Chamber and committees

The view of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, which provides independent expert scientific advice to ministers on matters concerning spongiform encephalopathies, is that the most likely explanation of the vCJD cases that have occurred to date is exposure to the BSE agent.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32465 today. 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/webapp/search_wa.The Information and Statistics Division Cervical Cytology Workload Statistics for the quarter ended 30 June 2002 show a slight decrease from 18 to 17 days average laboratory reporting times in Scotland over the previous quarter ended 31 March 2002. The average reporting times for Fife and Lothian over the two quarters decreased from 19 to 17 days and 35 to 23 days respectively. Lengthy laboratory reporting times in Fife and Lothian were due to a number of factors including staff vacancies and staff leave which are being addressed.

The latest available information on laboratory smear reporting times for the quarter ended 30 June 2002, was published by Information and Statistics Division, CSA on 28 November 2002.Information on current laboratory reporting times is not yet available. This information indicates where there are backlogs of unread cervical smears.

The introduction of liquid-based cytology (LBC) into the cervical screening programme, which will involve training every smear taker and appropriate laboratory staff, will be complex. A training plan, which is currently being developed, should be available early in 2003. Throughput of conventional smears in laboratories will have to be reduced when each laboratory is trained in the LBC technique, however, cervical cytology laboratories will be expected to work flexibly and assist each other with smear reporting if required.NHSScotland Screening Programmes, National Services Division will closely monitor the introduction and work together with NHS boards to avoid, where possible, long delays in smear reporting times and backlogs developing. In addition, primary care smear takers will be asked to advise relevant women that smear reporting times may be longer that normal to avoid any unnecessary anxiety.It is expected that LBC when fully introduced will reduce the workload and improve laboratory reporting times.

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is in place between the National Services Division of the Common Services Agency and Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust for the provision of training for cervical cytology laboratory staff at the Scottish Cervical Cytology Training School. Both the trust and the school are fully aware of the training requirements associated with the introduction of liquid-based cytology. It is for the trust to ensure that there is sufficient capacity at the training school in line with the SLA.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS)to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS drug strategy, available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, sets out a coherent framework for the reduction of in-prison drug misuse. Mirroring the UK and Scottish drug strategies, this covers supply and demand reduction. These together with close liaison with the police and other agencies successfully restrict the misuse of illicit substances in prisons.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:All prisoners have access to dental services for both urgent and planned treatment.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23837 on 20 March 2002. 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/webapp/search_wa.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Alcohol Focus Scotland and the Health Education Board for Scotland have submitted a proposal to the Executive for a gender issues network on alcohol and this is currently being considered.