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Based on initial analysis and epidemiological information, it is estimated that around 90% of the cases of infection are attributable to local spread between premises caused by animal and people movements. Half the remainder are thought to have arisen because of vehicle movements. The sources of the rest are still being investigated. Geese are not considered to have been the source of disease spread.

Responsibility for this issue rests with the Food Standards Agency who have advised me that this matter was discussed by EU scientific experts on 3-4 April. The formal report of the meeting is expected shortly, though it is expected to be generally supportive of the principle of the tiered approach. The agency will consider the scientific report, along with the requirements for an enforcement regime to maintain consumer safety, before making final recommendations. If changes to subordinate legislation are required, these will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity.

Information on the number of hotels, boarding houses etc. with rateable values of £12,000 or less was given in the answer to question S1W-14858. Data on licensed hotel premises are not held separately.

The Scottish Executive welcomes the committee's constructive and balanced contribution to what is a very important issue for rural Scotland.As the report notes, the Executive already offers rates and capital support for eligible rural petrol stations. The Executive is nevertheless happy to meet with the Petrol Retailers Association and the Scottish Motor Trade Association to discuss the issues in greater detail.

Statute requires that decisions on whether to approve the growing of a particular GM crop on specific sites are based solely on scientific evidence. This has been made absolutely clear in all pronouncements made since the farm scale evaluation programme started last year. The decision to approve the sites for this year's programme was taken on advice from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Health and Safety Executive and the Food Standards Agency that this crop does not pose a threat to human health or the environment. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment also advised that no new evidence had emerged for it to amend its recommendation that these crops could be grown in safety.

I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-14552 and S1W-14860.

Where possible, businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak will receive advice from the relevant Small Business Gateway and Local Enterprise Company advisers. However, if additional assistance is required, the extra funding for the Enterprise Networks will allow such advice to be provided. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has decided to make discretionary grants of up to £2,000 available to support businesses towards the costs of accessing survival experts. This may involve lawyers and accountants. As support will be demand driven it is too early to say what the relevant costs might be across Scotland as a whole.

We have corresponded with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association on a number of occasions and about a range of issues. Alasdair Morrison met the SLTA's Parliamentary Consultant last autumn.

No controls on the abstraction of water by the whisky industry are currently in place. However, the EC Water Framework Directive requires the introduction of a comprehensive abstraction control regime. The Executive will bring forward proposals for controls in due course.

We are developing our proposals for implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive. Those will include abstraction controls. It is too early to determine the impact on the whisky industry. We will ensure that the effects on business are fully considered as we develop our proposals.