Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-11580 on 22 April 2008. 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/wa.search.

There are already plans for the Energy Saving Scotland advice network to deliver water conservation advice from 2009. We are actively exploring how the network can build on and add value to current initiatives on household waste, such as Waste Aware Scotland. Funded by the Scottish Government, it provides information and practical advice to householders on waste prevention.

The Scottish Government remains committed to the target as incorporated in the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003.

The Scottish Government remains committed to the legislative target to abolish the distinction between homeless households currently assessed as having a priority need for accommodation and other homeless households by 2012. Removal of ring-fencing allows local authorities to use their total funding flexibly in order to move towards the target and has been widely welcomed by local authorities.

The national performance framework includes an indicator relating to the entitlement of homeless households to settled accommodation by 2012. The Scottish Government will monitor and publish national performance against all indicators in the framework. The HL1 homelessness statistics system provides information on performance against this indicator at national and local authority levels. The indicator is available for use within the single outcome agreements which are currently being developed by local authorities and the Scottish Government. Local authorities also continue to work towards the 2009 interim targets set out in the ministerial statement on the abolition of priority need published in December 2005.

A wide range of actions is required to meet the 2012 target and it is for each local authority to decide the most effective methods of achieving the target in their area. It is also the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities. Central government funding formerly ring-fenced for homelessness services has been absorbed into the main local government settlement for 2008-11 and local authorities and their partners can access a wide range of resources in order to progress towards the target.

The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Please refer to the Privy Council Office website for lists of Orders in Council proposed by the Scottish Government that have been approved by the Privy Council, date of approval and composition of the Council. The website is www.PrivyCouncil.org.uk.

The regulations to licence puppy and kitten dealers will be laid before the Parliament after the Easter recess.

We expect to consult on draft legislation which will require animal sanctuaries to be licensed during 2009.

The circus working group, which examined the welfare of wild animals in travelling circuses, concluded that there was no evidence to show that their welfare needs were not being met. As there are no circuses with wild animals based in Scotland and there is no evidence to indicate that there is a problem, we have not set a timescale on whether to legislate in this area.

We have issued a consultation paper seeking views on whether electric shock collars should be regulated and have received a substantial number of responses. These are being analysed and a decision on whether regulations are required and the need to issue a further consultation paper with specific proposals will be made later this year.

The Pet Animals Act 1951 will be replaced by new regulations which will include internet sales of pet animals. We expect to issue a consultation paper later this year.

A consultation on the licensing of livery yards will be issued during the first half 2009.

The Scottish Government set up a key stakeholder group, the Sustainable Seas Task Force (SSTF), with a view to taking forward the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy and making recommendations for new, streamlined legislation to protect Scotland''s marine and coastal environment. The need for clear Marine Ecosystem Objectives (MEOs), within and beyond 12nm, has been highlighted by the SSTF. Proposals for MEOs will be developed as part of the Scottish Marine Bill.

The appointments were made by the Scottish ministers. Members are appointed in their personal capacity and are not appointed to represent any particular organisation. Members will provide advice to the Scottish Government on how best to move forward towards zero waste. The Think Tank is not a non-departmental public body and is expected to have a relatively short life so the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland does not apply. During the forthcoming review of the National Waste Plan, I will consult widely, including with representative bodies.