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I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:I have been asked by the Minister to respond. In 1999-2000, Historic Scotland allocated £11.45 million to assist owners with the cost of repairing buildings of special architectural or historic interest and for the repair of buildings which make an important contribution to the appearance or character of conservation areas classified as outstanding.

I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:The number of listed building consent applications involving demolition, which were notified to Scottish Ministers by planning authorities during 1999, under the requirements of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, and for which consent was granted, was 37.Whether all the works for which consent was granted were carried out during 1999, or subsequently, is not known.

I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:In 1999-2000, Historic Scotland received 57 applications from owners for grants to assist with the cost of repairing buildings of special architectural or historic interest, and for the repair of buildings making an important contribution to the appearance or character of conservation areas classified as outstanding; 113 awards of grant were made during the year; expenditure by way of grants disbursed amounted to £11,401,241. As applications can take several months to assess and process, and as grants tend to be paid out over more than one year, there is no direct correlation between applications received, grants awarded or money spent on grants in any given financial year.

I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO determines whether sites should be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Sites must be nominated by national governments.Scottish Ministers nominate Scottish sites for inscription drawing from the UK Tentative List which was published in 1999, following public consultation. For cultural sites they are advised by Historic Scotland, which is the relevant agency within the Scottish Executive.Historic Scotland is responsible for the preparation of the detailed submission for any Scottish cultural site which is nominated. The case is then assessed by independent experts appointed by the World Heritage Committee.

The current legislation provides a wide range of statutory powers to help safeguard listed buildings. Many of these powers are for local authorities to use in relation to buildings in their areas. Generally, these powers appear to be adequate, though, as with any other legislation, they are kept under review.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450.

In Scotland the curriculum is not prescribed by statute and delivery is a matter for local authorities and schools. The Scottish Executive's policy is to ensure that guidance to education authorities and schools and the framework of national qualifications provide ample opportunities for teaching Scottish history at every level of the school curriculum.

The 5-14 Environmental Studies - Social Subjects Guidelines are designed to develop pupils' understanding of the past through a variety of studies which include attention to Scottish contexts. Pupils aged 14-16 who choose to study history at Standard Grade cover Scottish history in its wider British and international context over a 100-year period of social history. Pupils aged 16 and over can choose from a wide range of new National Qualifications covering Scottish history at five levels of difficulty.There are no plans to change current policy.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450 on.

The Executive has not so far issued guidelines on the treatment of people with ME/CFS. Good practice guidelines are, however, being developed by a working group led by the Chief Medical Officer in England, and on which the Executive is represented. The group's report is expected in spring 2001, in the light of which guidelines will be prepared for issue in Scotland.