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The Scottish Government is working with key partners across the justice system to improve the quality of information collected on child and vulnerable witnesses following the completion of the implementation of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 in April this year. We are also considering how best this information can be made publicly available. In undertaking this work we will take into account the findings of the early evaluation of the first phases of implementation of the 2004 act, which is nearing completion and will be published later this summer.

Examples of recent work by agencies in this area include the Scottish Court Service''s (SCS) monitoring system that captures information in relation to the throughput of applications placed before the court. The SCS is also improving the collection of information on how effectively special measures operate when evidence is being led. The police service is rolling out a revised standard police report (SPR2) which will improve the collation of information on witness vulnerability.

Information on the economic benefit to Scotland of golf and of bagpiping is not held centrally. However, recent research on 70 golf courses around Scotland shows that the value of golf tourism to Scotland is estimated to be nearly £97 million from these courses alone. VisitScotland is currently working to determine the total value of golf tourism to Scotland. Estimates from previous Ryder Cup tournaments suggest that it is reasonable to expect that there will be positive economic impacts on Scotland through hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup “ likely to lie in the range of £82 million to £148 million.

The College of Piping does not receive funding or assistance from the Scottish Government.

In 1999, the Scottish Arts Council provided the College of Piping with £18,819 towards the cost of a study and options appraisal for new college premises.

Scottish ministers are currently examining the options available for taking this route forward. Until such time as a decision has been reached, it would be premature for any discussion to take place about vessel solutions.

The information requested is not collected centrally.

I have today placed a copy of the review in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 43082) and sent a copy to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Officials have regular discussions with boards on the arrangements for and timing of consultation exercises. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and officials have had regular discussions leading up to the launch on 27 March of the board''s consultation on proposed changes to maternity services in the Clyde area.

Revised guidance on car park and arrangements for car park charging was issued on 18 January under the Scottish Government CEL 1 (2008). This revised guidance requires boards which have car parking schemes in place to review these schemes against the principles and criteria set out in the revised guidance and to provide a report to me by 30 June 2008. Once this further guidance has been considered, a full policy statement on the provision of car parking at NHSScotland facilities will be issued, together with proposals for updating the existing guidance.

We have no such plans at present. However, we would be glad to consider opportunities to engage with Asturias where these are in line with the objectives set out in the Scottish Government''s International Framework, which I published on 22 April 2008.