Sylvia Jackson: As the representative for the Stirling constituency—an area that one might not imagine is classified as 93 per cent rural—I understand fully the difficulties facing Scottish farmers. Like Mike Rumbles, I have been to my local mart and have paid several visits to local farmers. I welcome Ross Finnie's motion and the Executive's efforts to ensure a sustainable future for farming in...
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure closer integration between agricultural and forestry incentives, in order to promote diversification within agriculture and further the commitment to sustainable rural development.
Sylvia Jackson: I thank Nick Johnston. This is a heated issue for most members, who will have been approached by constituents who have seen a mast being erected close to them—an obvious concern. An article in The Guardian, from 20 October, examined the recent and rapid development of mobile phones, suggesting that one in four people currently own a mobile phone. As we know only too well, the mobile phone...
Sylvia Jackson: I will speak about Stirling, but will try to draw general points, which I have made in the European Committee, from the specific case. Following the publication of the Scottish Executive's recommendations for objective 2 coverage, the local newspaper in Stirling spoke of the bad news. It said that Stirling Council was still reeling from the blow of losing much of its assistance and reiterated...
Sylvia Jackson: I do not think that there is any doubt that there are real issues concerning rural communities. The problems are worsened by remoteness, often from essential services. The Government recognises those problems, and is taking active measures to tackle them. Many of the issues raised in the SNP motion are central to the needs of all Scotland. I took on board Ross Finnie's point that it is...
Sylvia Jackson: No. I am sorry, but I have only a short time. The association of community councils is represented as a fifth reporting group and is taking an active part in the discussions. The process should be welcomed, as it is trying to involve local communities in local decisions and is attempting to be transparent and inclusive. The resulting park plan must take account of the existing structure and...
Sylvia Jackson: I am winding up. The report also refers to the fact that flexibility is needed in rural development. As Ross Finnie said, there is a recognition of the need for a greater emphasis on the rural agenda, which is also recognised in the partnership document.
Sylvia Jackson: The Scottish Executive is making a concerted effort to tackle the problem. I urge members to support the Executive's amendment.
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive how it envisages the work of organisations offering a holistic advice service to young people, such as Off the Record in Stirling and The Corner in Dundee, being supported in their pioneering work to provide a confidential, accessible and multi-agency approach to help young people deal with increasing drug-related problems. (S1O-502)
Sylvia Jackson: Would the minister be willing to visit Off the Record and The Corner, to hear at first hand of some of the financial difficulties that those organisations are having?
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive how the public interest in land will be protected after the abolition of the Crown as feudal superior, as proposed in the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Bill.
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive why it stated that the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Bill has no effect on sustainable development, as stated in the Bill’s policy memorandum.
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release a list of respondents to the Scottish Law Commission’s 1991 Discussion Paper on the Abolition of Feudal Tenure, and the nature of those responses.
Sylvia Jackson: I thank the minister for the excellent measures she has outlined today. I would, however, like her views on the concerns that have been raised by Shelter regarding the rights of homeless people to access accommodation, given the possibility of new social landlords through stock transfer.
Sylvia Jackson: Will the Scottish Executive—and in particular the Minister for Children and Education—make available to MSPs, as soon as possible, details of the guidelines that operate in relation to what is taught in our primary and secondary schools, as that should help to calm public fears in that area?
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive what support it intends to give Better Government for Older People’s campaign for the implementation of uniform concessionary fares on the railways.
Sylvia Jackson: Sam Galbraith has already spoken about the substantial investment in child care. On 21 September, he announced an additional £91 million, which was broken down into £42 million and £49 million. Today, he highlighted an extra £14 million. I am sure that in winding up, Peter Peacock will assure Mr Monteith that that is extra money, as he disputed whether it was recycled money or new money....
Sylvia Jackson: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the proposal for a number of halfway houses, which would allow women to live under supervision with their children, as an alternative to prison. (S1O-663)
Sylvia Jackson: Does the minister agree, however, that the problems faced by most women in Cornton Vale are deep-seated? Effective support requires a more sustained and structured approach, which could be provided by halfway houses.
Sylvia Jackson: Will the minister investigate anti-social behaviour orders in relation to private sector housing? In the Stirling Council area, there is little or no financial provision for that work.