Chamber and committees

A multidisciplinary working group was convened in May 2002 to produce guidance for NHS prescribers prior to the addition of Coaguchek self testing strips to the Scottish Drug Tariff. The guidance is now available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk for NHS prescribers and dispensing contractors. Coaguchek testing strips were added to the Scottish Drug Tariff on 27 November 2002.

The SIGN Guideline highlights the causes of venous thromboembolism and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition. The particular risk of occurrence during long air flights is well understood and publicised, including airlines' own in-flight information. The SIGN Guideline, and associated quick reference guide, contain advice which should be given to all travellers on minimising their risk of thrombosis when travelling long distances, especially by air. They also include detailed advice on the prophylactic methods which should be considered for patients at high risk of thrombosis. Anyone planning long-distance air travel who is concerned about the subject should consult their GP before starting their journey.

The most recent scientific advice given to the UK Health Departments by the Committee of Toxicity of Chemicals in Foods, Consumer Products and the Environment, is that use of dental amalgam fillings is free from risk of systemic toxicity and that only a few cases of hypersensitivity have occurred. While there is no scientific evidence that the use of dental amalgam is related to adverse effects on pre- and post-natal health or fertility, the Executive recommends that amalgam should not be used in the dental treatment of pregnant women.The most effective reduction in the use of dental amalgam fillings would be through a reduction in the current levels of dental decay experienced by the Scottish population. The Executive is currently seeking views on preventative measures aimed at reducing the high incidence of oral disease amongst Scotland's children, through its consultation document, Towards Better Oral Health in Children.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18141 on 18 October 2001. 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 member may also be interested to note that a recent systematic review by the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit, The effectiveness of treatment for opiate dependent drug users, found that methadone maintenance is effective in relation to treatment outcomes. The publication can be accessed at: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/eiu/pdfs/eiu_opi.pdf.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) is currently undertaking a thematic review to report in 2003 which will provide a snapshot of the quality of drug education programmes in schools. This will build on HMIE's earlier work, Drug and Nutrition Education: A Study of Provision in Schools and Community Education, published in 1999.In line with the recommendations of the School Drug Safety Team, we will be commissioning a research project in 2003 on the outcomes of educating young people on drug-related issues. Research will seek to identify both the short- and long-term impact of school drug education.

At present cytoscreener staffing levels across Scotland are sufficient to meet the needs of the cervical screening programme. It is not anticipated that additional cervical screening laboratory professionals - above the agreed staffing levels - will be required as a result of introducing liquid-based cytology (LBC) into the cervical screening programme. It is expected that LBC will reduce the workload and improve laboratory smear reporting times.The introduction of LBC will be closely monitored by the NHSScotland Screening Programmes and the Scottish Executive Health Department.

Following events in August the Minister for Health and Community Care asked Professor Ian Bouchier to reconvene the Expert Group of Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies to re-examine a range of issues including the point you raise. Professor Bouchier concluded that, and I quote from his letter of 31 October to the Minister for Health and Community Care, "whenever oocysts (Cryptosporidium) are detected or suspected of contaminating a drinking water supply any actions or decisions must be based on local risk assessment, knowledge and experience". In the light of this advice there are no prescribed levels of cryptosporidium required for the issuing of a boil water notice.

It is expected that liquid-based cytology (LBC) will be fully introduced into the cervical screening programme in Scotland by April 2004.To assist with the introduction of LBC the Scottish Executive has provided up to £2.75 million for the set-up costs which consists of either the capital or first-year leasing costs of processing machinery and the associated training and proficiency costs. The on-going costs are part of the cervical screening programme funding which is the responsibility of NHS boards and trusts.

I refer the member to the answer to given to question S1W-31438 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.

I am satisfied that the responses are fully in accordance with the Scottish Executive Guidance on Parliamentary Questions. The Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) responds to parliamentary questions about operational and contractual matters because they are his specific responsibility under the agency's framework document. This approach applies to all executive agencies of the Scottish Executive and is in accordance with paragraphs 58-59 of the Scottish Executive's Guidance on Parliamentary Questions, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24377). There were 623 questions answered by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service in the 12 months to 12 November 2002, an increase of almost four-fold on the previous 12 months. This delayed the average response time but the backlog has now been cleared. In accordance with the Scottish Executive Guidance, all of those answers sought to provide the information requested whenever this was available and where provision of that information was consistent with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.Ministers are ultimately accountable for executive agencies such as the SPS. I consider that through the agency framework documents, ministers take proper responsibility for agencies. If there is information that the member wants and considers has not been provided, I suggest she contacts the Chief Executive who will be pleased to assist her.