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The Executive expects to consult,in partnership with the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly, on draft regulationsand guidance in the summer, so will not be able to lay any regulations before thesummer recess of 2004. As the directive addresses a mix of devolved and reservedmatters, we are considering whether implementation will be best achieved by makingseparate regulations for the Scottish devolved aspects or through UK-wide regulationsmade by the UK Government.

The Scottish Executive consultedin November 2003 on a proposed model for transposition, issuing a paper jointlywith the UK Government, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland administration.We expect to bring forward a further consultation on draft regulations in the summer.

The Executive considers thatissues of compensation for economic losses arising from contamination of non-GMcrops should be addressed as part of a broader co-existence regime. We have undertakento consult on compensation as part of our wider consultation on co-existence laterthis year.

The recent decision by BayerCropScience to withdraw their application to add Chardon LL maize to the nationalseed list reduces the likelihood that GM crops would be grown in Scotland in theforeseeable future. Notwithstanding, the Executive intends to consult on co-existencemeasures later this year, in order to ensure that such measures are in place beforeany possible planting of GM crops in Scotland. The detailed terms of such a consultationhave still to be determined, but it will include consultation on the desirabilityof a separate threshold for organic crops and separation distances between GM andnon-GM crops.

The draft EU Directive on EnvironmentalLiability establishes liability for environmental damage to protected species andhabitats resulting from a range of activities, including the release of GMorganisms. It does not cover damage to private property or any economic loss, forexample losses arising from GM contamination of non-GM crops. It is this issue whichthe Executive will seek to address in its consultation on co-existence.

We are considering, alongwith Network Rail, the Strategic Rail Authority and the City of Edinburgh Council, how best to improve Haymarket Station. Better access to the station ispart of that consideration.

None.

I can announce that the Scottish Ministers have granted consent on this proposal in terms of section 36of the Electricity Act 1989. Additionally this consent carries deemed planningpermission in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland)Act 1997.

This announcement follows aconsultation process which involved environmental groups, government bodies andthe local authority. Highland Council supported this proposal as it is anadditional contribution to renewable energy resources which is supported bytheir planning policies.

Yes, there are wide variations in the rates at which pupil rolls decline in the future between local authorities.

I shall reply to the Member as soon as possible.