Wednesday 4 October 2017 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Transcription

1 Wednesday 4 October 2017 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Economy Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding what proportion of the construction industry workforce in Scotland is formed of migrant labour. Holding answer issued: 29 September 2017 (S5W-11312) Paul Wheelhouse: An estimated 7,000 migrants were employed in the Construction sector in Scotland in 2016, according to the Office for National Statistics Annual Population Survey 2016, and the Scottish Government warmly welcomes them and values the contribution they make to a key sector of the Scottish Economy. Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government when the Consultation on Primary Authority Partnerships relating to Devolved Regulatory Responsibilities of Local Authorities ended, and what steps it has taken to introduce the scheme. (S5W-11492) Paul Wheelhouse: The Consultation on Primary Authority Partnerships relating to Devolved Regulatory Responsibilities of Local Authorities ended on 25 June We continue to work with stakeholders, including regulatory and licensing authorities on key elements that will form the foundation for the roll out of a Primary Authority type scheme in Scotland. We have already introduced the first set of National Standards for Mobile Traders relating to Food Hygiene where businesses receive one certificate (recognised across Scotland) from one local authority. Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with BP regarding the decision to shut down the gas plant on its Glen Lyon floating production, storage and offloading vessel following a leakage. (S5W-11529) Paul Wheelhouse: The health and safety of oil and gas workers and the marine environment in the North Sea is of paramount importance. The Scottish Government engages closely with all parts of the industry including the trade unions to monitor health and safety and will continue to work with all stakeholders to encourage effective stewardship of the marine environment and North Sea oil and gas reserves. As health and safety is a reserved matter, and the responsibility lies with UK Ministers, the matter was dealt with directly between the Health and Safety Executive and BP. However, the Scottish Government takes seriously the reporting of any concerns around health, safety and the environment in relation to the offshore workforce and industry, and we will continue to use our influence to ensure that good practise is captured and disseminated and to support the work of regulatory bodies to protect the health and safety of the brave men and women in the sector, who help meet our energy needs. Education, Communities and Justice Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many children born in Fife in the last five years have been diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome. (S5O-1331) Aileen Campbell: There were no babies reported with a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Fife in the last five years. The facility to record Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is available on the Scottish Birth Record (SBR). However, some under-reporting of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is considered to exist, although the extent

2 of the under-reporting is not known. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome will be present at birth although it may not be detected until later, and unless the baby requires admission to hospital subsequent to the birth episode, the condition may go unreported. Significant work on raising awareness of FASD has been undertaken over the past two years. A number of activities aimed at preventing FASD, and diagnosis, so far have included: Training midwives to ask pregnant women about their alcohol intake and offer appropriate advice and support if required. Organising education events for health, social care and education Launching an elearning resource for health professionals Setting up the Maternal and Child Fetal Alcohol Harm Care Pathway Group, the main aim of which is to develop a care pathway for children who have been affected by this condition, from pre-birth to the end of primary school. Developed and launched a diagnostic tool to allow for consistency of diagnosis and more accurate recording of the numbers of children living with this condition. We have taken steps to learn and share what is happening in other countries. Experts from Manitoba, Canada have twice visited Scotland (2013 and March 2017) to share their expertise of diagnosing FASD using a team approach. 150 medical professionals were trained in using the Manitoba model in 2013 and 70 paediatricians and clinical psychologists were trained this year Held a one day event for caregivers of children with FASD. Michelle Ballantyne (South Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in partnership with regional higher education institutes, beyond the allocation of funding to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, to encourage up-skilling and re-skilling of the workforce in the Scottish Borders to prepare people for a changing workplace. Holding answer issued: 2 October 2017 (S5W-11329) Jamie Hepburn: Our commitment to establish the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency will help focus action on the needs of that area. The Agency will drive inclusive growth, support communities and capitalise on people and resources. We are working with stakeholders from across further and higher education to develop proposals. In advance of the statutory arrangements, we will establish an interim South of Scotland Economic Partnership by the end of the year. The establishment of the Agency is in addition to our Scotland-wide investment in skills which also benefits the workforce in the Borders, including Scottish Government investment of 1.6 billion a year in Scotland's further and higher education sectors. The Scottish Funding and Skills Development Scotland along with Scottish Enterprise develop Regional Skills Assessments to provide a single, agreed evidence base on which to base future investment in skills. Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government what protocols are in place regarding informing next of kin in Scotland of the homicide, unexplained or suspicious death of a person from Scotland in another country; what support it provides, and what discussions it has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding this. (S5W-11390) Michael Matheson: Consular assistance, including the notification of a death abroad and subsequent advice to bereaved families, is reserved to the UK Government and the Scottish Government would ordinarily refer individuals to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Consular Affairs department who would work with Police Scotland. In addition to support provided by community-led and Police groups, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a protocol in place with 'Victim Support Scotland' for the provision of support to families.

3 Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding the investigation of the circumstances that lead to the death of Kirsty Maxwell in Benidorm. (S5W-11393) Michael Matheson: I recently met with the family of the late Kirsty Maxwell. In preparation for that meeting, Scottish Government officials obtained advice from Police Scotland about their involvement in providing support and information to her family. Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the number of SCQF Level 5 qualifications that looked-after young people attain at school. (S5W-11404) John Swinney: The proportion of looked-after leavers with one or more qualification at SCQF level 5 or better has more than doubled from 15% to 40% since This is evidence that the attainment of care-experienced young people has been improving. Whilst this is a step in the right direction, our reforms to Scottish Education are designed to do more to close the gap between our most and least vulnerable children and raise attainment for all. By giving more power to schools, including more direct control over budgets, we will empower schools to target resources where they are needed the most to improve the life chances of all of our children and young people. Our vision for Scottish education is that it will deliver both excellence and equity. This will ensure children and young people acquire a broad range of skills and capacities at the highest levels. Every child and young person should be given the best opportunity to succeed regardless of their social circumstances or additional needs. The Scottish Government, working closely with partners, is also investing in young people across Scotland through the seven year programme to Develop the Young Workforce (DYW), with the aim of reducing youth unemployment by 40% by DYW is bringing employers and education closer together so that young people have a better understanding of the world of work, can make informed choices, and are equipped with the skills they need for their future careers. Schools are working in partnership with employers, colleges and others to provide a range of work-related learning opportunities. This includes a growing range of vocational qualifications in the senior phase of secondary school, which is helping to ensure there is sufficient breadth of opportunity to meet the needs of all young people. We are also taking action through our Getting it Right for Looked After Children and Young People strategy, which set out our aims through: early engagement, early permanence and improving the quality of care. But we know there is more to do to ensure that children and young people who are care experienced enjoy the same opportunities and outcomes as their peers. That is why we have set up the care review being led by Fiona Duncan to identify what changes might be required to the current care system to put children and young people's needs at its heart. Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how it will improve the chances of care-experienced young people (a) attending and (b) completing (i) college and (ii) university. (S5W-11409) Shirley-Anne Somerville: This government is committed to equality of access to further and higher education for young people regardless of their background. The government and stakeholders are taking forward a number of actions to support those with care experience into and through post-16 education. We have introduced a Care Experience bursary from Young people with care experience undertaking an eligible undergraduate course can now apply for a funding package of tuition fees and a non-repayable bursary of 7,625. This is in addition to the existing grant of up to 105 per week to help with accommodation costs in the summer holidays between years of study.

4 Universities are taking forward the Commission on Widening Access recommendation to ensure that those with a care experience who meet the minimum entry requirements are offered a place at university. Our Commissioner for Fair Access is developing a Framework that will bring together evidence and research on the best support for disadvantaged students, not just to access but to successfully complete their higher education studies. The Scottish Funding s (SFC) Outcome Agreements ask colleges to remove barriers and support full participation and successful outcomes for all groups of learners in their local community. The SFC introduced a national policy for Further Education bursaries in relating to careexperienced students, asking colleges to ensure this cohort receive the optimum award available, taking into account their wider circumstances. Also, in 2016 the SFC set a National Ambition with an overall target for there to be no difference in the outcomes of care-experienced learners comparative to their peers, and we will continue, through our national improvement programme, to focus on how colleges can raise attainment and improve retention in Scotland s colleges for all learners. Jenny Gilruth (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that, across 105 local authorities in the UK, half of all council tenants in receipt of universal credit are in housing arrears, and what information it has regarding tenants in Scotland. (S5W-11470) Jeane Freeman: We are aware of reports that half of all council tenants across 105 local authorities who receive the housing element of universal credit(uc) are at least a month behind on their rent, with 30% two months behind. Similar concerns have been raised by Local Authorities and other Registered Social Landlords in Scotland for some time. Data gathered by East Lothian and Highland councils, who have the longest experience of the full service of UC in Scotland shows that the average arrears for those in receipt of UC are more than 2.5 times those for households receiving Housing Benefit. For this reason we have written again, in conjunction with COSLA to raise our concerns about the continued roll out of UC, and call for a pause in the roll out of UC until the Department for Work and Pensions is able to consider the impact of UC, and action to mitigate it. We have also made specific recommendations to mitigate the impact of UC on tenants, landlords and local authorities. We do not currently hold data on rent arrears for tenants in Scotland on Universal Credit. The Scottish Government will continue to consider what additional data can be collected to help understand the full impact of Universal Credit. A forthcoming Scottish Government report on Housing and Welfare Reform will further assess the relationship between Universal Credit and Rent Arrears. Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how much it expects to receive in receipts from the Apprenticeship Levy in (a) , (b) and (c) (S5W-11487) Jamie Hepburn: The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK Government fiscal measure introduced without prior consultation with the Scottish Government. It is collected by HM Revenue and Customs with all receipts accrued to the UK Government. Michelle Ballantyne (South Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reported comments by the former Scottish Borders divisional police commander, lor Watson McAteer, that police numbers in the region are "dangerously low". (S5W-11490) Michael Matheson: Local decisions about the deployment of police officers are an operational matter for Police Scotland.

5 The Scottish Government is committed to supporting Police Scotland. We are demonstrating that commitment by protecting the police resource budget in every year of the current Parliament and by committing 61 million of reform funding in Across Scotland officer numbers remain over 1000 higher than in Health and Social Care Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Law Society of Scotland s report, The UK withdrawal from the EU and the potential impact on health related matters, and the possible challenges that it identifies for Scotland regarding access to new medicines. (S5O-1328) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government welcomes the Law Society of Scotland s analysis paper which makes a number of important points and recommendations. From a medicines perspective we share the view raised in the paper that a significant consequence of the potential loss of UK participation within the European Medicines Agency (EMA) could be delays to patients, both in Scotland and across the wider UK, being able to access the new medicines they need and we agree that this a major concern. I have urged the UK Government to secure the UK s continued place within the EMA as quickly as possible and we will continue to do all that we can to protect Scotland s interests and play an active role in influencing the outcome of UK medicines regulation and safety. Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government when waiting times for orthopaedic services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be reduced. (S5O-1329) Shona Robison: I recognise some patients are experience long waits, that is why I have made 50 million available to NHSScotland - with up to 11.2 million being made available to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. This additional funding will build up their capacity and make sure that all patients are seen and treated in a timely fashion including in the specialty of orthopaedics. I expect to see improvements between now and the end of March next year. James Dornan (Glasgow Cathcart) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what efforts it is making to expand local sports initiatives. (S5O-1330) Aileen Campbell: The Scottish Government is committed to increasing rates of physical activity and wants to see a Scotland where more people are more active more of the time. There are now more and better opportunities for everyone to participate in sport and physical activity right across Scotland. There are now 179 community sport hubs up and running and sportscotland, our national agency for sport, is on course to reach the target of 200 hubs by We are taking action to drive change for women and girls in sport through our first ever Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, and creating a Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board. A good example of a local initiative being expanded is The Daily Mile. Created in Stirling, the Scottish Government is encouraging people of all ages to walk, jog or run a mile and that Scotland becomes the first Daily Mile Nation. Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to recognise the 2017 SFA Grassroots Awards winners, including Drumchapel United, which was named the Best Community Club for helping schools develop young peoples skills and fitness. (S5O-1332)

6 Aileen Campbell: The Scottish Government recognises the achievements of all the winners at the Scottish FA Grassroots Awards 2017, which were held at Hampden on 21 September. This annual event celebrates the success and achievements of the unsung heroes across Scotland who bring football to their local communities. I d like to congratulate Drumchapel United, on winning its Best Community Football Club award recognising the role the club plays in the area. Further to this, on the same evening, Drumchapel won the Community Hub/School/Club of the Year Award at the Team Scotland Awards sponsored by sportscotland. I would be delighted to liaise with the Member to identify an opportunity for me to visit the club and congratulate the dedicated club volunteers in person. Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to raise spending on general practice to 11% of the NHS budget. (S5O-1333) Shona Robison: By the end of this Parliament, the Scottish Government will increase spending on primary care to 11% of the frontline NHS budget. This is an increase of 500 million and will support the development of a multi-disciplinary approach, with increased staffing as well as investment in GP services and health centres. In March this year I announced that funding in direct support of general practice will increase by 250 million by the end of this Parliament as part of the wider commitment to increase primary care funding by 500 million. This will help to transform the way services are delivered in the community, and is an approach that was agreed with the British Medical Association. In this financial year, over 71 million is being invested in general practice to improve recruitment and retention, reduce workload, develop new ways of delivering services and cover pay and expenses. Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many acute hospital beds there are in NHS Lothian, and how this compares with (S5O-1334) Shona Robison: Official statistics on hospital beds are routinely published on the ISD website. In line with modern health care systems, care patterns are changing in Lothian, more care is being delivered in the community, there are shorter hospital stays, and more same day surgery without need for overnight stays which is good for patients. The published statistics show there were 2,518 in and 2,357 in Statistics for will be published in the autumn. The length of hospital stays has fallen in the last four years elective lengths of stays have reduced by 10% and emergency length of stays by 4%. The bed statistics only measure beds that are in operation 24 hours a day. They do not measure beds used only for day surgery. In 2015/16 there were over 60,000 day case discharges - up 8% from 2006/07. It is worth noting that the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in NHS Lothian is a PFI hospital. Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of its review of whether the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 is fulfilling the needs of people with a learning disability and autism. (S5W-11464) Maureen Watt: This Government has committed to and is undertaking a review to consider whether the provisions of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 fulfil the needs of people with Learning Disability and Autism.

7 The work to lay the foundations of the review are complete and I am hopeful that a formal announcement regarding the appointment of a Chairperson will be made shortly, with the work commencing before the end of October. We have been clear from the outset that we do not wish to place an artificial timeline on the review. In order to deliver an inclusive and credible review there is a need to ensure that all perspectives are covered equally therefore evidence will need to be gathered from a wide range of sources. It will have to get to the heart of differing opinions so that the real issues can be fleshed out and then considered on an evidence led basis. The Chairperson will therefore determine a realistic timeline however we expect a duration for gathering evidence, consultation and writing of around 2 years. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported proposed closure of Veterans First Point centres. (S5W-11475) Maureen Watt: Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces, veterans and their families receive the best possible levels of support. We are keen to see the local Veterans First Point (V1P) services succeed and become financially sustainable in the future. To help the NHS led partnerships as their UK Government LIBOR funding came to an agreed end, the Scottish Government offered all Partnerships interim funding on a 50:50 basis, and continues to fund the V1P Central Team for its network training and governance role. Six of the eight partnerships accepted this matched funding offer for In total this year the Scottish Government will provide 824,591 to support the network. In addition, the Scottish Government has made further funding offers to all eight Partnerships for and on the basis of a 50 : 50 matched funding arrangement. Those areas which decide not to continue with a V1P service are expected to fulfil their statutory duties and provide services and support to meet the needs of veterans. Transport Scotland Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points on the road network in Orkney. (S5W-11198) Humza Yousaf: Since 2011, Scottish Government funding has enabled the Orkney Islands to install 14 electric vehicle charge points, including 4 rapid chargers as part of the ChargePlace Scotland network. Funding has been offered for this financial year and Transport Scotland officials are currently in discussions with Orkney counterparts to determine suitable locations. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have adopted cycling strategies. (S5W-11431) Humza Yousaf: The following table lists the local authorities which have adopted a cycling strategy or an active travel strategy. An active travel strategy is a strategy to encourage both walking and cycling, and therefore contains all the elements of a cycling strategy. Local authorities have developed them in response to action 4 of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 217, with guidance and support provided by Sustrans and Transport Scotland to assist their development. Local Authority Cycling / active travel strategy Year of adoption Aberdeen City Aberdeen Active Travel Action Plan Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire Walking and Cycling Action Plan 2009 Angus Angus Active Travel Strategy 2016 City of Edinburgh The City of Edinburgh Active Travel Action Plan 2010 (refreshed Dumfries & Galloway 2016) Dumfries and Galloway Active Travel Strategy 2015

8 Local Authority Cycling / active travel strategy Year of adoption Dundee City Dundee Cycling Strategy 2016 East Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire Active Travel Strategy East Renfrewshire East Renfrewshire Active Travel Action Plan 2015 Fife Cycling Charter for Fife Glasgow City Glasgow s Strategic Plan for Cycling (refreshed 2016) Inverclyde Inverclyde Active Living Strategy 2014 Moray Moray Active Travel Strategy North Lanarkshire Walking and Cycling Strategy 2005 Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Cycling Strategy South Lanarkshire South Lanarkshire Cycling Strategy Stirling Walking and Cycling to a Healthier Stirling 2016 West Lothian Active Travel Plan for West Lothian : Making Active Connections 2016 Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that (a) ScotRail and (b) other rail operators provide adequate space for cycles. (S5W-11432) Humza Yousaf: Day to day operation of train fleets and how they manage passengers on board rests with ScotRail. They are currently finalising the layout and operational aspects of how on-train cycle storage will be managed to maximise the number they can carry when the 26 refurbished HSTs enter service on Scotland's Inter-City routes next summer. However, Transport Scotland has recently reached an agreement with ScotRail to increase the number of spaces available at intermediate stations from 2 to 4 and with 6 spaces (3 per power car) available for end to end journeys on the HSTs planned to be introduced into service in the latter part of The Franchise Agreement requires ScotRail to ensure that rolling stock includes a bicycle storage area with space for storage of at least two bicycles. The HSTs by comparison will now have at least ten cycle spaces. Cross border passenger services are operated under franchises specified and awarded by the Department for Transport, with the exception of The Caledonian Sleeper service. The Scottish Ministers are entitled to offer advice on the specification of these services (to the Secretary of State for Transport) as they relate to Scotland. But the Scottish Ministers do not have any contractual or financial agreement with any Train Operating Company (TOCs) operating under a DfT franchise. The new Caledonian Sleeper trains, to be introduced during 2018, will also have enhanced capacity for the carriage of bicycles. Trains to and from each of the five Caledonian Sleeper destinations Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William will each have space for ten bicycles. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made with the installation of cycling facilities at railway stations (a) nationally and (b) on the Aberdeen to Inverness line. (S5W-11433) Humza Yousaf: My officials at Transport Scotland engage regularly with ScotRail on progress being made to install cycle parking facilities at railway stations. Since the franchise commenced in April 2015 nearly 1,300 additional cycle parking spaces have been rolled out at 44 stations, including Elgin and Inverurie on the Aberdeen to Inverness line. Proposals are currently being developed for additional cycle parking facilities at Dyce, Aberdeen and Inverness station. ScotRail has also rolled out the Bike and Go hire scheme at 12 stations including at Aberdeen and Inverness station.

9 Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline the process for redesignating national cycle routes. (S5W-11434) Humza Yousaf: The process for re-designating the National Cycle Network (NCN) is the responsibility of Sustrans, the UK Charity which owns the NCN. In re-designating a NCN path, the route manager or responsible party, mainly local authorities, would approach and discuss the route with Sustrans. The route would then be assessed against NCN standard criteria and strategic route assessment criteria. If it met these criteria, a route number would be issued and the responsible party would then be expected to sign the route to standard, with support from Sustrans. As part of the criteria, the route would need to link communities, be of a given minimum distance and serve a core strategic purpose, for example, encouraging recreational cycling, cycle tourism, or everyday journeys. Some local authorities such as Edinburgh, Fife and Moray and have their own numbering systems for signing local and regional routes that either don't meet NCN criteria or do not have 'national significance'. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government how its forthcoming transport bill will promote cycling. (S5W-11435) Humza Yousaf: The forthcoming Transport Bill will support our aspiration to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland. Its detailed content is still in development but we anticipate that the Bill will include provisions on obstructive and inconsiderate parking, the regulation of road works and bus services, and smart ticketing. By helping to tackle issues such as congestion and irresponsible parking, we would expect the Bill to be of benefit to all road users, including cyclists. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the additional cost of building and maintaining cycle paths in rural areas is taken into account in the allocation of funding. (S5W-11436) Humza Yousaf: All local authorities are able to bid into the Community Links fund, administered by Sustrans and funded by Transport Scotland, for building cycle paths in both urban and rural areas. Once built, the local authority or other bodies such as The Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, the National Parks or Scottish Canals adopt the path and maintenance then becomes the responsibility of that organisation. In , the Scottish Government provided over 3 million pounds to expand and maintain the National Cycle Network, most of which is in rural areas. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available specifically for the maintenance of cycle paths. (S5W-11437) Humza Yousaf: The maintenance of cycle paths is the responsibility of the body which has adopted the path, for example, local authorities, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Canals and in the case of trunk roads, Transport Scotland. Upgrades of existing cycle routes may qualify for capital funding through Sustrans funding programmes, such as Community Links and Safer Routes to School.

10 Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the (a) state of disrepair and (b) level of maintenance of cycle paths, and whether it will publish the results of any recent monitoring exercise. (S5W-11438) Humza Yousaf: Maintenance of cycle paths is largely the responsibility of local authorities or other bodies. Any audit or monitoring programme would be the responsibility of each of these bodies. The Scottish Government does not collate this data nationally. However, some routes falling within the trunk road corridor will be the responsibility of the trunk roads contractor and data may be available for those specific routes. Sustrans recently carried out a network audit of the National Cycle Network in Scotland, which determined the current condition of the route but not the level of maintenance activity. This data is for NCN routes only and does not cover the wide range of local cycle paths across Scotland. This information will be published in due course. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to carry out a national review of cycling issues. (S5W-11439) Humza Yousaf: As part of the Active Travel Task Force work, which I announced in November last year, a review of barriers to better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is underway. The Task Force has received written and oral evidence from many stakeholders and will submit recommendations to me by the end of this year. Transport Scotland works in partnership with local authorities and other partners to keep under review cycling and other active travel projects. Our Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017 outlines how we will deliver our vision with monitoring and evaluation as a core outcome. Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote a more joined-up approach by trunk road companies and local authorities regarding cycle paths and routes. (S5W-11440) Humza Yousaf: Transport Scotland, as the trunk roads authority, is a statutory consultee on planning applications which have an impact on the trunk road network. Our existing transport appraisal guidance provides advice to developers, infrastructure promoters and planning authorities on how to consider transport and land use matters through an objective and robust, evidence-led approach. We are in regular contact with partner delivery agencies. Transport Scotland is currently refreshing the design guidance document Cycling by Design. As part of this process, we have had initial consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and lobbying groups. Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to allow local authorities to set a tourism levy (a) on accommodation, (b) on vehicles and (c) by other means. (S5W-11448) Humza Yousaf: The Scottish Government have been clear in their support of the tourism sector throughout Scotland, and recognise that the tourism and hospitality sectors are key to the Scottish economy. We have been consistent in our stance that given the potential impact on tourism enterprises already subject to - for example, high rates of VAT -we have no plans to introduce a tourism levy at this time.

11 Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, what steps it takes to support greater partnership between employers and trade unions, including recognition agreements in the ferry industry. (S5W-11455) Humza Yousaf: The Scottish Government recognises the benefits to employees and to organisations of strong, effective and modern industrial relations. A progressive approach to industrial relations and to trade unionism is at the heart of a fairer, more successful society and trade union recognition in the workplace, including in the ferry industry, improves communication and the ability of employees to influence and negotiate. Our approach is to promote strong trade unions to support the delivery of our economic ambitions and to develop relationships with employers based on co-operation and partnership working, as demonstrated through Working Together and the establishment of the Fair Work Convention and our endorsement of their of the Convention s Fair Work Framework. The Business Pledge is a shared mission between Government and business, with the goal of boosting productivity, competitiveness, employment, fair work and workforce engagement and development. There are nine elements to the Pledge, one of which is workforce engagement. There are many ways to engage a workforce, including working closely with trade unions. Trade union agreements are agreed directly between the employer (ie the ferry operator) and the unions and the Scottish Government / Transport Scotland has no involvement in these discussions. Mike Rumbles (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W by Humza Yousaf on 21 September 2017, whether (a) it expects to receive a report on the engine fire before the start of the refurbishment work on the fleet in preparation for its service with ScotRail and (b) the lease agreement with Angel Trains allows for the fleet to be rejected if concerns exist about its reliability and safety. (S5W-11477) Humza Yousaf: The HST power cars destined for Abellio ScotRail are programmed to go through overhaul before being leased to Abellio Scotrail improving reliability. The lessons learned from the Great Western Railway incident on 14 September 2017 will be taken onboard by the vehicle owners and operators. Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many applications were received for round 7 of the Scottish Green Bus Fund, and how many were approved. (S5W-11687) Humza Yousaf: Four applications were received for round 7 of the Scottish Green Bus Fund. All were successful. Scottish Green Bus Fund award details are published on the Transport Scotland website at: The following question received a holding answer: S5W-11410