HC Deb 15 April 1985 vol 77 c62W
Sir Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in the 12 months to 31 March the Advisory Committee on Medical Establishments submitted advice to his Department; and what action was taken by his Department on each occasion as a result of the advice given.

Mr. John MacKay

The committee met three times during the year. On each occasion its advice was accepted by th Scottish Home and Health Department and reflected in decisions conveyed to health boards on control of medical manpower at training and career levels.

Sir Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in the 12 months to 31 March the Advisory Committee on Scotland's Travelling People submitted advice to his Department; and what action was taken by his Department on each occasion as a result of the advice given.

Mr. Ancram

On three occasions. The committee submitted, in June 1984, a report on the number of pitches required at regional or sub-regional level to provide a full network of sites for travelling people in Scotland and a report ona modification to the Government's policy of toleration and non-harassment which links this policy to pitch targets, and,in March 1985, a report on the number of pitches required at district level.

My right hon. Friend has accepted the committee's advice on each occasion. Departmental circulars conveying his decisions in the light of the Committee's recommendations were issued to local authorities on 8 November 1984 and 10 April 1985.

Sir Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in the 12 months to 31 March the Hill Farming Advisory Committee for Scotland submitted advice to his Department; and what action was taken by his Department on each occasion as a result of the advice given.

Mr. John MacKay

The committee, through discussion at its two meetings last year chaired by a senior official of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, tendered advice on a number of general and specific matters relating to hill farming including the interaction between farming and forestry, the re-definition of the less-favoured areas, the administration of hill livestock compensatory allowances, and the sheep and beef support schemes.

The views expressed by members are being taken into account in the administration of the Government's agricultural policy towards the hills and uplands of Scotland.