Seòmar agus comataidhean

There were no discussions prior to 25 April 2013 between Transport Scotland and Serco Northlink to consider modifications at Stromness or Scrabster harbours.

Following the unforeseen mechanical engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, Serco Northlink took immediate and proactive action to bring one of their freight vessels into service on the Scrabster to Stromness route.

Serco Northlink worked in conjunction with the Scrabster Harbour Trust to make alterations to the Queen Elizabeth Berth that have since allowed the freight vessel, MV Helliar, to operate. This service commenced operating on the Scrabster to Stromness route from 2 May 2013. During the period from 25 April 2013 to 2 May 2013 Serco Northlink kept both myself and Transport Scotland officials fully appraised of the modification works at the Queen Elizabeth Berth, Scrabster.

The MV Helliar has been operating two return sailings each day on a broadly similar timetable to the scheduled service. The timetable was established through discussion with local hauliers and it provides a major increase in freight and vehicle carrying capacity across the Pentland Firth.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. 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/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. 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/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Under the terms of the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and Serco Ltd, in respect of the Northern Isles Ferry Service, the subsidy for providing this service, is paid monthly and not daily. The subsidy provided is not split between the routes which Serco NorthLink operate. The grant payment is therefore paid to cover all the services combined.

Under the terms of the contract, Serco NorthLink are required to pay a penalty whenever the services do not run according to schedule other than in cases where this is due to a relief event. This breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe is not considered to be a relief event and will result in a fixed penalty to Serco NorthLink of £7,732 per return sailing missed. Discussions are ongoing with the operator in respect of what penalties should be imposed following the introduction of the freighter service.

The six year cost of the Scottish Government contract with Serco Northlink is £223 million. The sums paid in subsidy will vary in each year of the contract and from month to month in accordance with the provisions in the contract, particularly in relation to penalties payable to the Scottish Government and provisions in relation to any increased fuel costs payable to Serco Northlink. Serco are paid monthly in arrears.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. 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/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The information available is provided in the following tables:

Table 1: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Aberdeen hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 2: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Oban hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 3: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Orkney hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 4: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Millport hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

The Scottish Government adopted a precautionary approach and supported restrictions to neonicotinoid use, whilst allowing further research to be undertaken to clarify whether these neonicotinoids harm bees in the field.

The European Appeals Committee met on 29 April 2013 to discuss proposals for EU-wide restrictions on the use of certain neonicotinoids, and while they did not reach a qualified majority decision for or against their introduction, the European Commission will nevertheless support restrictions which will come into force on 1 December 2013.”

The report, entitled the Scottish Islands Renewables Project – Final Report, will be published on 15 May 2013. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54946) and it is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scottish-islands-renewable-project-final-report.

The science in relation to neonicotinoids and bees in field conditions is still very unclear. However, on 28 April 2013, whilst supporting a precautionary approach and Europe’s proposed restrictions for the use of neonicotinoids, I said that given the lack of conclusive evidence, research will need to be undertaken to give us the clarity we seek.

Yes, the Scottish Government has received ACP’s advice and it helped inform the Government’s position, which I announced on 28 April 2013, on the European Commission’s restrictions on neonicotinoids.