Current Petitions

A few responses have been circulated on current petitions. We referred earlier to the response from Glasgow City Council in relation to the Shettleston Traders Association.We received a response from the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice, Jim Wallace, on the petitions on the legality of nuclear weapons in Scotland. The minister's letter simply reaffirms the position that was set out in the former Lord Advocate's letter to the committee—that the sheriff's judgment is under appeal and no view can be expressed until that process has been completed—so we will have to wait.I draw members' attention to Mr Frank Harvey's petition on the US Navy's target practice at Cape Wrath. We have received a letter from John Spellar, the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, which gives an explanation for the use of the range at Cape Wrath by the US Navy for three days in March. It is suggested that we copy that letter to the petitioner and that no further action be taken in relation to the petition. Is that agreed?

I am sure that Frank Harvey will go through it with a fine toothcomb.The final petition to which I draw members' attention is PE23, from the Save East Wemyss Ancient Caves Society. We have received a letter from East of Scotland Water indicating that the position of the disused sewer adjacent to the East Wemyss caves has yet to be resolved. It is suggested that we forward that letter to the Transport and the Environment Committee and to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee for their further consideration, given that the petition was referred to those committees. Is that agreed?Members indicated agreement.

Do members have any other points to raise under this item?

I have just been informed that we have received an acknowledgement from South Ayrshire Council, which says that the council will write to us. I hope that we will receive that reply by the next meeting.

We will contact the council tomorrow to clarify the situation. If necessary, I will draw together two or three members of the committee, from different parties, to discuss the committee's response. Is that agreed?Members indicated agreement.