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SCOTLAND
Self-governing Schools
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent to date on promoting the development of self-governing status for local authority schools; and what action it has taken to do this. [7164]
Mr. Raymond S. Robertson: In line with usual practice for legislation, the Scottish Office education and industry department has published factual advice about the Self-Governing Schools etc. (Scotland) Act 1989 which explains all matters relating to self-governing schools and the procedures set out in that Act. These publications are for the benefit of school boards, parents, teachers and others wishing to be fully informed about these matters. The costs are met from general departmental provision and are not separately identifiable. In addition the Department organised a national conference in September 1993 which was attended by over 200 delegates representing schools and other bodies throughout Scotland.
In October 1996, following competitive tender, my right hon. Friend appointed Mr. Ian Dutton, a former Director of Education of Borders regional council, as a consultant on self-governing matters. His role is to provide information and support to existing self-governing schools and to school boards, parents and others wishing to consider the option of their school becoming self-governing, or simply wishing to know more about the practical aspects of this policy.
Water Authorities
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the West of Scotland water authority's right of appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Kyle and district council for a new sewage treatment works at Greenan lapses. [7423]
Mr. Kynoch: The West of Scotland water authority has already exercised its right to appeal against the refusal of planning permission. The case has been sited until 25 February to allow both parties to seek to reach a compromise over planning permission. If no agreement seems in prospect, and the appeal is not withdrawn, the matter will go to a public local inquiry and determination by the Secretary of State.
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the West of Scotland water authority to make a final decision on the Ayr sewerage scheme. [7425]
Mr. Kynoch: The West of Scotland water authority will meet on Friday 13 December when consideration will be given to the outcome of a detailed review of the options for treating the sewage collected from Ayr.
10 Dec 1996 : Column: 155
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints have been lodged to date with the Scottish water and sewerage customers council. [7429]
Mr. Kynoch: The Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council had received 171 complaints to Monday 2 December 1996.
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent to date on the establishment and operating costs of the Scottish water and sewerage customers council; and how much will be spent on the council's operation during the current financial year. [7428]
Mr. Kynoch: During the period up to 31 March 1996 the establishment and operating costs were £239,000. In the present financial year 1996-97, the council has a budget of £1.2 million which is wholly funded by a levy on the water and sewerage authorities.
Beaches
Mr. Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1991 those beaches which complied with the EU bathing water directive standard guide for (a) total and faecal coliforms, (b) faecal streptococci and (c) coliforms and faecal streptococci combined. [7446]
Mr. Kynoch: The beaches which, since 1991, have complied with the EU bathing water directive standard guide for (a) total and faecal coliforms, (b) faecal streptococci and (c) coliforms and faecal streptococci is set out in the table:
| Total and faecal coliforms | Faecal streptococci | Coliforms and faecal streptococci combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | ||
| Cullen, Gullane | ||
| 1992 | No testing was made for (b) or (c) until 1993 | |
| Cullen, St. Andrews | ||
| West Sands, Dunbar | ||
| Belhaven, Pease Bay | ||
| 1993 | ||
| St. Andrews West Sands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven | Aberdour Silversands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven | Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven |
| 1994 | ||
| Cullen, Montrose, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay | Nairn, Cullen, Montrose, Arbroath, Carnoustie, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Yellowcraigs, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay | Cullen, Montrose, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay |
| 1995 | ||
| Cullen, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven | Nairn, Cullen, Fraserburgh, Arbroath, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Gullane, Pease Bay | Cullen, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Gullane |
| 1996 | ||
| Aberdeen, St. Andrews West Sands, Aberdour Silversands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay | Fraserburgh, Aberdeen, Montrose, St. Andrews West Sands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay | Aberdeen, St. Andrews West Sands, Gullane, Dunbar Belhaven, Pease Bay |
10 Dec 1996 : Column: 156
Sugar Refinery Closure
Dr. Godman: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had with representatives of Tate and Lyle plc about the cost of refined sugar delivered to industrial customers in Scotland following the announced closure of its cane sugar refinery in Greenock; and if he will make a statement; [7160]
- (2) what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Tate anent Lyle plc about its proposals relating to the construction and staffing of a depot and warehouse in the Glasgow area; and if he will make a statement. [7161]
Mr. Kynoch [holding answer 4 December 1996]: My right hon. Friend has had no discussions with the company about these matters. Just as its arrangements for distributing its products are best left to a company, the prices it charges its customers is a matter for negotiation, again best left to supplier and customer.
Legal Aid
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken in the last three years in respect of individuals submitting applications for legal aid which give false or misleading information about their personal circumstances. [7953]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: This is a matter for the Scottish Legal Aid Board, and I have no power to intervene. The board may employ a range of measures in these circumstances, including issuing a warning letter, terminating the grant of legal aid, recovering legal aid granted on the basis of false information, or in the worst case, reporting the applicant to the police or the procurator fiscal.
Housing (Falkirk)
Mr. Canavan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the letter of 28 November from the Minister with responsibility for education, housing and fisheries to the hon. Member for Falkirk, West, if he will make a statement on (a) the independent valuation of the Scottish Homes housing stock in each housing estate in the Falkirk council area and (b) the funding and staffing assistance which the Paragon Housing Association receives from Scottish Homes. [8266]
Mr. Raymond S. Robertson [holding answer 9 December 1996]: In line with guidance given by the Secretary of State, Scottish Homes obtains an independent valuation of the houses in any ballot area where it proposes to transfer stock to an alternative landlord. This valuation is subsequently used as a benchmark against which final decisions are taken. This arrangement is consistent with a recommendation made by the National Audit Office.
I understand that, in accordance with its procedures for providing seedcorn funding and staffing assistance to new and emerging housing associations, Scottish Homes has provided Paragon housing association with £39,000 and the assistance of one member of staff seconded to the association for two days a week.
10 Dec 1996 : Column: 157
Air Training Corp
Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the Air Training Corp and the Army Cadet Force. [8087]
Mr. Soames: The role of the Air Training Corps, as stated in the objects of the corps, is:
- (a) to promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force;
(b) to provide training which will be useful both in the services and in civil life;
(c) to foster the spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
- (a) providing progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, self reliance, initiative, loyalty, and a sense of service to others;
(b) encouraging the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team;
(c) stimulating an interest in the Army, its achievements, skills and values;
(d) advising and preparing those considering a career in the services or with the reserve forces.
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