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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-27544 and S1W-27545 on 8 August 2002, which indicate that waiting time information for treatment for drug and alcohol problems is not held consistently by NHS trusts or boards. We are reviewing the data system, but will wish to balance the benefits of data collection with the effort required by those involved. However, information obtained from Drug Action Team (DAT) Corporate Action Plans on the maximum waiting times for individual care and treatment agencies in each DAT area in 2001-02 is now available on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/dat/cap.htm.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.