§ Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recommendations he has received following the review he established into the operations of the Students Awards Agency for Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [41894]
§ Mr. WilsonIn view of the unacceptable situation experienced last year, in which students experienced very considerable delays in the processing of their applications for awards, I requested a Review of the Agency's operation arrangements; and established an independent Steering Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mr. G. Wilson CB, Head of The Scottish Office Education and Industry Department, to oversee the review. I asked for a report by April.
The Steering Committee reported to me on schedule, with a statement covering the Review report. The problems identified in relation to last year were difficulties with the new computer system and inadequate staff resources (as a result of staff reductions which took place during the period for the previous Government) to deal with the consequences of these difficulties. I am arranging for copies of the report and statement to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses; and to be made publicly available.
89WThe Review has produced a number of recommendations relating both to the staffing resources and processing arrangements of the Agency. I accept these recommendations, and am arranging for additional resources, of up to £380,000 to be available to the Agency. I am also strengthening the senior management of the Agency to ensure that the recommended improvements to the processing arrangements are taken forward quickly.
I am grateful to the Steering Committee for their advice. They will continue in existence to monitor implementation of these arrangements, and to be available to offer further advice as required.
I am confident that the steps I have taken will ensure that the Agency provides a good service, especially to the students.
Tweed and Eye Protection Order
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those persons and organisations recently consulted about the Tweed/Eye River protection order prior to his decision to revoke the order other than for those with angling interests in the Whiteadder area. [41469]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe difficulties with access in the area covered by the Tweed and Eye Protection Order came to light during a wider consultation exercise on the effectiveness of Protection Orders. A list of respondees has been placed in the Library of the House. Fifty-four responses were received, of which seven were from angling interests outwith the Whiteadder area.
A further two representations were received by angling interests outwith the area after the consultation exercise closed.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what factors led him to conclude that it was necessary to revoke the protection order covering the Tweed/Eye River system; and what account he took of recent discussions between interested parties in the Whiteadder area. [41471]
§ Mr. MacdonaldProtection Orders are first and foremost intended to provide greater public access to angling. This has not been the case for some time with the Tweed and Eye Protection Order, despite attempts by the River Tweed Commissioners, Tweed Liaison Committee and the Scottish Anglers' National Association to resolve access problems. I am aware that discussions concerning the Whiteadder are continuing.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many responses to the consultation process on the operation of protection orders commenced in 1997 he has received; and how many of those responses referred to difficulties in the operation of the Tweed/Eye order. [41473]
§ Mr. MacdonaldA total of 54 responses were received. Of these, 11 referred to difficulties in the operation of the Tweed and Eye Protection Order.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from angling interests, other than those in the Whiteadder area,90W about riparian owners denying access to anglers in the Tweed/Eye River catchment area covered by the current protection order. [41470]
§ Mr. MacdonaldSix representations from angling interests outwith the Whiteadder area have been received about reductions in angling access in the area covered by the Tweed and Eye Protection Order. Those responses draw attention to areas where previously available access to freshwater fishing has been withdrawn.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will delay the publication of the formal notice of his intention to revoke the River Tweed/Eye protection order until he is able to consider further representations on the implications of the revocation. [41472]
§ Mr. MacdonaldNo. It is the Government's intention to give formal notice of proposed revocation action in the Edinburgh Gazette shortly.