, and money GDP: June 2016 Price Group subject examples: 1 – Clinical Medicine 2 – Chemical Engineering 3 – Chemistry 4 – Nursing & Midwifery 5 – Initial teacher training 6 – Modern languages Teaching funding for 2011-12 was based on percentage changes applied to teaching funding groups for 2010-11 The units of teaching resource for 2010-11 were: Funding Subject Group Price (2010-11 prices) Price (2016-17 prices) 1 Clinical and Veterinary Practice £16,330 £17,728 2 Engineering and Technology £8,680 £9,423 3 Science £8,295 £9,005 4 Computing and Information Science £7,560 £8,207 5 Pre-Clinical £8,240 £8,945 6 Creative Arts and Welfare £7,445 £8,082 7 Education £7,640 £8,294 8 Other Health and Welfare £7,035 £7,637 9 Built Environment £6,605 £7,170 10 Mathematics, Statistics and OR £5,590 £6,068 11 Humanities, Languages and Business £5,065 £5,499 12 Social Sciences £4,190 £4,549 GDP Deflators at market prices, and money GDP: June 2016 The units of resource and teaching price group figures shown in both tables include cash and real terms information, and both the tuition fee and the teaching elements. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of Scotland domiciled students at Scottish universities has come from the bottom (a) decile and (b) quantile of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation in each year since 2010-11. (S5W-02351) Shirley-Anne Somerville: Percentage of Scottish domiciled full-time first degree entrants at Scottish universities from the 10% and 20% most deprived areas of Scotland (SIMD10 and SIMD 20), 2010-11 to 2014-15 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 SIMD 10 5.5% 6.0% 5.9% 6.4% 6.8% 7.0% SIMD 20 11.6% 12.3% 12.1% 13.0% 13.7% 14.0% Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the survey by City & Guilds, which showed that 14 to 19-year-olds in Scotland were considering 67 out of 369 jobs listed by the UK Government, the lowest among UK countries. (S5W-02412) Jamie Hepburn: We welcome the report’s findings that Scots children are optimistic about their future, and we want to build upon this to support them in raising and meeting their aspirations. In implementing our Youth Employment Strategy ‘Developing the Young Workforce’, work is already underway across Scotland to make sure all children and young people develop a greater understanding of the world of work and the opportunities on offer. This includes much earlier access to career information advice and guidance, increasing employer involvement with schools and increasing opportunities for young people to learn about work within school and in work placements. ‘A Plan for Scotland – the Scottish Government’s Programme for Scotland 2016-17’ sets out how we will continue to build on this work by – Extending the reach of careers advice to younger school pupils through the embedding of the Career Education Standard (3-18) Embedding a new work placement standard Expanding the number of foundation apprenticeships Continue to develop graduate level apprenticeships Funding and supporting the development of employer led DYW regional groups across the country to encourage and support more employers to engage with education and to recruit more young people. The conclusions drawn by the City and Guilds research support the direction of travel we are taking through our Youth Employment Strategy.

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to (a) raise awareness among and (b) the possibility of 14 to 19-year-olds entering a career outside traditional industries. (S5W-02413) Jamie Hepburn: As outlined in our recently published Labour Market Strategy, Sectoral and Regional Skills Investment Plans provide important careers intelligence for our all age careers service which is delivered by Skills Development Scotland. Through our Youth Employment Strategy ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ work is already underway across Scotland to make sure all children and young people develop a greater understanding of the world of work and the opportunities on offer. This includes much earlier access to career information advice and guidance, increasing employer involvement with schools and increasing opportunities for young people to learn about work within school and in work placements. To ensure our young people receive the right support to consider all the future career options available to them we have also published the Career Education Standard (3-18).

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the British Medical Association and regarding the renewal of shotgun licenses. (S5W-02436) Michael Matheson: Scottish Government officials have met with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association (Scotland) and with Police Scotland on several occasions to discuss the sharing of information between general practitioners and the police for the purposes of firearms and shotgun licensing. Discussions are continuing in order to ensure the appropriate and timely sharing of information and the safety of individuals and the public.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what the annual budget has been for the Employability Fund and how many people have received support from it each year. (S5W-02541) Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government allocates funding to Skills Development Scotland (SDS) on an annual basis for delivery of training programmes and other activities, including the Employability Fund (EF). In the Budget Bill 2016-17, published on 29 January 2016, SDS was allocated Grant in Aid of £176.1 million which will be used to meet its commitments in 2016-17 including the delivery of 11,650 Employability Fund training places plus £6 million in-year transfers from the Scottish Funding Council to Skills Development Scotland to support delivery of the college ring-fenced places within the sector. Since its launch in 2013-14, EF has supported 52,030 training starts as shown below: 2013-14 = 17,370 2014-15 = 17,339 2015-16 = 17,321

Jackson Carlaw (Eastwood) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether section 95 of the Scotland Act 1998 applies to all members of the judiciary or is limited to the Court of Session and the Scottish Land Court. (S5W-02580) Annabelle Ewing: Section 95(1) to (5) of the Scotland Act 1998 relates to the appointment of the Lord President of the Court of Session, the Lord Justice Clerk, judges of the Court of Session, sheriffs principal and sheriffs. Section 95(6) to (11) provides for the removal of judges of the Court of Session and the Chairman of the Scottish Land Court.

Jackson Carlaw (Eastwood) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on members of the judiciary resigning instead of facing a tribunal under section 95 of the Scotland Act 1998. (S5W-02581) Annabelle Ewing: In terms of section two of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, as Head of the Scottish Judiciary, the Lord President is responsible for making and maintaining appropriate arrangements for the investigation and determination of any matter concerning the conduct of judicial office holders. The Lord President will only draw matters to the attention of the First Minister if he wishes her to constitute a tribunal to investigate and report on whether a judge of the Court of Session or Chairman of the Scottish Land Court is unfit to hold that office by reason of inability, neglect of duty or misbehaviour.

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how many appointments have been made under the Appropriate Adult scheme in each year since 2010-11, broken down by local authority. (S5W-02582) Annabelle Ewing: The Scottish Government does not hold this information, but statistics on the provision of appropriate adults broken down by local authority area can be found on the Scottish Appropriate Adult Network website. This information covers the years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. http://www.scottishappropriateadultnetwork.co.uk/reports-statistics#

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what information (a) the Scottish Appropriate Adult Network and (b) Police Scotland has provided regarding the financial impact on local authorities of providing services under the Appropriate Adult scheme. (S5W-02583) Annabelle Ewing: During the passage of the Criminal Justice Bill (now Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016), evidence was provided by the Scottish Appropriate Adult Network (SAAN), Police Scotland and others on the current operation of appropriate adult services in Scotland. In response to the evidence presented, the Scottish Government committed to continue working with the local authorities, Police Scotland and other interested parties to take the necessary steps to put in place a sustainable model for the long-term delivery of appropriate adult services in Scotland. The Scottish Government is engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders, including SAAN and Police Scotland, to develop such a model. Given the differing arrangements for the delivery of appropriate adult services across the local authorities, this includes ongoing work to ascertain accurate costs for the provision of the current service.

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how much it has cost each local authority to provide services under the Appropriate Adult scheme in each year since 2010-11. (S5W-02584) Annabelle Ewing: The Scottish Government does not hold this information. It is a matter for local authorities.

Strategy and Operations Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of correspondence each (a) minister and (b) cabinet secretary received (i) since May 2016 and (ii) from January to April 2016 (A) has not been answered, (B) received a holding response only and (C) received an initial holding response before being responded to in full. (S5W-02226) Joe FitzPatrick: Correspondence received by the Scottish Government and addressed to a Cabinet Secretary or Minister is passed to the Ministerial Correspondence Unit and added to the Ministerial and Corporate Correspondence System (MACCS). The information requested has been extracted from MACCS. Correspondence received between 1 January and 30 April 2016 Interim Reply – Cabinet Secretary/ Minister Total added to Reply not yet Interim Reply – no Final reply issued MACCS issued (%) final reply issued (%) (%) First Minister 3120 0.2 0.2 0.8 DFM & Finance, Constitution 477 0.6 0.0 1.0 and Economy Infrastructure, Investment and 188 0.0 0.0 0.0 Cities Fair Work, Skills and Training 83 2.4 0.0 2.4 Education and Lifelong 536 0.0 0.0 0.7 Learning Health, Wellbeing and Sport 975 0.1 0.0 1.9 Social Justice, Communities 401 0.5 0.0 0.5 and Pensioners’ Rights Correspondence received between 1 January and 30 April 2016 Interim Reply – Cabinet Secretary/ Minister Total added to Reply not yet Interim Reply – no Final reply issued MACCS issued (%) final reply issued (%) (%) Justice 322 0.3 0.0 0.0 Rural Affairs, Food and 435 0.9 0.0 0.9 Environment Culture, Europe and External 212 0.0 0.0 1.4 Affairs Business, Energy and Tourism 318 1.9 0.0 0.3 Parliamentary Business 9 0.0 0.0 0.0 Transport and Islands 542 0.2 0.0 0.5 Youth and Women’s 25 0.0 0.0 0.0 Employment Children and Young People 165 0.6 0.0 0.6 Learning, Science and 77 0.0 0.0 1.3 Scotland’s Languages Public Health 113 0.9 0.0 0.0 Sport, Health Improvement 158 0.0 0.0 1.3 and Mental Health Local Government and 102 0.0 0.0 2.0 Community Empowerment Housing and Welfare 192 0.5 0.0 2.1 Community Safety and Legal 95 1.0 0.0 2.0 Affairs Environment, Climate Change 389 0.2 0.0 0.8 and Land Reform Europe and International 170 1.2 0.6 0.0 Development Scottish Ministers (general) 2064 0.0 0.0 0.3 All 11168 0.3 0.02 0.8

Correspondence Received between 1 May and 31 August 2016 Cabinet Secretary/ Minister Total added to Reply not yet Interim Reply – no Interim Reply – Final MACCS issued (%) final reply issued (%) reply issued (%) First Minister 2439 23.0 0.4 1.0 DFM & Education and Skills 674 26.7 3.3 1.2 Finance and Constitution 129 45.7 1.5 1.5 Economy, Jobs and Fair 266 29.7 0.4 1.9 Work Rural Economy and 351 39.6 1.1 2.3 Connectivity Environment, Climate 326 28.5 0.3 1.5 Change and Land Reform Health and Sport 879 23.0 0.1 1.9 Justice 298 34.6 0.3 2.3 Culture, Tourism and 264 31.4 0.4 0.7 External Affairs Communities, Social Security 294 20.7 0.3 0.3 and Equalities Childcare and Early Years 99 31.0 2.0 1.0 Further and Higher 81 27.1 0.0 2.5 Education and Science Parliamentary Business 61 8.2 0.0 1.6 Business Innovation and 196 47.4 0.5 1.5 Energy Employability and Training 89 28.4 0.0 1.1 Transport and Islands 611 19.9 0.0 0.8 Mental Health 121 28.1 0.0 0.8 Public Health and Sport 179 35.8 0.0 2.5 Community Safety and Legal 33 39.4 3.0 0.0 Affairs International Development 90 20.0 0.0 0.0 and Europe Local Government and 272 29.0 0.0 1.1 Housing Social Security 34 64.7 0.0 2.9 Scottish Ministers (general) 1723 12.5 0.3 0.6 All 9509 24.2 0.6 1.1

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on public health information campaigns in each year since 1999. (S5W-02518) Derek Mackay: Scottish Government campaigns are designed to improve and save lives, and make a measurable contribution to our priorities. Campaign spend from 2004-05 onwards is published on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.gov.scot/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend. For details of campaign spend prior to 2004-05 I refer the member to the answer to question S3W- 03693 on 4 September 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Transport Scotland Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether someone boarding a train with the intention of buying a ticket on board can be fined for pre-meditated fraud. (S5W-02167) Humza Yousaf: Under the National Rail Conditions of carriage customers who board at a station without ticket buying facilities will access the full range of fares inclusive of discounted tickets. Boarding a train where ticket buying options are in place and operational, customers give up the right to discounted fares as described above. There are various pieces of legislation or Common Law with which rail companies and British Transport Police can seek to recover the value of the journey or to prosecute and recognise the dishonest actions of the errant passenger. This can be pursued through either Common Law Fraud means, or via railway-specific legislation and Byelaws (as below). Common Law Fraud - A catch-all offence, including attempts that can cover the same elements as the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 offences (see below) whilst recognising a level of felonious intent perhaps missing in some statutory offences. Might recognise level of planning or activity involved in avoiding payment, or misrepresenting the extent of a journey paid for, the altering of tickets. Higher tariff penalties including imprisonment. Regulation of Railways Act 1889 - Section five creates the following offences Travelling/attempting to travel on the railway without having previously paid the fare and with intent to avoid payment; Having paid the fare for a certain distance, knowingly and willingly proceeding by train beyond that distance without paying the additional fare and with intent to avoid payment; Having failed to pay the fare, giving a false name and address in reply to a request from an officer of the railway. Railway Byelaws 2005 - The byelaws cover various ticket offences whilst describing circumstances whereby a passenger may start a journey without a ticket (no provision of purchase/validation facilities etc).

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many passengers have been fined for pre-meditated fraud on the railways in each month since fines were introduced. (S5W-02168) Humza Yousaf: The current franchise agreement does not allow the franchisee to introduce penalty fares on either the ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper franchises. I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-02167 on 20 September 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how it defines pre-meditated fraud on Scotland’s railways. (S5W-02169) Humza Yousaf: Pre-meditated fraud in Scotland’s railways is defined by the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 (Section 5.3(a)), and Railway byelaws. I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-02167 on 20 September 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether someone boarding a train at (a) an unstaffed station or (b) a station without a ticket machine can be fined for pre-meditated fraud. (S5W-02171) Humza Yousaf: This is not pre-meditated fraud and would not be treated as such by ScotRail. Where there are no ticket issuing facilities at the station, tickets will be available for sale during or at the end of the journey. This is in accordance with the National Rail Conditions of Carriage, which apply to all train operating companies in the UK, and Byelaw 18 (Ticketless travel in a non-compulsory ticket area). I refer the Member to the answer to question S5W-02167 on 20 September 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many train stations (a) are unstaffed and (b) do not have a ticket machine. (S5W-02172) Humza Yousaf: The total number of ScotRail stations is 354 of which 214 are unstaffed. 149 of the 214 unstaffed stations do not have a ticket vending machine. In total 185 of 354 ScotRail operated stations do not yet have ticket vending Machines. There are also ticket vending machines at non-ScotRail locations such as Glasgow Central high level, Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh tourist information, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent and reduce the risk of suicide on the transport network. (S5W-02428) Humza Yousaf: Scottish Government are supportive of the excellent partnership work that British Transport Police, the Railway Industry, NHS Greater Glasgow and other external bodies are undertaking to reduce fatalities, suicidal behaviour and disruption upon the rail network. In addition we work with the trunk road Operating Companies, Police Scotland, local authorities, health boards and stakeholders to introduce a range of mitigation measures, monitor activity and help prevent self- harming across the trunk road network.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what investment it has made in respect of (a) Lockerbie, (b) Gretna Green, (c) Annan, (d) Sanquhar and (e) Kirkconnel railway station in each year since 2007. (S5W-02448) Humza Yousaf: Since 2007 the Scottish Government has worked with ScotRail to deliver a number of improvements at these stations. Improvements include:- Lockerbie Installation of CCTV, Customer Information Screens, lifts and footbridge, accessibility improvements, waiting shelter, platform validator to support smart ticketing. Gretna Installation of CCTV and platform validator to support smart ticketing. Green Annan Installation of CCTV, platform validator to support smart ticketing, handrails and upgrade to lighting and stairs. Sanquhar Installation of platform validator to support smart ticketing. Kirkconnel Upgrade to car park lighting and installation of platform validator to support smart ticketing.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what specific consideration it gave to the support of cycling in before the recent transport summit that was held in Dumfries. (S5W-02500) Humza Yousaf: Transport Scotland, through grant funding to Sustrans and Cycling Scotland, has facilitated a range of support for cycling in Dumfries and Galloway. This includes advice on the development of the council’s active travel strategy (adopted in March 2015); funding for infrastructure for the period 2013-14 – 2015-16 of £829,912; provision of a dedicated i-bike officer to work in schools in the area and almost £14,475 in grants in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to community organisations through Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly and Sustainable Communities Fund.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to implement an active traffic management system. (S5W-02526) Humza Yousaf: Transport Scotland is developing a new ITS Strategy for the next ten years which will set out how we continue to efficiently use and develop technology solutions to enhance road capacity and operations on the Scottish Trunk Road Network. The strategy will support the objectives of the National Transport Strategy and the Strategic Road Safety Plan and will build on the active traffic management systems already in use, for example, as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project.

Ross Thomson (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project has cost to date. (S5W-02529) Keith Brown: The total spend to date on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is £202 million. This includes, land purchase; compensation to landowners; utilities; site investigation and environmental surveys, and the costs of technical / legal / financial support.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on calls to reopen railway station. (S5W-02572) Humza Yousaf: Although a new station at Eastriggs does not feature in our current £5 billion investment programme in Scotland’s railways to 2019, we are committed to on-going improvements to rail services and connectivity. Funding for new railway stations can be considered from the Scottish Government's £30 million Scottish Stations Fund which aims to lever in third party funding to provide new and improved stations. Projects will be considered subject to the Scottish Government’s investment priorities for the strategic transport network, a robust business case, affordability and other competing proposals.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on calls to reopen Thornhill railway station. (S5W-02573) Humza Yousaf: Although a new station at Thornhill does not feature in our current £5 billion investment programme in Scotland’s railways to 2019, we are committed to on-going improvements to rail services and connectivity. Funding for new railway stations can be considered from the Scottish Government's £30 million Scottish Stations Fund which aims to lever in third party funding to provide new and improved stations. Projects will be considered subject to the Scottish Government’s investment priorities for the strategic transport network, a robust business case, affordability and other competing proposals.

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on calls to reopen railway station. (S5W-02574) Humza Yousaf: Although a new station at Beattock does not feature in our current £5 billion investment programme in Scotland’s railways to 2019, we are committed to on-going improvements to rail services and connectivity. Funding for new railway stations can be considered from the Scottish Government's £30 million Scottish Stations Fund which aims to lever in third party funding to provide new and improved stations. Projects will be considered subject to the Scottish Government’s investment priorities for the strategic transport network, a robust business case, affordability and other competing proposals.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-01687 by Humza Yousaf on 23 August 2016, when it expects Abellio ScotRail and Transport Scotland to reach agreement on more detailed reporting and monitoring of the contractual obligation to maintain a minimum staffing level for every train service of two members of staff. (S5W-02586) Humza Yousaf: ScotRail will be providing details of its resource plans to provide evidence that all services are scheduled to be fully staffed; where any service is not covered, a summary of their plans to reduce instances of those services operating without a second staff member for all or part of their journey; and details of the local decision-making process when short notice absences occur. Once received, these plans will be reviewed to assess compliance with the franchise agreement. ScotRail has recently confirmed that an additional ten ticket examiners have now been recruited to improve coverage of staff on electric service routes.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the SQUIRE audit of Abellio ScotRail’s performance in the first quarter of 2016-17. (S5W-02589) Humza Yousaf: The SQUIRE audits has shown the ScotRail has performed well in several areas over the first quarter of 2016-17. Where performance has fallen below floor level Transport Scotland have requested formal Remedial Action Plans from ScotRail which are intended to identify specific issues where they are failing to meet required benchmarks and for them to provide plans to ensure performance improves to an acceptable level.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) stations and (b) routes that brought Abellio ScotRail below the performance benchmark in SQUIRE Service Schedule (i) 2 (station shelters and waiting areas) (ii) 5 (station CCTV) and security), (iii) 7 (station litter and contamination), (iv) 12 (station toilets) and (v) 16 (ticket machines, help points etc) for the first quarter of 2016-17, and whether the franchisee has incurred penalties for this performance level. (S5W-02590) Humza Yousaf: The supporting documentation is contained within SPICE BIB number 58192 The reports provide details of every fault recorded during the first Quarter of 2016/17 for Service Schedules, the sub-component fail, the station audited and a brief description of the actual fault. Schedule 2 – Shelters – (fails per shelter) Schedule 5 – CCTV and Security – (fail per station and at the control centre) Schedule 7 – Station litter and Contamination – (fails per platform) Schedule 12 – Station toilets – (fails per facility) Schedule 16 – Help Points, Telephones and TVMs. – (fails per station) Fails are recorded against different inventories for each Service Schedule, these are provided above in brackets.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) vehicles and (b) routes that brought Abellio ScotRail below the performance benchmark in SQUIRE Service Schedule (i) 19 (train seats, tables, racks and other passenger facilities), (ii) 20 (train lighting), (iii) 21 (train toilets), (iv) 22 (train graffiti), (v) 24 (train destination boards, passenger info display boards), (vi) 26 (train posters/on-train info), (vii) 27 (train public address), (viii) 28 (train doors) for the first quarter of 2016-17 and (ix) 30 (train seat reservations) and whether the franchisee has incurred penalties for this performance level. (S5W-02595) Humza Yousaf: Supporting documentation is contained within SPICe - BIB number 58191 The reports provide details of every fault recorded during the first Quarter of 2016-17 for Service Schedules, the sub component fail, the train audited and a brief description of the actual fail. Schedule 19 – Train seats, tables etc – (fails per carriage) Schedule 20 – Train lights – per carriage Schedule 21 – Train toilets – per facility Schedule 22 – Train graffiti – per carriage Schedule 24 – Train PIS – per carriage Schedule 26 – Posters – per carriage Schedule 27 – Train PA – per carriage Schedule 28 – Train doors – per carriage Schedule 30 – Seat reservations – per carriage Fails are recorded against different inventories for each service schedule, these are provided above in brackets.

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government what processes with (a) Transport Scotland and (b) Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd will CalMac will be required to go through during the period of the next contract for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services if it wants to change the method that it uses to add to and dispose of vessels. (S5W-02649) Humza Yousaf: CalMac Ferries Limited and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited as part of the new Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services Contract, due to commence on 1 October 2016, have undertaken and both signed a Fleet Charter Agreement. The Fleet Charter Agreement details the procedures of transfer and of disposal of vessels associated with the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services fleet. Any changes to the method of disposal of vessels will be carried out through mutual agreement through the Fleet Charter agreement or at the request of Scottish Ministers.

The following questions received holding answers: S5W-02098 S5W-02099 S5W-02100 S5W-02101 S5W-02102 S5W-02349