Plenary, 22 Sep 2005

Meeting date: Thursday, September 22, 2005

Official Report 733KB pdf

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Question Time

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Environment and Rural Development

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Contaminated Land

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the regime governing contaminated land. (S2O-7606)

The Scottish Executive has recently consulted on proposed changes to the regime relating to contaminated land as a source of pollution of the water environment; we are also planning to consult shortly on amendments to extend the regime to cover radioactively contaminated land.

I thank the minister for her response, although it affords only partial comfort.

The minister will be aware that redevelopment of farming and industrial sites in Scotland is becoming widespread, and that the current regime places no obligation on the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or local authorities to investigate suspected contamination. I ask her whether that is desirable. For example, at the Royal Ordnance factory site in Bishopton all parties, including the site owners, are genuinely ignorant as to whether contamination is present. Is it acceptable that I have had to submit a requisition under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Ministry of Defence in London to find out?

I am aware that the issue causes concern to the local community. I have answered questions and corresponded with the member before on the matter.

I understand that the owners of the site, BAE Systems plc, have no immediate plans to submit a planning application. However, if a planning application is submitted, it will be a matter for the local authority in its role as local planning authority to ensure that remediation is in force through compliance with planning conditions. If, however, no planning application is made, it is up to the local authority as the primary regulator under the contaminated land regime to determine what action is necessary to deal with the site.

The Royal Ordnance factory at Bishopton is in my constituency, and I hear the minister's guarantee that every square yard will be properly decontaminated if and when that procedure starts.

Although in the first instance this is a matter for the local authority, does the minister agree that all interested parties, including local people, should be consulted? Does she agree that it is important that the written and spoken language of any consultation does not use jargon but is understandable to those who have legitimate concerns over such a proposal?

Yes. I repeat that I am conscious of the concerns that have been expressed to Trish Godman and Annabel Goldie about this issue. I would hope that consultation on any planning application—should one be forthcoming—would be in accessible language. It is hugely important that local people are involved in the planning process; that is why we are legislating on that important matter. In view of the level of concern surrounding contaminated land, the involvement of local people in this instance is particularly important.

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Scottish Water (Sewage Disposal)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that Scottish Water has a plan in place to dispose safely and lawfully of sewage that will not be pelletised and burned at Longannet power station after 28 December 2005. (S2O-7644)

The processes used to handle, treat and dispose of sewage sludge are operational matters for Scottish Water and, where relevant, its public-private partnership and private finance initiative contractors. It is for Scottish Water and its contractors to treat and/or dispose of sludge in line with the relevant regulations and for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to enforce those regulations. Scottish Water is preparing a sludge strategy and has commissioned consultants to work on it. The strategy will include a strategic environmental assessment.

Scottish Water has problems treating the sludge that it has to deal with at present. The closure of Longannet to sludge from the end of this year will double the amount of sludge that Scottish Water has to deal with. Scottish Water, by its own estimates, will not have the necessary resources to do so before 2010-2014. What is the minister's plan?

I do not intend to comment on the Longannet case, given that there is still the possibility of an appeal. However, I note that the sludge at Longannet comes from works operated under a PPP contract. The point of PPP contracts is that the contractor assumes a risk, and he is entitled to make his arrangements within the law to deal with that risk. An appeal is still outstanding; whether to pursue it is a matter for ScottishPower. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume both that ScottishPower wishes to meet its regulatory and contractual obligations and that SEPA will enforce the environmental regulations. ScottishPower is discussing with SEPA and my officials the new regulatory situation that will exist after 28 December.

The minister will be aware that it was a decision by SEPA that led to a halt on pelletised sewage sludge from Daldowie being burnt at Longannet. Can the minister assure me that discussions with SEPA are continuing in an effort to resolve the issue of what to do with the sludge? What assistance can the Scottish Executive give to Scottish Water and ScottishPower to ensure that what was an environmentally sound process at Longannet can be resumed?

I can assure Scott Barrie that discussions with SEPA, ScottishPower and my officials are on-going. We clearly need to seek to resolve this troubling situation.

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Environmental Awareness (Young People)

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage young people to be environmentally aware. (S2O-7639)

The school curriculum provides a wide range of opportunities for young people to learn about the environment and their role in protecting it. For example, in primary schools, environmental studies provide a focus for content and context. In secondary schools, there is specific input in subject areas such as biology and geography.

Does the minister agree that the best way to encourage young people is to ensure that the home, the school and the local community all work in partnership to raise awareness of issues such as littering? Does she believe that schools such as Lawthorn Primary School in my constituency, which has obtained green flag status, demonstrate the way forward in dealing with such important community problems in partnership?

Yes, I agree. I congratulate Lawthorn Primary School in Irene Oldfather's constituency on achieving green flag status under the eco-schools initiative in Scotland. Scotland is leading Europe in the percentage of schools that are involved in the eco-schools programme. At present, more than 2,000 schools in Scotland are now eco-schools.

Litter and wider issues around waste are hugely important. Our success in persuading schools to become eco-schools demonstrates the concern of education authorities, teachers, pupils and parents about litter. Litter is an important issue, and it should be treated as such.

I add my praise for the eco-schools programme—I wish that all schools in Scotland would join it.

The minister will be aware that a number of reports have been made on sustainability in education, going back to reports prepared by the late John Smyth of the Scottish Environmental Education Council. What progress has been made to date with the various organisations that have been engaging with the Executive in discussions on sustainability in education across the curriculum?

There are already opportunities for sustainable development education and environmental awareness in the existing curriculum. I have spoken about environmental studies in primary schools; in secondary schools, there is specific input in subjects such as biology and geography. The cross-curricular nature of sustainable development is recognised in the citizenship guidelines published by Learning and Teaching Scotland. The new national qualifications include a set of courses, from access to advanced higher, in the subject area of managing environmental resources.

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Crofting

To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum proportion of land under agricultural use is that would be considered appropriate for decrofting in a crofting township. (S2O-7604)

There is no maximum proportion of croft land that would be considered for decrofting in a township. The needs and circumstances of individuals and crofting communities must be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Crofters Commission when it receives a valid decrofting application. The commission must consider each application on its merits against its own published policies and in compliance with its obligations under the crofting acts.

Given that the lairds have quite a lot of land that would be perfectly suitable for development, and that sometimes the best land is covered by a decrofting application, would it not be a good idea for the Executive to develop an upper limit? The more land is decrofted, the more the idea of a crofting community and a crofting township is undermined.

We do not have any plans for such a limit. We think that the existing mechanism works well and meets the needs of the wider public interest. The danger is that an arbitrary limit would be liable to stifle development and could apply unfairly to individuals.

I am aware of concerns; indeed, I met the cross-party group on crofting last week. As Jamie Stone might be aware, the draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill contains provisions that will give crofting communities the power to determine the policy guidelines to be applied by the Crofters Commission in making decisions on regulatory matters in their area. It is hugely important that crofters and crofting communities are involved at an early stage in matters that affect their communities.

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Agriculture (Sustainability)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the long-term sustainability of Scottish agriculture. (S2O-7642)

Working with the industry, we are determined to secure the long-term sustainability of Scottish agriculture.

Does the minister agree that unless the welcome return of over-30-month beef into the food chain is accompanied by the lifting of the current export ban on that product, there is likely to be a detrimental impact on the already low price? What discussions has the Scottish Executive had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on that and what progress is being made in relation to the lifting of the ban? I am sure that she would agree that unless the export ban is lifted, the future sustainability of the beef sector is under serious threat.

I am very much aware of the issue; the beef sector is of course hugely important to Scottish agriculture. Our priority is to reopen export markets at the earliest possible opportunity. We will be pressing the case for lifting the European Union embargo with our European partners. We agree that a prolonged domestic consultation period is neither sensible nor necessary and we will take the matter forward with our DEFRA colleagues.

Does the minister believe that one of the most significant factors in the sustainability of Scottish agriculture is the attitude taken by the supermarkets towards the balance of risk carried by them and by producers? Is the Executive minded to become actively involved with consumers and producer organisations in trying to encourage supermarkets, which are making enormous profits, to share some of those profits with people in agriculture whose incomes are collapsing?

Incomes are not collapsing, but ministers recognise that the industry is going through a difficult period with low commodity prices, especially in the beef and milk sectors. Ministers regularly meet industry representatives from all parts of the supply chain and encourage them to work together for the benefit of the sector as a whole. We will continue to emphasise to supermarkets the importance of maintaining a sustainable food chain.

Question 6 is withdrawn.

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Environmental Protection (Firth of Forth)

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government in respect of environmental protection issues arising from the recent application for ship-to-ship transfer of oil in the Firth of Forth. (S2O-7628)

The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including environment protection considerations relevant to the proposal for the ship-to-ship transfer of oil in the Firth of Forth.

The minister will be aware that the proposal is for very heavy grade crude oil to be transferred using flexible connections between vessels on swinging anchors off Methil in my constituency. She will also be aware of the real environmental safety concerns raised by me, Scottish Natural Heritage, Fife Council and other local authorities on the Forth, other MSPs, community groups and individuals. Will she assure my constituents and all others concerned that she will make HM Government aware of those environmental and other concerns and urge that the application not be agreed until such time as those concerns have been fully addressed?

I am acutely aware of the concerns expressed by the member, her constituents, other MSPs and local authorities. As she knows, Scottish Natural Heritage raised objections in response to the original draft oil spill contingency plan and recommended that an appropriate assessment be undertaken in line with the requirements of the habitats regulations. SNH has advised that it has subsequently received further relevant information from Forth Ports and that that information is being considered by officials and their legal advisers. Scottish ministers will take advice from SNH following the outcome of that further consideration. Further discussions will take place with the UK Government, if appropriate, in respect of our devolved responsibilities for environmental protection.

The proposed transfer of oil between ships in the Forth is set to drive a supertanker through the Executive's marine strategy. Will the minister ask Alistair Darling to put in place specific regulations on those transfers and a locational strategy for such operations in UK coastal waters? In the absence of those measures, will she demand that he reject the application by Melbourne Marine Services Ltd for oil transfer in the Forth?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said, other than to re-emphasise that Scottish ministers will take advice from SNH following the outcome of its further consideration. Further discussions will take place with the UK Government, if appropriate, in respect of our devolved responsibilities for environmental protection. We are very aware of our devolved responsibilities in the area.

As the minister is aware, I have written to her department, to the Secretary of State for Scotland and to all relevant bodies about the recent application to indicate my strong opposition, particularly on environmental grounds, and the opposition of the communities that I represent. What reassurance can she give that the views of my constituents will be represented, particularly in light of the limited consultation to date with communities in my area?

I can give the member an assurance that I am happy to meet her at any time; indeed, I have already had discussions with her about the proposal. I have to take advice from SNH. Constituents can voice their opinions to the member, and I am also cognisant of the position that her council has taken.

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Water Services (Domestic Properties)

To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all domestic properties have access to water services. (S2O-7610)

Domestic property owners need not connect to the public network. They can have private supplies and sewage treatment as long as those meet standards set by legislation.

The minister will be aware of my previous correspondence with her about the water services problems experienced by my constituents in the former Ministry of Defence properties in Rosyth. Does she agree that it is not on for the Ministry of Defence and Thames Water to pass on responsibility for maintaining the water and sewerage systems to subsequent house buyers and that it is unacceptable that the estimated cost of future repairs has been withheld from home buyers?

I am aware of the situation from correspondence with Scott Barrie; I am also aware of his concerns and the representations that have been made to him. It is a difficult, complex issue with widespread legal ramifications. It is safest to say at this juncture that I am happy to meet him to discuss some of the issues because they cover both devolved and reserved responsibilities.

What representations has the minister had about the proposals to regulate domestic water supplies from a private source, particularly when those who provide the service will be charged significantly for that? What impact will that have on the decision of small rural bed-and-breakfast businesses to remain in the domestic sector?

I have had representations on behalf of the private sector, which has some fears about the changes. Suffice it to say that the changes will be monitored closely and that some financial help will be made available.

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Coastal Erosion

To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to identify and invest in areas vulnerable to coastal erosion. (S2O-7614)

We have substantially increased the resources available for flood prevention and coast protection schemes to £89 million over the period 2005-08. We have produced guidance for local authorities that suggests that they consider the preparation of shoreline management plans to help to identify vulnerable areas and the appropriate response. It will then be for authorities to come forward with suitable schemes to take up the increased resources.

I welcome the work that is under way. I am sure that the minister is aware that people who live in coastal areas, such as Portobello and Musselburgh in my constituency, are genuinely concerned about the potential impact of coastal erosion. What steps are being taken to communicate with communities, to let them know about the work that is being done and to provide opportunities for their views, experiences and concerns to be addressed during that work?

I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed in Portobello about the possible effect of climate change on sea conditions. Indeed, I understand that the City of Edinburgh Council is also aware of local concerns and that it will shortly commission consultants to undertake a wave study that should be completed next spring.

On the broader issue, it is important that the possible ramifications of climate change are well understood. Indeed, the Parliament debated the issue yesterday afternoon. It is incumbent on local members such as Susan Deacon and Alasdair Morrison, whose constituency has suffered from the appalling effects of climate change, to raise such matters. It is also incumbent on the Executive to do all that it can to combat climate change and to mitigate its potential effects.

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Health and Community Care

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Mental Health Strategy

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementation of the mental health strategy. (S2O-7624)

The Executive and its partners continue to work to improve mental health services. Significant service improvements have been made as national health service boards and local authorities have worked together to deliver the framework for mental health services in Scotland and to implement the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. However, all parties recognise that further improvements must be made in the future.

How can we improve access to occupational therapy for mental health patients? Such support is crucial and can often prevent both the escalation of problems and hospital admissions. It is also crucial for carers who, after all, play a significant role in the care of patients who often suffer from multiple and complex symptoms.

I certainly agree that the earliest possible intervention is the best result both for patients and for staff who provide the appropriate treatment. I also agree with Marilyn Livingstone's specific point about the importance of occupational therapy.

This year and last, we have provided £400,000 to attract former skilled professionals, including occupational therapists, back to practice. We recognise that that process needs to continue and that it is important to assist and support carers in dealing with such matters. Indeed, I expect next week to announce and publish the results of the care 21 project's investigation into the future needs of carers.

Question 2 was not lodged.

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Cancer (Diagnosis and Treatment)

To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (S2O-7631)

Scotland's cancer strategy "Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change" sets out the strategic direction for cancer services. Since 2001, £150 million has been invested, which has led to the employment of 300 additional staff and the introduction of state-of-the-art imaging, radiotherapy and other vital equipment across the country. In addition, a new west of Scotland cancer centre is being built at a cost of £87 million. Our recent announcement on diagnostic waiting times adds £50 million for the purchase of more diagnostic equipment.

All that hard work is leading to a significant improvement in survival rates. For example, deaths from cancer have fallen by 14.8 per cent since 1995, which means that more Scots are now living with and beating cancer.

As the minister takes a keen interest in cancer, he will be aware that early diagnosis is very important in the recovery of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. In that respect, a vital bowel cancer initiative that has been introduced in England has been making good progress. How does the minister intend to address the issue of bowel cancer scanning, which helps with the diagnosis and treatment of that illness?

I happily advise the member that we are going further than the initiatives that have been introduced down south. We will be able to screen a much wider age group; indeed, good evidence from our pilots in Tayside, Grampian and Fife shows that we will be able to screen everyone between the ages of 50 and 74. We are extending the programme throughout Scotland. It should all be in place by 2009, but its roll-out is beginning now.

On the merits of early diagnosis, I refer the minister to question S2W-16616, by Shona Robison, which was answered on 26 May by Rhona Brankin, the then Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care, regarding

"research published in The Lancet … on the relative effectiveness of MRI scanners compared with X-rays in detecting breast cancer in women under 50."—[Official Report, Written Answers, 26 May 2005; S2W-16616.]

The answer was that further evidence was required. Has that further evidence been secured, and when will we see some response to that research?

The response to that research has not yet been given to me for ministerial discussion and approval, but we continue to invest in diagnostic equipment, as Christine Grahame is aware. I make a positive response to her question by saying that I await the research and advice that will come to me as minister, but nonetheless we continue our investment in scanning equipment and, in particular, in magnetic resonance imaging equipment.

Question 4 was not lodged.

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Community Health Partnerships

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on the development of community health partnerships across Scotland. (S2O-7597)

Since December 2004, all national health service boards in Scotland have submitted community health partnership schemes of establishment. Eleven schemes have been given ministerial approval to date following rigorous evaluation by the Scottish Executive Health Department. Work is continuing between the Health Department and four NHS boards regarding the details of their CHP proposals.

Some concern has been expressed about the relationship between local authorities and the CHPs and about the overlapping and harmonisation of different partnership initiatives. In the light of those concerns, can the minister clarify how, in practice, the CHP will be the main agent through which the joint future agenda is delivered?

The timing of Nanette Milne's question is appropriate. Just yesterday, I spoke at the conference of the Association of Community Health Partnerships, which involved the wider family not only of health boards and those who are in our CHPs but of patient, local authority and other partners. As I said to the conference, we must ensure that we shift the balance of care into local settings and, as we do that, we must ensure that we are working jointly with local authorities, the voluntary sector and other providers.

There are some good examples; in particular, I cite the example of Glasgow's community health and social care partnerships, which are integral in involving our local authorities and our health boards and health services in the delivery of focused care around the individual citizens in need. I shall continue to ensure that I provide support to those CHPs, and to our local authorities, so that we can work together effectively at local level. The benefit to patients of such work, when we see it happening, is fantastic. It is a question of bringing together the public services around the personal needs of patients, and I think that CHPs and local authority involvement in CHPs are central to that. To date, we have had a good response from local authorities.

I welcome the development of community health partnerships, in particular the newly formed West Lothian CHP. However, it has been suggested that there may be some problems in recruiting to posts in the CHP and that procedures may result in delays before the jobs are widely advertised. Is the minister aware of any such problems? If he is, what suggestions does he have for overcoming them?

I must be honest and say that I am unaware of such problems; nonetheless, I would be happy to discuss those specific matters with Mary Mulligan. The issue was not raised yesterday during the question-and-answer session at the CHP conference, but that is not to say that the problem does not exist. We have told the boards to get CHPs established, to get the processes sorted out quickly and to start integrating care at local level. I would seek to remove any barriers that stand in the way of that progress, so I shall discuss the matter further with the member.

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NHS 24

To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve confidence in NHS 24. (S2O-7605)

I chaired NHS 24's annual review on 24 August and we had a frank and open exchange about the challenges facing the organisation. The interim chair was commendably honest in acknowledging that NHS 24's performance last year was simply not good enough and that the service had failed to meet the public's expectations, and our expectations, of it. We recognise that, for public confidence in the service to be restored, NHS 24 must demonstrate that it can consistently respond to calls quickly, reliably and safely, supporting access to primary care out-of-hours services where that is appropriate and with the minimum of delay.

I am sure that the minister agrees that the essence of good-quality health care is the delivery of local health care. Is there a need for the NHS 24 service to be delivered on a more localised basis to ensure that it links effectively with health care providers?

I want to ensure that our local NHS boards deliver their part of the bargain on out-of-hours care. I have suggested to chairs of NHS boards that when NHS 24 started, they tended to transfer the whole issue of out-of-hours care to NHS 24. That was inappropriate and we want to correct that.

The NHS boards and NHS 24 need to ensure that local out-of-hours services are quick, reliable, safe and consistent in their delivery. That involves NHS 24 fulfilling its part of the bargain through the services that it provides, and NHS boards playing their role in out-of-hours services. It is about integration at a local level. I agree fully with the member that we want there to be as much local care in our communities as possible. That is the kind of delivery that the Executive seeks. I am aware of the member's interest in Ullapool and other areas.

I am ensuring that NHS 24 and our local health boards are working collectively and jointly to ensure a good service on which the community can rely.

As the minister knows, there are concerns in the rural part of my constituency, particularly around Killin, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, that NHS 24 call handlers do not appreciate the remoteness of that part of the Forth valley. Will the minister examine how that problem can be overcome as quickly as possible, so that residents can have confidence in the system?

Absolutely. NHS 24 is working with our local boards to address some of those issues and to develop existing links. The technology that is available to NHS 24 along with the co-location of many NHS 24 activities, such as the call centres around the country, will improve that.

The key to some of our concerns and issues of confidence in the service lies in ensuring that our NHS boards work together with NHS 24. Recent statistics on NHS 24's performance suggest that the service is improving and that it is responding to more calls within the standards that we have set, thus providing a better service. That includes a reduction in the use of call back.

What is being done to help those doctors in practices such as Appin and Lismore who opt in to cover for 24-hour services?

It is right to reflect that we have NHS 24 because our general practitioners opted out of delivering that service. There were 3,500 votes in favour of doing so and 700 against. As a result, NHS 24 has taken on the additional task and challenge of providing an out-of-hours service. It is clear that providing that service has an effect on those individual doctors who are still doing so and on their ability to provide services during the day as well as out of hours. We continue to work closely with NHS boards to ensure that we give GPs the right support so that that level of care is still available to communities.

In specific circumstances, as I discussed during the recess with boards all over Scotland, we are ensuring that we have close relationships with those GPs who work with us to ensure that the proper and appropriate support mechanisms allow them to do their job properly.

I will continue the theme that was raised by Sylvia Jackson and Jamie McGrigor. The minister accepts that some GPs still deliver an out-of-hours service in the traditional, pre-NHS 24 fashion. Is there a case for such a service to be maintained in the long term in certain very isolated rural communities? Is there an understanding within NHS 24 and local boards that exceptions might have to be made because of the geography of some parts of Scotland?

That is a fair point. However, I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of the report into NHS 24 that has been undertaken on our behalf and which will cover some of those issues. I expect to receive that report by the end of this month and I will report to Parliament as soon as possible thereafter. I reflect on the member's point and think that it is a fair one.

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Public Health (Funding)

To ask the Scottish Executive what investment has been made in funding initiatives to help the public to acquire healthier lifestyles. (S2O-7629)

Tackling unhealthy lifestyles has been part of an integrated Government approach since devolution. Over the years, a substantial number of initiatives have been put in place that seek, for example, to reduce smoking, to improve diet, to increase physical activity and to reduce the misuse of alcohol.

We are supporting people to make the necessary changes and to make the healthy choice an easy choice, but we are also encouraging people to take responsibility for their own health. We must remember that many factors influence good health. Life circumstances—such as a worthwhile job, a warm dry home, education and a clean environment—also contribute towards physical and mental well-being.

I welcome the minister's positive words on the need for a social model of tackling ill-health in Scotland. Will he comment on the need to continue supporting organisations such as the east end healthy living centre, which is a major initiative in Glasgow's east end that combines culture and leisure facilities, the health service and other community health partners to address long-term ill-health issues? Will he commend St Mungo's Academy on its announcement this week of a partnership with Strathclyde police that will allow youngsters to access legally some 30 bicycles, which now will be put to more effective use during the week?

On the facility "to access legally", I leave it to the member to take up that point with his constituents.

Around the country, and particularly in Glasgow, there are fantastic examples of how we are tackling the issues of inequality and health inequality. We are trying to turn the national health service into an outward-focused organisation, with people out chapping doors and being active in the community on those very health issues. It is good to see that not only local authorities and health boards but voluntary sector organisations are involved in those initiatives.

I attended the recent opening of the new section of Baillieston health centre. On leaving the building, I was glad to find that the Glasgow Alliance initiative of providing cheap supplies of fruit and vegetables is an integral part of that health centre's work. We are doing many things to change the shape and focus of health in the community. We hope that those initiatives will help to tackle the issue by encouraging people to change their lifestyle through individual choice and by making the healthy choice an easy choice.

Given the minister's comments on alcohol misuse, will he lodge an amendment at stage 3 to the Licensing (Scotland) Bill to establish a Scotland-wide target for a reduction in alcohol consumption? Instead of just homing in on binge drinking, does the minister agree that we should have as a health objective to discourage any increase in alcohol consumption?

I agree strongly that reducing overall alcohol intake is a health objective. Our initiatives, such as our well-developed alcohol action plan—it has been recognised as such by organisations such as the World Health Organisation—receive substantial resources. We are doing a lot to tackle the issue.

On the member's specific suggestion, I will leave it to the responsible minister to advise him.

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Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

To ask the Scottish Executive whether all services and resources will be in place for full implementation of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 in October 2005. (S2O-7595)

I am confident that we will have the necessary systems and services in place by 5 October. We will continue to work with health boards and local authorities to ensure that fit-for-purpose services are in place across the spectrum of mental health needs.

Will mother-and-baby, child-and-adolescent and medium-secure units be in place next month as required by the act? Will we have the recommended number of psychiatrists and mental health officers by that time?

For some of the issues to which the member refers, action is not required immediately or to the same extent as in other cases. For instance, the provisions on appeals against the level of security for patients will not come into force until May next year, but measures are being taken to deal with that issue.

We recognise that the recruitment of psychiatrists is a long-term issue. Measures are in place to try to address the issue, but we realise that some of them will be delivered more quickly than others. However, we recognise the importance of that matter.

On the needs of younger patients, health boards are required, in making provision, to have regard to the age-specific requirements of those who are under 18. I believe that every board will be able to achieve that, but the means by which they do so will vary from area to area. In some cases, discussions are on-going within boards and between boards and the Executive on how that will be addressed.

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Alzheimer's Disease (Drug Treatment)

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence regarding the availability of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. (S2O-7620)

NHS Quality Improvement Scotland has ensured that advice from Scottish experts is available to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence during its current consultations on drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. NHS QIS will publish its advice on whether the NICE recommendations should be implemented by the NHS in Scotland in due course.

I am sure that the minister is aware of the great concern of Alzheimer Scotland and many community dementia groups about NICE's proposal to cease prescribing the four drugs that are currently used to treat Alzheimer's disease. If NICE supports the current recommendation, will the minister ensure that NHS Quality Improvement Scotland gives very careful consideration to its implications and, in particular, that it examines the clinical effectiveness of the drugs on those who are taking them and the longer-term savings to the NHS in terms of continuing care?

I am very aware of the concerns surrounding the issue. Earlier this week, I met the Scottish dementia working group, which is made up of individuals who are diagnosed with dementia. The group expressed its concerns to me very clearly. I am happy to give Janis Hughes the assurance that she seeks. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland will give careful consideration to the issue and I will take a close and active interest in the advice that it produces.