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The liable relative rule allowed local authorities to demand a contribution from the spouse or parent of care home residents. The rule has long been unpopular and in May 2004, following consultation, Scottish ministers announced their intention to abolish the rule at the first opportunity. That opportunity arose with the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the rule was abolished on 5 October 2007.

The Scottish Government is not aware of any recommendations made by the Health and Safety Executive on the storage of household waste for collection by local authorities.

The Scottish Government has not directed any local authority to introduce alternate weekly collection of non-recyclable and recyclable household waste.

The Scottish Government has not directed any local authority to introduce fortnightly collections of residual household waste.

Information on recruitment of local government staff, including graduates, is not held centrally. This is a matter for local authorities themselves as independent corporate bodies.

The information requested is not held centrally. Information about the estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorders, by age group and by local authority area, is set out in Scottish Government Policy and Practice Guidance on Commissioning Services for People on the Autism Spectrum. This is based on a prevalence rate of 90 in 10,000 people. The guidance is available on the Scottish Government website at:

http://openscotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/27085247/0.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken any investigation into the use of underground recycling facilities in urban areas.

The Scottish Government understands however that three local authorities in Scotland operate underground recycling facilities, and they may be able to provide you with information on any investigatory work undertaken prior to adopting these systems. The local authorities are Dundee, East Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh.

There are no specific standards for the education of children with additional support needs including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Under section 2 of the Standards in Scotland''s Schools etc. Act 2000 education authorities are required to secure that education is directed to the development of the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the child or young person to their fullest potential. This applies to all children including those with ASD.

Her Majesty''s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) inspects provision for ASD as part of its general inspection activity. The quality of educational provision for children with autism spectrum disorders is, therefore, subject to the same rigour and scrutiny as that applied to all children and young people.

Any good practice which is identified whilst inspecting provision for ASD is posted on the HMIE website and is designed to help establishments to continuously improve and aspire to the best of practice for these children and young people.

As a result of a request from Scottish ministers, HMIE carried out a specific task to evaluate and report on the educational provision for pupils with ASD. A report of the review''s findings together with a literature review was published in October 2006. The report is used by the educational community to improve services to children and young people.

On 3 April 2009, the Scottish Government launched The Autism Toolbox: An Autism Resource for Scottish Schools. This provides support and guidance to educational establishments to promote and develop high standards of provision for pupils with ASD.

We will continue to promote Scotland as a destination worth serving to airlines, which will improve our connectivity for business and inbound tourism. To assist airlines in their decision-making, we will also share market analysis data on Scotland and on the potential for new routes.

Direct international air links improve Scotland''s business connections to existing and new markets, attract inward investment and make access to Scotland easier for inbound tourists.