The Scottish Government

Drinks and Hospitality

RECOMMENDATION

COMMENT

15. Learning and skills throughout everyone's life from early schooling onwards needs to be enhanced to raise quality and, in turn, develop Scotland's standing in terms of productivity and competitiveness within the global market place.

The Scottish Executive is aware of skills shortages across a number of sectors of importance to Scotland's economy. Tackling skills shortages proactively will help safeguard Scotland's future prosperity and competitiveness in a global marketplace. That is why we have asked the Enterprise Networks to set up the Future Skills Scotland unit. Established in July 2001, this new Unit will gather labour market information and intelligence from a wide range of sources and analyse and distribute this to facilitate the better matching of skills supply to demand. Future Skills Scotland will work with a wide range of stakeholders, such as business, local enterprise companies, Sector Skills Councils and education and training providers to promote a better understanding of the Scottish labour market to ensure that Scots are ready for tomorrow's jobs.

16. A level playing field is required with the rest of the UK in respect of taxation.

See 42

17. Scotland's licensing laws need modernisation to bring them into line with European neighbours and also to meet the expectations of both domestic consumers and visitors to Scotland.

Liquor licensing law in Scotland is currently under review by an independent committee whose remit requires particular regard to be had to health and public order concerns. The committee has consulted widely, including business interests. A report is expected by early in 2003.

18. Scotland's transport network needs to be improved to enable it to accommodate the needs of business, our population and our visitors.

The Executive is investing record amounts in improving and modernising public transport, and in motorways and trunk roads maintenance and construction - this benefits all in society, individuals and businesses

19. The administrative burden of regulation and legislation is great and we need to ensure only necessary and cost-effective measures are implemented.

The Improving Regulation in Scotland (IRIS) Unit has been set up within the Executive to secure better regulation. The use of Regulatory Impact Assessments by Scottish Executive departments, where appropriate, ensures that policy is developed with a full assessment of the likely impact on business as an integral part of the process. Regulations are only introduced where they are proportionate to the risk, the benefits justify the costs and do not inadvertently harm the competitiveness of Scottish businesses.

20. The new Parliament should deliver a strong representative voice for Scotland in Westminster and Brussels.

The Executive opened Scotland House in Brussels on 1 July 1999, to facilitate interchange between the Executive, the UK Government and European institutions. The Executive also maintains close and regular contact with a wide range of UK Government Departments.