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We are working with train operating companies to roll out wi-fi on trains across Scotland. We will include the provision of enhanced communications within the contract for future ScotRail passenger services, encouraging bidders to identify the best technical solution and invest in appropriate facilities that meet the expectations of the day.

In the meantime, and as a first step, First Scotrail have prepared a report on the feasibility of the introduction of wi-fi on their express routes.

The A9 is a key artery in Scotland’s transport network and we will continue to invest in improvements to the road on a continuing and progressive basis. The construction of the extended dual section at Crubenmore is well advanced and we are taking forward early design work on sections between Perth and Blair Atholl.

A number of improvements have taken place within the current programme at Bankfoot (£3.2 million), Carrbridge (£2.85 million), Loch Moy (£2.6 million) and Ralia (£2.7 million). In addition, schemes at Slochd (£4 million) and Kincraig to Dalraddy (£12.9 million) are in preparation.

In the longer term, the Strategic Transport Projects Review contained indicative cost estimates for the upgrade of the A9 from Dunblane to Inverness as part of intervention 16 and this work will be completed in phases.

The Scottish Government published Organic Futures: An Action Plan for organic food and farming in Scotland on 14 March 2011. The action plan can be accessed at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14093552/0.

The Scottish Government does not hold a breakdown for specific ambulance stations but we understand the number of eligible employees across Scotland who have agreed to be available during meal breaks in 2011-12 is currently 502. This figure may change throughout the year if further acceptances are received.

It is the responsibility of the Scottish Ambulance Service to maintain operational cover and ensure continuity of service delivery to patients, while at the same time ensuring the wellbeing of staff. It is recognised, however, that current arrangements for handling rest breaks in the ambulance service cannot remain in place and urgent discussions are ongoing to identify a suitable way forward to address what is a complex issue.

Scottish ambulance staff are employed under the terms of the UK wide Agenda for Change agreement. Agenda for Change allows for all staff working more than six hours to be allowed an unpaid rest break during their shift.

The Scottish Government does not hold a breakdown for specific ambulance stations but we understand the number of eligible employees across Scotland who have not opted to be available during meal breaks in 2011-12 is currently 1,911. This figure may change throughout the year if further acceptances are received.

It is the responsibility of the Scottish Ambulance Service to maintain operational cover and ensure continuity of service delivery to patients, while at the same time ensuring the wellbeing of staff. It is recognised, however, that current arrangements for handling rest breaks in the ambulance service cannot remain in place and urgent discussions are ongoing to identify a suitable way forward to address what is a complex issue.

The available information is given in the following table:

Persons Convicted in Scottish Courts for Sale of Alcohol to Persons Under 18 and Purchasing Alcohol for Consumption of a Person Under 18¹, 2000-01 to 2009-10.

Notes:

1. Where main offence.

2. Covers the crime categories sale of drink to person under 18 and wholesaler selling liquor to person under 18, although no prosecutions have been recorded under the latter in the years reported.

It for a licensing board to satisfy itself that it has the necessary evidence to defend a decision should it be appealed.

The premises licence applicant or holder may appeal a licensing board’s decision through the courts by the processes provided for by the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

It is a matter for individual clinical decision in discussion with each patient as to the most appropriate treatment in each case.

Treatment(s) for people with rare diseases may be available locally, regionally, nationally and/or in some cases via UK specialised services through National Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland. Decisions regarding the provision of NHS services are a matter for NHS boards.

As far as medicines are concerned, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) appraises all newly licensed, prescription only branded medicines for clinical and cost-effectiveness and publishes advice for NHS boards. The SMC operates independently from the Scottish Government and NHS boards are expected to follow SMC advice.

Where a medicine has not been recommended for use within the NHS in Scotland by the SMC, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However, decisions regarding the provision of NHS services are a matter for NHS boards and all NHS boards have arrangements for clinically-led consideration of SMC “not recommended” medicines, including orphan medicines, for individual patients. The process for such consideration is known as Individual Patient Treatment Requests and clinicians are responsible for clinical decisions regarding the care of individual patients.