Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28378. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

The National Free Concessionary Blind Scheme is an amalgam of the 16 local concessionary travel schemes currently operating in Scotland. It is therefore for the island local authorities to consider whether their particular local schemes should be extended to provide free air travel to the mainland.

In the answer given to question S1O-5499 on 5 September 2002, I indicated that agreement had been reached for the National Free Concessionary Travel Scheme for Blind People to continue in its current form indefinitely. No review of the scheme is planned.

No such statistics are collected by the Scottish Executive. The administration of the 16 local concessionary travel schemes which comprise the National Blind Scheme is a matter for the relevant local authorities.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has made clear that baton guns will be used to deal with firearms incidents and that they will only be deployed where a Chief Constable is satisfied that an incident involves risk to life or serious injury.

This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:None. Scottish Water was not established until 1 April 2002. Charges schemes for 2002-03 had been developed by the three former water authorities in anticipation of the creation of Scottish Water. These schemes were developed in consultation with the Water Industry Commissioner on the basis of the revenues cap agreed in the light of the Quality and Standards process which was subject to full public consultation by Scottish ministers.

The Patient Focus and Public Involvement framework - published in December last year - indicated that we would consult on a proposal to establish a Scottish Health Council as a national body with a local presence to replace local health councils. Our paper will draw on pre-consultation work being carried out by the Scottish Consumer Council and Scottish Health Feedback which will be completed in September. We plan to publish the consultation paper during October.

For the purposes of crofting legislation a croft is defined by section 3 of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993. The Crofters Commission policies apply to all land undisputedly covered by that restrictive, statutory definition. All crofts should be recorded in the Register of Crofts and the Crofters Commission has an obligation under section 41 of the 1993 act to ensure that they are. Only land that falls within the definition of a croft in the 1993 act can be recorded in the Register of Crofts. Land which does not fall within the definition of a croft in section 3 of the 1993 act is not croft land and the Crofters Commission has no policies in relation to such land.

The convener will make appointments to each panel in accordance with guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Prior to making the appointments the Convener must consult the Water Industry Commissioner and such bodies representing consumers interests as the Scottish ministers may direct. The appointment of panel members will be completed as soon as practicable following the appointment of the convener.

Scotland produces in the region of 150,000 tonnes of aquaculture products which constitute some 40% of Scottish food exports. The principal benefit of developing this market would be the creation of jobs in areas where other sources of employment are not readily available.