³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Based on the current proposals, the estimated cost of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link is £140 million. Strathclyde Passenger Transport’s consultation gives two options for the St James Spur: building the line either on a viaduct or an embankment. A comparative cost estimate has been made between the two, giving indicative costs of £11,000 and £9,500 per linear metre respectively. For robustness, the estimated total figure of £140 million assumes that the viaduct - the more expensive option - will be implemented. However, no decision has been made about the preferred spur option at this stage, reflecting on-going public consultation and consideration of a number of issues, such as severance of playing fields and the visual impact of the scheme.

The Scottish Executive’s broadband strategy is facilitating the rollout and uptake of broadband technology across Scotland. Project ATLAS fits within this overall strategy but is led and funded by Scottish Enterprise. Issues about use of public funding and the benefits achieved are, in the first instance, operational matters for Scottish Enterprise.

The Scottish Executive is fully committed to effectively addressing youth crime.  As indicated in the answers to questions S2W-2071 (on 5 September 2003), S2W-679 (on 17 June 2003) and S1W-32193 (on 12 December 2002). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the searchfacility for which can be found at:

.

It is for individual police forces to determine the extent of their involvement in initiatives such as Operation Youth Advantage.

The Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government on a wide range of issues. The requirements for 3G coverage were set in the conditions of the licences auctioned in April 2000 and now administered by the UK-wide regulator, OFCOM. Each 3G operator must be capable of offering a service to cover 80% of the UK population by the end of 2007. Provision beyond this figure is a commercial decision for operators.

The level of fuel tax is a reserved matter. The Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including fuel duty. Scottish ministers will continue to ensure that Scotland’s interests are placed firmly on the agenda in Whitehall on tax, as on other matters, through direct contact with Treasury Ministers.

The Executive has been and continues to be in regular discussion with the UK Government regarding the proposed new gambling legislation and the implications for Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament has now agreed that the relevant provisions in the Gambling Bill which confer powers on Scottish ministers, including the power to set fees and make regulations on the conditions to be attached to gambling premises’ licensing and permits, should be considered by the UK Parliament.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13619 on 18 January 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

.

We are taking forward the work on the A82 Route Action Plan as a matter of priority. I expect the study to report in October of this year, and the findings will be made public as soon as possible thereafter.

We are continuing to develop our proposals to extend the dual carriageway at Crubenmore by around 2km at a cost of £5.4 million and to provide 4km of additional overtaking opportunities between Kincraig and Dalraddy at a cost of £4.3 million. I expect to publish draft orders for these schemes this year. A number of other improvements are planned and work has begun on a route improvement study which will report in the autumn.

It is for The Highland Council to decide on the priorities for the provision of new schools in their area, within the resources available to them. These resources include the financial support we have offered the council for a schools PPP project with a capital value of around £100 million; direct capital grant in the form of a Schools Fund allocation of £4.332 million in 2005-06 rising to £4.751 million by 2007-08, and the substantial resources which the Council can generate within the level they can afford, principally through borrowing, under the prudential framework.