Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am publishing a consultation paper today which explains the decisions taken in the light of the consultation on the white paper that was published in July 2002, and seeks views on a number of new issues. This consultation paper includes a draft bill with explanatory notes and a Regulatory Impact Assessment. In addition a paper will be published on the Scottish Executive website which will show how the provisions in the bill would amend the text of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993. This paper will also be made available on request to consultees.

The draft bill gives effect to most of the proposals made in the white paper and the additional measures that I announced in a parliamentary answer (S1W-34877) to Alasdair Morrison on 25 March 2003. Moreover, there are a number of measures which fulfil my commitment to look at ways to mitigate the difficulties crofting tenure imposes on renewable energy projects.

Copies of the consultation paper Draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35716). The consultation paper is also available on the Scottish Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current.

Margaret Beckett represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 28 February 2005.

On agriculture, the council adopted by qualified majority a proposal concerning wood used in packaging material entering the Union. The UK supported this proposal, which will delay until March 2006 a requirement under new EU plant health rules that such wood should have been de-barked, while the scientific evidence for this requirement is reviewed in consultation with third countries.

The council discussed the rural development proposal, focussing on its contribution to Lisbon agenda goals for growth and development; the scope of the competitiveness objective; possible simplification, and support for Natura 2000 sites. The UK stressed that rural development measures should deliver public benefits. On competitiveness, we argued that support should be targeted on those businesses that found it difficult to raise capital through the normal channels. On simplification, we suggested that it would be appropriate to reduce the number of measures and adopt a more flexible approach to cross cutting projects. We supported the Commission’s work on biodiversity and Natura 2000 while suggesting that there could be a focus on water and climate change issues. No specific conclusions were drawn but the Presidency indicated that it would be producing a revised draft of the proposal in the course of the week.

The council discussed the Common Agricultural Policy financing proposal. We stressed the importance of securing equitable treatment of those member states outside the euro zone, supported the case for effective application of the budgetary discipline provisions and reiterated the need for further modulation, whether voluntary or compulsory, to meet land management commitments.

A number of points were raised under any other business. The Commission reported on: the case of a French goat in which BSE had been diagnosed, and on continuing contacts with the Russian authorities over their veterinary and plant health import requirements. The Presidency accepted a Dutch request to discuss at a future council the threat posed by Avian Influenza. Germany urged the Council to seek involvement in action on food and health, sought an update on the WTO Dispute Panel considering the EU approval system for GM crops and products, and suggested a greater use of country of origin requirements in food labelling. The Commission rejected a Spanish proposal that the sugar trade concession offered to certain developing countries under the Everything But Arms commitment should be amended. The Commission also undertook to examine a Spanish request as to whether a regionalised approach to decoupling of tobacco aid could be permitted under the CAP reforms agreed last April. Olive oil producing countries pressed for the EU to resume its contributions to international promotional campaigns. Italy requested a change in the method for calculating part of the aid granted to nut producers. Several landlocked countries pressed for action to help dispose of the exceptionally heavy cereals harvest of 2004.

On fisheries the council reached political agreement to send decommissioned EU fishing vessels to areas affected by the tsunami. Once possible vessels had been identified, an assessment of their suitability for the relevant communities would be made. Exports would only take place in accordance with requests from the third countries concerned.

I have today published a Strategic Framework for Inshore Fisheries in Scotland. The framework presents the conclusions of the strategic review of inshore fisheries and provides a direction for inshore fisheries management which balances biological, economic, environmental and social considerations. It also introduces a management structure which places fishermen and other stakeholders at the heart of the decision-making process.

I wrote to the Environment and Rural Development Committee earlier this week to explain some of the key elements of the Strategic Framework for Inshore Fisheries in more detail. Copies of the framework document have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35721).

We formally designated, on 17 March 2005, all 238 of the sites in Scotland that have been identified under the EC Habitats Directive. This represents a significant milestone in the protection of Scotland’s important habitats and species, with approaching one million hectares now formally designated as Special Areas of Conservation.

Local authoritieshave progressed more than 400 capital projects involving investment of over £250,000in a primary school and £500,000 in a secondary school, and they have built 99 newschools.

The Scottish Executive addressesroad safety on the trunk road network on a number of fronts.

Each year the Scottish Executivecarries out a systematic examination across the trunk road network in order to identifyaccident problem areas. This results in a programme of targeted Accident Investigationand Prevention work. The Executive is also represented on each of the Safety CameraPartnerships and funds the Scottish Road Safety Campaign.

This information is not held centrally. We have asked the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the relevant Universities to provide the breakdown requested. I will arrange for officials to send you the information as it is received.

The publication of the 2003 annual production survey, a voluntary industry census, has been delayed whilst key production data is verified. The Scottish Executive expects to publish the 2003 survey shortly.

I am pleased to say that we are on track to implement the provisions of the Act in relation to child witnesses in High Court and Sheriff Court Solemn cases and Children’s Hearings court procedures from 1 April 2005 with one exception.

The special measures of screens, giving evidence by live CCTV link, the use of a supporter and the use of a prior statement as evidence in chief (in criminal cases only) will come into effect for witnesses aged under 16 in respect of all cases reported to the procurator fiscal on or after 1 April 2005 which result in prosecution on indictment in the High Court or sheriff court, and in respect of relevant applications and appeals made on or after 1 April involving witnesses under 16 involved in Children’s Hearing Court procedures.

There is one exception to the 1 April start. The introduction of the special measure of taking evidence on commission will be delayed until the end of October. The extra time will be used to ensure that this procedure is robust and will assist the child witnesses in giving their best evidence. I want to be confident that the right guidance is in place, that appropriate technology has been identified to ensure that the accused can witness the proceedings without being present, and that suitable accommodation for the taking of evidence is identified.

Almost 2,000 teachers are now actively involved in Chartered Teacher programmes. Of these, a proportion are pursuing accreditation of prior learning either with their programme provider or with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

The universities that provide Chartered Teacher programmes have indicated that they are handling the numbers of partial claims for accreditation against the Standard for Chartered Teacher shown in table A. A breakdown by subject is not available.

Table A

University	Number of Claims
Aberdeen	40
Dundee	28
Edinburgh	16
Paisley	184
Strathclyde	44
Total	312

 

And 301 teachers have lodged full claims with the General Teaching Council for Scotland for accreditation against the Standard for Chartered Teacher. This figure includes 57 teachers who have completed the process and now have Chartered Teacher status. Table B provides a breakdown by sector and gender. A breakdown by subject is not available.

Table B

	Female	Male	Total
Further Education	2	0	2
Pre-School	2	0	2
Primary	146	8	154
Secondary	104	39	143