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Officials routinely consider proposals relating to economic development policy from a variety of external bodies and commentators, including those from other political parties.

The social justice annual report 2002 will be published by the end of the year. There will be no changes to the milestones and baselines. There will be some additions to some of the indicators, for example new gender analysis, which will be detailed in the technical report.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

Prior to this year each competition, while in progress, was monitored in relation to applications from women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. A database has now been established which has held this information centrally since April 2002.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29387. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

These measures will tackle poverty, inequality, and unemployment in many of the most deprived communities in Scotland. Whilst the reasons behind prejudiced behaviours and attitudes are complex and diverse, we know that they all too often manifest themselves in these deprived communities. By taking positive steps towards achieving our goals of social justice and equality of opportunity for all, we hope to break the vicious circle of inequality and prejudice.Furthermore, we take our duties under the Race Relations Amendment Act very seriously, and these measures will be implemented with due regard to the promotion of race equality, the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the promotion of good race relations.

New legislation is not required to govern neighbourhood wardens.

The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities, and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities. Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. Requests for liberalisation by World Trade Organisation (WTO) members do not seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services. The GATS makes clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives, and recognises the right of WTO member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of service within their territories in order to meet national policy objectives. The GATS does not therefore impact on the Executive's ability to bring forward legislation affecting education.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.