Chamber and committees

The document A Policy on Architecture for Scotland was published on 5 October and I formally launched the policy on the same date at Dundee Contemporary Arts.

In Scotland, the professional body representing architects is the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). The Executive meets regularly with the RIAS on a wide range of matters affecting the profession in Scotland. This includes the development of policy on architecture, the overarching message of which is the value of good design.

Publication on CD-ROM of the archive edition of the Official Report of meetings of the Parliament, committees and written answers was approved by the SPCB on 26 June 2001. Initial development work is now being carried out; publication of the first edition is scheduled for June 2002. The CD-ROM will be available to MSPs, others in the Parliament, partner libraries and the public.

Question S1W-17753 was answered on 12 October 2001.

At the end of last year the Scottish Prison Service launched a new, five-year vision and committed itself to the pursuit of correctional excellence. This vision sets out the service's aspiration to be recognised as the leader in prison correctional work which helps reduce recidivism, contributes to the Scottish Executive aim of making Scotland's communities safer. and thereby offers value for money to the taxpayer. In order to fulfil this aim, the Scottish Prison Service is developing strategies, including the use of the Business Excellence Model, for ensuring that it delivers the highest standards of service; provides effective prisoner opportunities which help reduce recidivism; develops staff who are recognised for their professionalism and for the difficult job they do on behalf of society; demonstrates real value for money to the taxpayer, and, critically, that the prison estate is fit for its purpose.

The Scottish Executive has not yet received a reply to the letter of 28 February.

The plans for the redevelopment of Chalmers Hospital will be included in the NHS Grampian Action Plan, phase 1 of which will be completed by the end of October. The Action Plan will set out how NHS Grampian will fulfil its commitment to deliver high quality, sustainable and accessible services. There are no plans to close Chalmers Hospital.

Our records indicate that a reply to your letter of 19 July was sent to you on 28 August. I will, however, arrange for a further copy of my response to be sent to you.

It may be possible for local authorities to use provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to compel a landowner to clear landslip debris blocking a public right of way in certain circumstances using powers under section 79(1)(a) and (e) of the Act. The precise application of the provisions in any particular case would ultimately be a matter for the courts to decide.

Community policing is intended to be delivered in a range of settings and the training provided to community police officers draws on rural as well as urban circumstances.

There are no provisions contained within the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 to compel landowners to clear landslip debris blocking a public right of way. However, an occupier does owe a duty of reasonable care in respect of dangers on the land towards those who may be on their land.