Consideration is being given to funding a range of initiatives as part of the spending review, the outcome of which will be announced later this year.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27702.

The total number of incidents of illness caused by bathing at waters where there is poor water quality is not identifiable from centrally collected information. ISD Scotland (the Information and Statistics Division of the NHS) can identify cases where illness is caused by certain related factors, but do not routinely monitor these detailed statistics. It appears, however, that such incidents are extremely uncommon.The Environment Agency has carried out theoretical risk calculations for all UK bathing waters, based on a methodology developed by the World Health Organisation, and reported data for the presence of faecal indicator organisms. If the World Health Organisation methodology is correct, this work would give estimates of the occurrence of illness given particular levels of water quality and use. No systematic record of the use of Scottish bathing waters is, however, kept.

There is no statutory requirement on any party to erect signage on beaches advising of bathing water quality. However, under section 121(9) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 a local authority may place notices on beaches to advise the public as to any danger or health hazard connected with those waters. A local authority may also erect signs on beaches to advise members of the public of bathing water quality, at its own discretion. The Scottish Executive has not issued guidance on this matter.

The A82 Balloch to Tarbet Route Accident Reduction Plan was completed in 2001. At least three years' accident figures are required in order to see how well a route accident reduction plan is performing and it will be towards the end of 2004 before an assessment can be made.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002.

The Scottish Executive has two job evaluation systems. Senior Civil Service posts are evaluated using Job Evaluation for Senior Posts (JESP) while Job Evaluation and Grading Support (JEGS) is used for all other posts. The purpose of both systems is to establish job weight of posts on a consistent basis. This ensures that all posts of comparable weight are placed in the same pay range. More detailed information about the two systems can be found on the Cabinet Office website at:http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice.

Currently, 62% of executive agencies and 35% of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) have a stated policy on equal pay. Not all of the remaining bodies/agencies actually employ staff, but all of those that do have an equal opportunities policy, which provides that staff should be treated equally in respect of all matters. For NDPBs, monitoring and compliance with good practice are monitored centrally within the Scottish Executive. Executive agencies have responsibility for monitoring and encouraging compliance with good practice.

All offences involving wildlife, including offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are included in the recorded crime statistics. However, they cannot be separately distinguished from other offences recorded within the category of Offences involving Animals/Plants.

Information on individual instances of illegal poisoning details the notifier, the location, a description of the incident, the results of port mortem and pesticide residue analyses, and a conclusion. Where pesticide abuse is suspected, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Area Office staff are asked to pursue enforcement action.