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Good progress is being made in delivering the Plan for Action on alcohol problems. Key Executive action to date includes additional funding for local Alcohol Action Teams, development of a national alcohol information resource, publication of an alcohol problems support and treatment services framework and appointment of national alcohol liaison officer to support the work of local teams. We are currently analysing local alcohol action plans and reviewing the national alcohol communications strategy to ensure that it covers all key target groups. A full review of progress in delivering the plan will be carried out by the end of 2003.

The full membership of the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group was listed in their report, Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group, which was published in February 2003. A copy can be found on the Executive's website at:.The Executive responded to the report in March 2003 and copies of that response can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27012).

I refer the member given to the answer given to question S2W-876 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at .

I refer the member given to the answer given to question S2W-876 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at .

In 2003-04 the Scottish Adult Learning Partnership was awarded £20,000 Headquarters Grant under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989.

This is currently under consideration and a decision will be taken shortly.

In response to a recommendation made by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group, the Executive is undertaking a study to compare the levels of local taxation with Scotland's competitors in Europe and the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Business rates are at the same level in Scotland as in England. The poundage rate is higher in Scotland, but rateable values are lower. At the 2000 revaluation, rateable values increased by 15% in Scotland compared to 25% in England.

A safety review of the junctions on the A9 between Perth and Stirling was carried out in 2002. A further study looking at the feasibility of possible junction improvements is expected to be concluded soon.

The Scottish Executive expects all transport projects that it funds to undergo rigorous appraisal, in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance. The economic impact of each transport infrastructure investment is identified as part of that appraisal process.

This is a matter for Scottish Natural Heritage. The information requested is not held centrally.