Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27702.

The A82 Balloch to Tarbet Route Accident Reduction Plan was completed in 2001. At least three years' accident figures are required in order to see how well a route accident reduction plan is performing and it will be towards the end of 2004 before an assessment can be made.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002.

Currently, 62% of executive agencies and 35% of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) have a stated policy on equal pay. Not all of the remaining bodies/agencies actually employ staff, but all of those that do have an equal opportunities policy, which provides that staff should be treated equally in respect of all matters. For NDPBs, monitoring and compliance with good practice are monitored centrally within the Scottish Executive. Executive agencies have responsibility for monitoring and encouraging compliance with good practice.

All offences involving wildlife, including offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are included in the recorded crime statistics. However, they cannot be separately distinguished from other offences recorded within the category of Offences involving Animals/Plants.

The Scottish Executive has two job evaluation systems. Senior Civil Service posts are evaluated using Job Evaluation for Senior Posts (JESP) while Job Evaluation and Grading Support (JEGS) is used for all other posts. The purpose of both systems is to establish job weight of posts on a consistent basis. This ensures that all posts of comparable weight are placed in the same pay range. More detailed information about the two systems can be found on the Cabinet Office website at:http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice.

Information on individual instances of illegal poisoning details the notifier, the location, a description of the incident, the results of port mortem and pesticide residue analyses, and a conclusion. Where pesticide abuse is suspected, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Area Office staff are asked to pursue enforcement action.

The Scottish Executive's policy on equal pay is currently covered by its general policy on equal opportunities which provides that staff should be treated equally in respect of all matters. This policy is set out in the Staff Handbook which is available to staff and recognised Trade Unions. In addition, a review of the Scottish Executive's pay system will be undertaken in the autumn with a view to identifying whether there are any gender pay gaps or other inequalities. Following the review, which is expected to be completed by April 2003, the Scottish Executive will publish a specific policy on equal pay.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237.

In line with the UK Government, all Scottish non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have been requested to conduct an equal pay review by April 2003.