<>I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-30367 on 21 March 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

This information can be found in Table 4.1 in the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland, No: 6 - 2015 publication document: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/12/7925/321884

Table 4.1: Average class size of primary school pupils⁽¹⁾, 2006 to 2015

	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
P1	23.1	20.9	21.0	21.1	21.1	20.5	20.6	21.2	21.2	21.1
P2	23.7	23.5	23.0	22.8	22.8	23.3	23.3	24.0	23.9	24.1
P3	24.1	24.0	24.0	23.7	23.4	23.9	24.0	24.5	24.7	24.8
P1-P3	23.6	22.8	22.6	22.5	22.4	22.5	22.6	23.2	23.3	23.3
All Primary	23.2	22.8	22.7	22.5	22.5	22.7	22.7	23.2	23.3	23.4

(1) Data refer to the average class size of pupils in each stage, not the average class size of single stage classes. The total average class size is calculated on a different basis than the P1 to P3 class sizes, see background note 3.7.

This information was published on 9 December 2015 in Table 2.1 of the Summary statistics for schools in Scotland, No.6: 2015 Edition, http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/12/7925, and past years data are available in previous publications.

In the 2015 teacher census there were 49,679 full-time equivalent teachers across the primary, secondary, special and centrally employed sectors. In 2007 the corresponding figure was 53,411. In 2015, there were 41,884 school teachers working full-time (excluding centrally employed), compared with 47,061 in 2007.

In response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s energy market investigation, the Scottish Government raised the issue of the current distribution network charging methodology and highlighted the impact on consumers in the North of Scotland who face some of the highest electricity prices.

Ofgem published a report on regional differences in network charges in October 2015, which included an analysis of the current cost-reflective arrangements and the potential impacts of moving to a national network charge. The report shows that a move to a national network charge would see 1.8 million households in Scotland facing higher bills, while 0.7 million households would see reductions. Following discussions on this topic at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands (COHI) meeting in Stornoway on 7 March 2016, Ofgem and National Grid will be invited to the next COHI meeting to brief members on the relevant issues.

For rural and remote communities across Scotland, a fair network charging regime is a crucial factor – but other factors like energy efficiency and raising household incomes are equally important. That is why we have commissioned the Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force to examine the full range of issues around fuel poverty in rural areas, including national network charging proposals. We look forward to the task force producing a report of their findings later in 2016, and will carefully consider their recommendations.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-30399 on 21 March 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The Healthy Start programme in Scotland is a means-tested UK-wide scheme for pregnant women and children under four. From the tenth week of pregnancy, pregnant women on certain benefits or tax credits – or any pregnant women under 18 years irrespective of income – can claim for Healthy Start which provides vouchers that can be put towards the cost fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and milk at any participating retailer. Eligible pregnant women receive one £3.10 voucher a week.

NHS Orkney’s funding for 2016-17 is in line with the NRAC target. NHS Orkney’s resource budget will increase by 4.6% to £43.2 million, an above inflation increase, having previously increased by 15.1% in 2015-16.

As part of the Scottish Government’s recent Consultation on Provisions for a Future Islands Bill, views were sought on a range of issues including the concept of island proofing with the flexibility to issue statutory guidance and also councillor representation in island communities.

The findings of the independent analysis of the responses received was published on 14 March 2016 and this will help inform the development of a draft Bill.

Decisions on the introduction of a future Bill will be for the next Scottish Government to determine following the Scottish parliamentary elections in May 2016.

In 2016-17 NHS Orkney’s resource budget will increase by 4.6% to £43.2 million, an above inflation increase, and in line with the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee target, which reflects our commitment to move all board’s to parity using the ‘differential growth’ model.

To give a full answer to the question i.e. to provide information spanning five years, broken down as requested has necessitated further bespoke interrogation of the IT system and will take some time to complete. The requested information will be made available to the requestor as soon as we are able to do so.