Contents
- Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
- Scottish Executive Question Time
- Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill: Financial Resolution
- First Minister’s Question Time
- Scottish Executive Question Time
- Government Growth Strategy
- Decision Time
- Dewar Report (Centenary)
Scottish Executive Question Time
General Questions
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (Meetings)
1. To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Housing and Transport last met the chief executive of Strathclyde partnership for transport. (S4O-00969)
I last met the chief executive of Strathclyde partnership for transport, Gordon MacLennan, on 13 March 2012.
I hope that the minister took the time to discuss the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry crossing in that meeting. I acknowledge his responses to my correspondence on the issue and the time that he gave Jackie Baillie and me in a meeting about it.
The minister will be aware that the troubles that the current ferry crossing faces were entirely predictable and that the position is now becoming farcical. SPT’s response to passengers’ concerns is completely unacceptable, and it has led some to conclude that SPT is not merely seeking efficiencies for the public purse but is operating a hidden agenda to end the service altogether and blame the passengers for that outcome.
In the minister’s correspondence of 23 April, he discussed the future responsibility of current providers of ferry services. Is it not time that he discussed seriously with SPT future responsibility for the Gourock to Kilcreggan service? Passengers who use the service have come to the conclusion that transferring responsibility away from SPT would be a very good—
I think that you have asked your question, Mr McNeil.
Duncan McNeil has raised points with me in the meetings that I have had with him and Jackie Baillie, and I have had discussions on the matter with Stuart McMillan. I have sought to raise with SPT the legitimate concerns that Duncan McNeil has raised with me. In addition to that, Transport Scotland has remained engaged with SPT as further issues have arisen—Jackie Baillie has raised such issues with me. I am happy to raise the issues, but I have made clear the extent of my responsibility in that regard, and I think that Duncan McNeil has acknowledged that. We can raise concerns, but I cannot rerun a procurement process that is run by another public body.
Of course, we do not currently plan to take over the service, which SPT has just tendered for. All that I can say in response to the points that Duncan McNeil raises is that I will continue to look at any further issues that he has and will ensure, as I have tried to do so far, that SPT responds timeously to the points that he raises.
The disruption to the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service is not only affecting naval base staff; it is affecting national health service staff, who are struggling to get to work at Inverclyde royal hospital, due to the infrequency of the service. Will the minister ask Audit Scotland to investigate the tendering process, as the running of the service is clearly not delivering for passengers?
I repeat that I cannot rerun or interfere in a procurement process that is run by another public body in the way that might be being suggested. As the body in question is a public body that disburses public funds, it will, of course, be subject to scrutiny from Audit Scotland. If the member wants Audit Scotland to look at the matter, he should properly raise it with Audit Scotland.
I am grateful for the minister’s on-going interest in the issue.
Since the contract was awarded, there have been numerous cancellations of service for reasons beyond our challenging weather. Initially, replacement vessels were not provided, despite that being a contractual obligation. Instead of a 10-minute crossing, the replacement bus service took around an hour and a half. There is now a replacement boat that seats 12 people instead of 50.
Aside from the unreliability of the service and the conflicting information that is given, passengers now have very little confidence in the service provision and the safety of the boat that is used. Does the minister agree that such poor standards fall below the service provider’s contractual obligations to SPT? Will he continue his extremely helpful approach and once again assist Duncan McNeil and me in securing a reliable and safe service for our constituents?
Jackie Baillie’s last point is very good. We are all trying to achieve the same thing. Again, I say that I cannot jump into the contract discussions or into a dispute where it appears on the surface that a contract is not being adhered to. However, I am happy to give the assurance again that I will continue to raise issues that are raised with me. I repeat that we are all after the same thing. We all want to ensure that the service runs regularly and reliably and according to the contract.
North Ayrshire Council (Meetings)
2. To ask the Scottish Government when it next plans to meet North Ayrshire Council and what will be discussed. (S4O-00970)
Ministers and officials regularly meet representatives of councils, including North Ayrshire Council, to discuss a range of issues.
Does the minister agree that it is important for the Scottish National Party Government to work closely with North Ayrshire Council to ensure the delivery of joint objectives, such as tackling unemployment, boosting the local economy and improving service delivery? Will he congratulate Councillor Willie Gibson on becoming the probable leader of North Ayrshire Council after the SNP took seats from Labour, the Tories, the Liberal Democrats and independents to become the biggest party on North Ayrshire Council last week?
I take the opportunity that is afforded by the first occasion on which I am answering questions on local authority business after the local authority elections to make it clear that the Government will maintain its constructive dialogue with all local authorities in Scotland to pursue the objectives that we all share of strengthening the Scottish economy and delivering economic recovery and the high-quality public services on which members of the public depend.
I congratulate all members who were elected to local authorities. I pay tribute to those excellent councillors who decided to stand down or who were not returned for their public service, and I commit the Government to working closely with all local authorities. I pass on through Mr Gibson my good wishes to the members who were elected to North Ayrshire Council and I look forward to working with the council leadership.
Asylum Seekers (Support)
3. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had since May 2007 regarding providing support for destitute asylum seekers. (S4O-00971)
Supporting asylum seekers is the responsibility of the United Kingdom Border Agency and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that, when asylum seekers are in Scotland, they must be welcomed and supported, and to that end we have had regular discussions since May 2007 with agencies and delivery partners regarding the support that they provide for all asylum seekers.
The minister will be aware of the change of housing contract which, according to reports, could result in hundreds of families becoming homeless and destitute, despite UKBA assurances. That could put a huge strain on resources in Glasgow. Is the minister aware of those concerns and will she meet me to discuss the issue in more detail?
I am, of course, aware of the situation that is arising from the change of contract arrangements for the accommodation of asylum seekers. I would be happy to meet the member to discuss the issue in more detail. As I said in my initial answer, the matter is one for the UKBA. The Scottish Government does not have responsibility for the area, but the member is right to highlight the point that, if asylum seekers are not adequately and properly supported, that often has a knock-on effect on agencies that are operating in devolved areas of responsibility. It is in no one’s interests for asylum seekers and their families to be destitute and I assure the member that the Scottish Government will continue to seek assurances from the UK Government that all appropriate action will be taken in the area.
European Union Project Bonds
4. To ask the Scottish Government how European Union project bonds could be used to support infrastructure investment in Scotland. (S4O-00972)
We are working with the Scottish Futures Trust to explore how EU project bonds could be used to support infrastructure investment in Scotland.
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank are looking to stimulate private capital for investment in key EU transport, energy and digital infrastructure through the immediate setting up of a pilot phase of a Europe 2020 project bond initiative for 2012-13, which could involve €230 million being invested in five to 10 large infrastructure projects. Does the cabinet secretary agree that that initiative provides an opportunity for us to proceed with the digital connectivity agenda, which is essential for unlocking the full growth potential of rural Scotland, particularly South Scotland, which I represent? Can he assure me that representations are being made to the EC and the EIB to push forward Scottish projects for inclusion in the pilot phase?
Scotland’s digital ambition is fully aligned with the EU 2020 strategy, and the Scottish Government views the project bond initiative as an essential mechanism for securing potentially significant levels of finance, which will be essential for delivery of our world-class targets. The Scottish Government is already exploring how Scotland can act as an early pilot and accelerate the key broadband initiatives that are set out in our infrastructure investment plan.
Question 5 has not been lodged by Jamie Hepburn, but the member has provided me with an explanation and an apology.
National Health Service (Staff Morale)
6. To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of morale among NHS staff. (S4O-00974)
I understand that, in what are very difficult financial times, all workers in Scotland, including those who work for our national health service, will feel under pressure in their working lives and in relation to their household budgets. That is why we continue to do all that we can to create and maintain a supportive working environment in the NHS. We are maintaining our policy of no compulsory redundancies; we are ensuring that changes to the workforce are in line with quality assurance and are discussed in partnership; and we are passing on the health Barnett consequentials in full to NHS Scotland. We will continue to do everything that we can to support the NHS and its staff in the challenges that they face in providing world-class care to the people of Scotland.
I accept that the cabinet secretary replies in good faith but, for the Scottish Government, ignorance is, indeed, bliss because, in response to my recent parliamentary questions about whistleblowers in the NHS, it did not know how many whistleblowers had raised issues, what legal costs had been incurred in dealing with such issues or how many NHS staff had been released with severance payments and associated non-disclosure agreements—that is shorthand for getting rid of whistleblowers. It appears that none of that information is held centrally. How can the Scottish Government have a clue about what morale among NHS staff is like without that essential information? What does the Government intend to do to get hold of it?
I take morale and whistleblowing very seriously, but I am sure that Annabel Goldie would accept that the question of morale is much bigger than issues associated with whistleblowing.
Working with health boards, the Scottish Government makes efforts, principally through our staff survey, to ensure that we understand the issues that affect staff morale in the NHS. I said recently in the chamber—in response, I think, to questions from Annabel Goldie and Dr Richard Simpson—that work had recently been done on the partnership information network policy on whistleblowing, which is extremely important. I continue to send clear messages to health boards on that issue.
Part of the answer to Annabel Goldie’s question is that, initially, it is for health boards to ensure that they have in place the right environment to encourage staff to come forward when they identify any potential service failings and to feel that they can do so safely. I would be more than happy to meet Annabel Goldie to discuss the matter in more detail and to hear whether there are things that we can do to further improve the arrangements that are in place, because the Government and I are determined to ensure that we give staff the space and the ability to raise concerns and to have them addressed.
In a recent survey, the Royal College of Nursing identified a drop in morale, particularly among nurses. I think that we would all recognise the challenging environment that they work in, especially given that more than 2,000 nursing posts have been cut from the NHS. However, in a spirit of consensus, will the cabinet secretary join me in welcoming international nurses day, which is on 12 May, and in recognising that much of what our nurses do forms the backbone of our NHS?
I will answer that question entirely in the spirit of consensus, because I want to take the opportunity to welcome international nurses day and international nurses week. To mark international nurses day, I met a fantastic district nurse in Kirkintilloch earlier this week; in addition, I have recorded a message for the RCN. All of us should take the opportunity to thank nurses everywhere in Scotland for the tremendous work that they do in difficult circumstances. They do a fantastic job, and each and every one of us is indebted to them.
My daughter will be pleased to hear that.
NHS Lothian (Management Culture)
7. To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report into the management culture at NHS Lothian and, if so, what lessons can be drawn from it. (S4O-00975)
I received the initial findings from the investigation at the end of April, and I expect to see the final, formal report in the next day or two. The report will be published as soon as practicable thereafter. As well as sending it to the Health and Sport Committee, I will ensure that all members who have a constituency or regional interest in the matter get an early copy of it.
I very much welcome that reply. Has the Scottish Government discussed with Audit Scotland the remit of its audit in light of the experience with NHS Lothian? Secondly, can the cabinet secretary give us a report on the joint working between the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian on the sustainable operational plan to ensure that patients are seen and treated within the legal treatment time guarantees?
I thank Sarah Boyack for both questions. On the first, I welcome the work that Audit Scotland is planning to carry out. We are in close dialogue with the organisation on the remit for the internal board audits that I have asked to be carried out in every health board over the next few months. Obviously, it is for Audit Scotland to set the terms of reference for its own audit, but I have made it very clear that the results of the internal audit should be made available to Audit Scotland to assist its work.
Sarah Boyack’s second question is also important. As I have told the chamber previously, an expert Scottish Government team is working with NHS Lothian to ensure that capacity issues are addressed not just in the immediate or short term but for the long term to ensure that the health board is able to deliver on the waiting time guarantee for all patients in a sustainable way. I expect nothing less of NHS Lothian or indeed any other board. The interim chief executive, Tim Davison, is working very hard on all these matters and I will be seeing him later today for an update. As I said in connection with the report, I am happy to discuss the on-going work in greater detail with any member who has a constituency interest.
Medical Isotopes
8. To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the potential for the production of medical isotopes. (S4O-00976)
The supply of medical isotopes is an international problem that, as Governments and other stakeholders have recognised, needs an international solution. In 2009, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development established a high-level group on the security of supply of medical isotopes, whose main objective is to strengthen the reliability of supply. The group is currently developing a policy approach to address supply chain issues and move towards long-term secure supply. Significant progress has already been achieved on improving the situation through increased communication, co-ordination of research reactor schedules and a better understanding of demand-management opportunities.
The World Nuclear Association has shown that more than 10,000 hospitals worldwide use radio isotopes in medicine and that about 90 per cent of the procedures are for diagnosis. As a result, there is strong worldwide demands for this material. However, as the cabinet secretary knows, there is no Scottish production and only one English facility. Will she agree to ask Highlands and Islands Enterprise to carry out a full economic appraisal of the prospects of manufacturing medical isotopes in Caithness using the skills, talents and experience of the Dounreay workforce who are currently engaged in nuclear decommissioning?
David Stewart will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to give him a hard and fast commitment in response to his question. However, I undertake to discuss his request with HIE to hear what its views are and to find out whether an argument can be made for taking the sort of action that he has just outlined.
As I said in my initial response, it is important to ensure a secure supply of medical isotopes not just in Scotland but across the United Kingdom and indeed the world, and the international action that has been taken is intended to fulfil that objective. David Stewart obviously has an interest in this matter and I am happy to have on-going discussions with him and keep him informed of progress.
Hall & Tawse (Closure)
9. To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions with the staff and management of Hall & Tawse Joinery following the announcement that the business is to close, given the impact on employment in the area. (S4O-00977)
Scottish ministers are always deeply disappointed to hear of potential redundancies and are aware of the impact on individuals, their families and the wider community. The Scottish Government acted immediately to provide support through the partnership action for continuing employment to all Mansell and Hall & Tawse employees and local PACE representatives are awaiting a response from the company regarding a suitable date for a meeting with all staff affected.
Will the minister consider directing his officials to talk to the parent company, Balfour Beatty, on potential redeployment options within its reshaped organisation? After all, Hall & Tawse has operated since 1880 and trained thousands of apprentices in Aberdeen, and it would be a shame for that heritage to be lost.
We will do as Mr McDonald suggests. He is quite right in what he says, which is why, despite the substantial cuts to its budget, the Government is continuing to support the construction sector in these difficult times by maintaining capital spend at £3,000 million in 2012-13.