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I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:

Eaga is the managing agent contracted to deliver the central heating programme on behalf of the Scottish Executive. Monthly progress meetings are held between Eaga and Communities Scotland to consider performance in terms of progressing applications through to installation of heating systems. Specific targets are set for Eaga in respect of individual elements of the application process. However, no maximum waiting target has been set as there are many factors outwith Eaga’s control which have a bearing on the installation timetable. These factors include: upgrades of local electricity and gas infrastructure; planning permission; building warrants, and access delays.

No. The current review of Eyecare Services in Scotland will not consider the NHS optical voucher scheme.

The Trust Company was not established by sportscotland to provide community sports facilities but to manage and operate the three National Centres at Glenmore Lodge, Inverclyde and Cumbrae. The board members of sportscotland are the directors of the company.

Sportscotland, like any other non-departmental public body, is subject to a number of guidelines and requirements regarding its Exchequer expenditure. These are set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.

The conditions governing how particular elements of the Exchequer funding should be spent by sportscotland are set out in the grant in aid letter issued to sportscotland by the Scottish Executive.

Sportscotland’s corporate plan, setting out longer term expenditure plans, is also subject to ministerial approval.

This is an operational matter for sportscotland. I have asked the chair to provide the information requested.

This is an operational matter for sportscotland. I have asked the chair to provide the information requested.

Under the Efficient Government initiative, which aims to redirect administrative costs to delivery of front-line services, we have asked sportscotland to deliver annual efficiency savings of at least £200,000 by 31 March 2008.

With regard to specific expenditure on staffing, sportscotland’s staff costs are subject to the approval of the Scottish Executive and must take account of public sector pay guidance. Any significant changes in sportscotland’s staff numbers are therefore also subject to the Executive’s approval.

I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:

From the time of application until the installation of the central heating system, the average waiting time is five months. However, many applicants to the programme receive their heating system more quickly. Many householders also require  gas connections, electrical upgrades, planning permission or building warrants. Unfortunately, these additional requirements can result in householders waiting five months or more.

The programme is continually monitored and kept under review to ensure that qualifying householders receive their central heating system a quickly as possible after application.

We will continue to provide funding to support the functions and activities of Scotland Against Drugs (SAD) in 2006-07. However, these functions, and associated funding will transfer to Health Scotland from 1 April 2006. The employability programme, which is the major part of SAD’s current work, will transfer to the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, which is part of Health Scotland. This will enable us to build upon work developed by Scotland Against Drugs to help those with serious drug misuse problems make their way back into work. A press release will be issued later today.

We have reached agreement on the broad funding allocation for 2006-07 which will transfer to Health Scotland in order for the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives to continue and develop the work of Scotland Against Drugs. The final budget will be agreed towards the end of February 2006.