The information requested is not held centrally.

We have had no such discussions with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) over this provision. However, SFC has been, and continues to be, in discussions with Heriot Watt University over the possible introduction of a degree in sign language interpretation as an extension of its applied languages provision. The SFC will be considering a proposal from them in the near future.

The curriculum is not prescribed in Scotland as it is the responsibility of local authorities and schools to design a curriculum which provides a high quality learning experience for children and young people in their area. This includes language experiences and outcomes under Curriculum for Excellence taking into account the needs of all learners. In some schools pupils can undertake units/qualifications in British Sign Language and Deaf studies at Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Access 3, Intermediate 1 and 2 and Higher).

Local authorities receive capital funding through the local government settlement to spend according to their priorities. The Scottish Government encourages the use of public transport through initiatives such as Smarter Choices Smarter Places, through publishing guidance to encourage a partnership approach to develop and address improvements in bus services and through the concessionary travel scheme.

The development of local park and ride facilities is a matter for local government to determine according to their priorities. However, the Scottish Government does provide some additional funding, as for the new or expanded sites developed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport over the last year at Croy, Monkton, Harthill, Coatbridge and Kilbowie. Most recently the Scottish Government announced that £10 million is to be made available to Fife Council to deliver a 1,000 space park and ride facility at Halbeath.

Local authorities receive capital funding through the local government settlement to spend according to their priorities. The Scottish Government encourages the use of public transport through initiatives such as Smarter Choices Smarter Places, through publishing guidance to encourage a partnership approach to develop and address improvements in bus services and through the concessionary travel scheme.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-635 on 20 June 2011. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-635 on 20 June 2011. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-635 on 20 June 2011. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-00635 on 20 June 2011. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.