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I have asked Ian Jardine, Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage to respond. His response is as follows:Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) recognises the impact which uncontrolled fire outbreaks can have on the natural heritage. When a fire gets out of control, the speed and effectiveness with which it is tackled is key to minimising the damage done. SNH is, therefore, very supportive of there being an effective and efficient fire service available to carry out this important task. It is not for SNH, however, to determine how this service can be most effectively and efficiently provided. We do not, therefore, intend to issue a statement on the matter.

SIGN guideline 71 makes clear that NHS trusts are responsible for implementing such guidelines as part of their general clinical governance responsibilities. It also makes clear that SIGN guidelines are not intended to serve as standards of medical care.It is therefore for NHS bodies to assess how to apply the components of the guideline, including those relating to DEXA scanning services, to meet the needs of patients in the areas they serve. All NHS board areas in Scotland currently provide access to DEXA scanning either in local hospitals or through referral to other board areas.

As with most non-departmental public bodies, an accounts direction has been issued to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). This was issued under section 10 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 and specifies the form in which SNH's annual accounts must be prepared. A copy of the direction has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27748).

Scottish Natural Heritage submitted an application in January 2002 to trial a re-introduction of the European Beaver to Scotland at a specified site in Knapdale, Argyll.Concerns over possible consequences of a trial re-introduction have been received from a number of organisations and individuals. Potential adverse consequences need to be given full consideration before I can take a decision. I have asked Scottish Natural Heritage to let me have further information on their application.

The Scottish Executive is required to respond to any application of this kind and costs relating to individual applications are not held separately.In relation to costs incurred by Scottish Natural Heritage, I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-449 on 10 June 2003. 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.

No. The Sea Fish Industry Authority is currently negotiating possible options for the Unit and such a visit would not be appropriate at this time.

The timing of the move will partly be determined by the lease break occurring at the Anderson Place headquarters, which gave rise to the relocation review. The lease will expire on 31 March 2005 and it is expected that the vast majority of staff currently based there will have relocated to Inverness by that date. The disposal of the Hope Terrace headquarters will depend on the timing of securing appropriate accommodation in Inverness. I am asking SNH to work up a project plan to address these and other aspects of the relocation and submit this to ministers in due course. That plan may include proposals to retain some staff in Edinburgh. As Allan Wilson made clear in his response to the oral question on 5 June, we expect the proposals to deliver the vast majority of relocated jobs to Inverness.

The Scottish Executive is committed to the current UK-wide process to establish the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). CoRWM will consider all options for Intermediate and High Level Waste. No decisions have been taken about what to do with the waste, and so questions about siting at this stage are hypothetical. Openness and transparency is essential in order to inspire public confidence on radioactive waste management issues. Therefore, following CoRWM's recommendations to ministers, there will be a public debate on how to implement the preferred option(s). The management of radioactive waste is a devolved matter, as are the land-use planning and environmental control regimes. Decisions about policy on radioactive waste storage and disposal in Scotland are, therefore, for the Scottish ministers and Parliament.

Operation Youth Advantage is a project that for the past two years has been run by the British Army Careers Team. Both Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police have been involved in the scheme which gives young people the opportunity to participate in courses that are intended to give them a more responsible attitude and discourage them from becoming involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour. We are committed to addressing youth crime and welcome police participation in projects such as this. I understand that the army are looking at extending the scheme to other areas. In that case, it will be for individual forces to decide on the extent of their involvement.

The Executive meets with the Chief Executive of the Seafish Industry Authority on a regular basis. The Seafish Board is currently engaged in negotiations with potential new managers for the Ardtoe Unit and they are also considering their forward strategy for aquaculture. Operational matters including the best use of levy funds raised from the wider fishing industry are for the Seafish Board to decide. It would not be appropriate for the Executive to intervene.