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The last year where information is available is 1998-99 and the trend data over a fixed sample of trunk roads, which are surveyed every four years, showed a slight improvement from the previous year.

Condition trend data for the trunk road network is shown in table 5.5 of Scottish Transport Statistics No.18 1999 Edition. A copy of this document is held in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.

Similar data for the non-trunk road network is not held centrally.

The percentage of the trunk road network requiring to be repaired during this financial year, based on treatment type, is as follows:

1. Reconstruction 1.12%

2. Strengthening (overlay and inlay) 5.17%

3. Surface Dressing 14.02%

Many areas in Scotland have co-terminous boundaries already. The Scottish Executive has no plans at the present time to change the boundaries of local enterprise companies, tourist boards or local authorities. The current Review of the Enterprise Networks is considering how the roles and responsibilities of the various organisations involved in support for tourism can best implement "A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism".

The Scottish Executive does not at present have any plans to introduce screening for prostate cancer. The National Screening Committee, an expert group which advises all the UK Health Departments, has recommended, after very careful consideration of the available evidence, that a national screening programme using current Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing techniques should not be introduced at this time. The NSC does not believe there is sufficient evidence that screening reduces mortality. The committee is nonetheless actively reviewing the position as results of further planned research trials become available and is considering the possibility of a randomised controlled trial to produce more robust evidence of effectiveness.

The Scottish Executive is, however, aware of the threat to male health which prostate cancer can pose, and the guidance issued to the NHS explains that this recommendation does not exclude PSA testing of those presenting with symptoms, or who have a family history of the disease.

We are systematically reviewing all our activities to identify issues where there is a risk of ECHR challenge. This process has been underway since December 1998 and is continuing. Guidance on the ECHR has been published and widely circulated throughout the Scottish Executive, to local authorities and to other public authorities.

The Scottish Executive has regular meetings with the National Lottery Charities Board Scotland. In reaching decisions on funding of projects the board takes into account factors such as sustainability of projects and the need to plan ahead for when NLCB funding comes to an end.

The information requested is set out in the table below.

	Expenditure (£ million)
1995-96	87.433
1996-97	69.809
1997-98	50.892
1998-99	43.079
1999-2000	43.597

Note: figures expressed in 1995-96 constant prices.

I refer the member to my answer to question S1W-7171.

Many centres have already implemented new National Qualification courses in English and Communication - over 100 at Higher level, around 120 at Intermediate 2 level, and over 70 at Intermediate 1 level.

However, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is tackling concerns which have been raised about the new courses, and has set up a short-life group to look into any possible revisions to English and Communication courses within the existing framework.

In addition, the Scottish Executive's review of the first year of Higher Still implementation aims to identify both the programme's strengths, and areas where improvement is required.

The Executive is taking several measures to minimise disruptive behaviour and improve discipline in schools. Improving discipline is one of the key elements of the Executive's National Ethos Programme which also includes anti-bullying and attendance.

Discipline does not only involve controlling the behaviour of pupils, but also instilling in them the desire to learn. Central to achieving this objective are several of the initiatives funded for the three-year period, 1999-2000-2001-02 under the Excellence Fund for Schools. The Core Programme includes three initiatives of particular relevance to the question of discipline, Alternatives to Exclusion (£23 million), Study Support (£27 million) and Supporting Parents (£15 million). The Special Programme involves Education Action Plans (£15 million) and New Community Schools (£26 million).