STEVENSON DISMAYED AT NATIONAL DENTAL INSPECTION PROGRAMME OF SCOTLAND

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has expressed his dismay at the findings of the National Dental Inspection Programme of Scotland in Primary 1 children throughout Scotland during the school year 2003/2004.

Commenting on the report, Mr Stevenson said:

“The aim of the report was to determine the current level of obvious tooth decay experience in Primary 1 children in Scotland and to therefore observe the dental health trend over time. The target set by the Scottish Executive in 1999 was that at least 60% of Scottish 5 year olds will have no obvious decay experience by 2010. However, currently only 51% of Scottish 5 year olds fall into this category therefore the Scottish Executive has fallen short of its target.

“In overall terms, there has only been a small improvement in the level of dental health in Primary 1 children. But there are still too many of these chuildren with decay experience. Another problem is the fact that dental inequalities continue to persist, with children from socially deprived backgrounds having high levels of decay.

“Parents need to ensure that their children are given regular routine dental check ups so that any problems can be discovered early on so that corrective action can be taken immediately. As we all know, prevention is better than cure and it is therefore vital that our youngsters are very familiar with a good dental hygiene routine from the earliest age.

“The lack of accessible NHS dentistry provision in the North-east is certainly not helping this situation.

“There is a lot more work to be done in this area of dental care for our youngsters. Children need to have a good oral hygiene routine which needs to be encouraged by parents, schools, healthcare professionals and others. Action needs to be taken to ensure that the unacceptably poor levels of dental health endured by Scottish children is dramatically reduced at the earliest opprtunity.”

STEVENSON CHALLENGES FINNIE ON BEEF LABELLING

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson raised the issue of clearer labelling for Scottish beef with Rural Affairs Minister Ross Finnie at Question Time in the Scottish Parliament.

The SNP MSP was speaking following recent concerns about inferior welfare standards in countries from which the big supermarkets are importing cheap foreign beef. Mr Stevenson was keen that the high standards to which Scottish beef is produced should be given greater prominence on the labelling of the product.

Speaking at Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, Stewart Stevenson said:

“Will the minister give some thought to the welfare standards under which our excellent Scottish beef is produced, given that those standards are substantially ahead of our main competitors in South America? Is there scope for introducing labelling about welfare standards so that people are aware, when they are making their purchasing decisions, of the conditions under which beef is produced for their plate?”

Minister for Rural Affais Ross Finnie responded:

“There are two elements to that. As I said in my response to Andrew Arbuckle, I stress to the supermarkets and to their representatives the high quality and high standards of animal health in Scottish produce, which Stewart Stevenson pointed out.

“The second element is that we have no powers beyond controlling safety or very basic standards in imported products. The World Trade Organisation does not accept our going above base levels to even higher standards unnecessarily; that would cause an issue.

“However, all Scottish producers and all those who promote red meat in Scotland are very clear about labelling so that consumers know exactly what they are getting. We should perhaps make the consumer more informed, not just about quality but about the associated issue of animal health and welfare standards.”

STEVENSON PRESSES POSTCOMM ON FUTURE OF RURAL POSTAL SERVICES

Stewart Stevenson, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Banff & Buchan, today [Tuesday] pressed officials from Postcomm on the future of rural postal services.

Further competition is being introduced into the postal network on 1 January 2006 and Mr Stevenson sought reassurances about the impact on rural services. The SNP MSP raised these issues with Nigel Stapleton, Chairman, and Sarah Chambers, Chief Executive of Postcomm, at a briefing by the regulator in Parliament.

Mr Stevenson focussed on the non-availability of new services created by competition entering the market in the most rural Council area in Scotland, Aberdeenshire, where 1% more people in the area live in a rural setting than even in the Highlands.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Stevenson said:

" People in rural areas suffer from less access to public services than those in urban communities. One of the key services that has been available to people in rural areas has been the postal service. Regardless of where individuals live in rural Scotland, they have been guaranteed postal deliveries on a daily basis and access to the network at a universal price. I am determined to ensure this continues.

"Postcomm gave me the reassurance that before they make any change in arrangements regarding postal deliveries, they must be satisfied that the Royal Mail will be able to continue a daily delivery and collection service in every community at an affordable price. This is absolutely essential to ensure rural communities do not lose out in the changes that are taking place.

"It is unimaginable that new postal service providers will offer a service to rural communities at a lower price than the Royal Mail. But these services may be available in urban communities. It is vital that while rural communities are not getting the benefit of cheaper services, they can be guaranteed a universal service on a daily basis and at an affordable price.

"Postcomm are unable to give guarantees about the extent of the rural post office network in the future but I will be pressing the Government to understand the significance of maintaining a comprehensive post office network throughout the rural areas of my constituency.”

MSP CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO READ AND RESPOND TO PRISON CONSULTATION

Following the first round of meetings between the Scottish Prison Service and interest groups, local MSP Stewart Stevenson has called on people in Peterhead to respond to the public consultation launched last week.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

"We can choose between the loss of hundreds of jobs from our area with the closure of the prison and the £12 million that is worth to Peterhead or we choose new jobs with a new build prison.

"The Scottish Prison Service consultation document should be read carefully. I will be happy to supply. copies to anyone requesting one. Or it can read at www.sps.gov.uk

"The vital thing is for people to contribute to this public consultation. I intend to publish my response later this month and will be happy to include views, including those differing from mine, in that document if people make me aware of their views."

Speaking of the contribution made by the prison Stewart Stevenson continued,

"The many local people who work at the prison are respected by us all for their contribution to the safety of our community. Their presence among us is a key reason why serious sex offenders stay away after release from jail.

"If we fail to support the jail's work we stab these dedicated friends in the back.

"The community showed its support 3 years ago and should do so again."

MSP Welcomes Launch of North East Prisons' Consultation

"Vindication of Campaign to Save Peterhead Prison" says Stevenson
With the publication today [Thursday] of the terms of the Scottish Prison Service consultation on the future of prisons at Aberdeen and Peterhead, Shadow Prisons Minister and MSP for Banff and Buchan, Stewart Stevenson has commented on the options described.

"I am pleased to see that the prison service has formally recognised the outstanding contribution made to public safety by Peterhead Prison staff and the strong community support for their efforts.

"Looking after some of Scotland's most serious sex offenders and preparing them for a life after prison free from further offending is the challenge staff face every day. Their achievements have won international recognition.

"With the opportunity to develop their work in a new prison, fit for purpose and efficient, the long term future is taking a substantial step forward to being assured with the launch of this consultation."

Speaking on the options in the SPS document, Stevenson said,

"The SPS have recognised that any option less than replacement of Peterhead's original 1888 building is simply not on.

"With Parliament ruling out closure in 2002 after a sustained, community-wide campaign led by prison officers' partners, the choices now offered both involve a new build prison at or near Peterhead.

"Redevelopment of our prison, coupled the co-location of Aberdeen, on the existing Peterhead site is the obvious option (Option 4). I trust that Aberdeenshire Council will at today's meeting start to examine the ways in which this can be made the more attractive option for the SPS.

"Nonetheless we should not yet rule out a new build on a green field site at Peterhead (Option 5).

"It is the time for 'keeping the heid' and delivering the new prison and the economic benefits it will secure for our community".