Chamber and committees

The Scottish Executive believes that the present NHS pay system is outdated and needs modernising if it is to support the development of the modern, patient focused service we are determined to provide for the people of Scotland. In pursuing proposals to modernise the system we recognise the need to balance the benefits of UK pay mechanisms, such as the independent Pay Review Bodies, with the need for flexibility to implement new terms and conditions of service in ways that best meet the particular needs of the NHS in Scotland. We believe it is right and in the interests of the service in Scotland that we play a full part in the current talks aimed at developing a new UK-wide NHS pay system.

The Lord Advocate, who then had policy responsibility for such matters, issued a Consultation Paper, in July 1998 which sought views on a range of possible increases in the jurisdiction limits in the Sheriff Court; an option of forum being provided to litigants wishing to raise personal injury actions for sums falling within the small claims limit and the provision of an additional tier of expenses for small claims exceeding £750.00.Following extensive consultation and having considered the responses to the Consultation Paper, I have decided to lay before the Scottish Parliament orders that:-¨ increase the small claim limit to £1,500;¨ increase each of the privative jurisdiction of the sheriff court and the summary cause limit to £5,000;¨ add personal injuries actions to the category of actions excluded from the small claim procedure;¨ assuming that Parliament accepts the recommendation to increase the small claim limit, increase the present expenses limit of £75 for small claims up to £750 and to £100 for small claims up to £1,000;¨ where the value of the claim exceeds £1,000, limits the expenses to 10% of the sum awarded; and¨ provide that no expenses are to be payable for claims up to £200.The appropriate Orders which require to be approved by affirmative resolution of the Scottish Parliament will be brought forward when the Parliamentary timetable permits.

In recognising the important role which these bodies can play in supporting voluntary organisations and community groups in this work, I intend to commission a review to examine how the role of the Councils of Voluntary Service in delivering the social inclusion agenda can be strengthened. I have asked that priority be given to work on the review so that I can consider its recommendations in the late Autumn.

Rural development will be one of the Executive's top priorities but real progress will only be achieved if there is an integrated approach at the highest level. Accordingly, a Ministerial Committee reporting to the Cabinet has been established with the task of furthering the economic, environmental and social development of rural Scotland. The members of the Committee are:

Ross Finnie, Minister for Rural Affairs (Chairman)Sarah Boyack, Minister for Transport and the EnvironmentAlasdair Morrison, Deputy Minister for Enterprise in the Highlands and Islands and GaelicJohn Home Robertson, Deputy Minister for Rural AffairsJackie Baillie, Deputy Minister for CommunitiesAngus MacKay, Deputy Minister for Justice.

Other Ministers will be invited to take part as necessary. My Ministerial colleagues and I are talking to a range of rural interest groups and the work plan of this Committee will be drawn up in the light of those discussions.