The Executive recognises and supports the work of research charities with which we have a common purpose - to secure continuous improvements in outcomes, treatment, care and quality of life for NHS patients. Under a UK-wide agreement with the research charities, the Executive financially supports charity-funded research by meeting the costs to the NHS of hosting their research activities. These costs are met through the NHS R&D Support Fund which is managed by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO). It follows, therefore, that any increase in cancer research which charities fund within NHSScotland will be eligible for additional support funding from the NHS R&D Support Fund.Furthermore, as I announced last month, £1 million is being made available to support additional clinical trials in cancer.

The Executive is currently funding a number of research projects on questions related to the genetics and treatment of depression. Over the past few years, the Executive has also funded the Scottish element of a range of surveys by the Office for National Statistics into depression and other aspects of psychiatric morbidity in both children and adults. The reports of these surveys can be found on the National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk.

The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report on multiple sclerosis estimates that around 10,400 people suffer from multiple sclerosis in Scotland. A copy of the SNAP report has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 9354). A UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for the treatment of eligible patients with multiple sclerosis begins on 6 May 2002. The scheme allows beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to be prescribed on the NHS to patients who meet criteria set out by the Association of British Neurologists. Patients' eligibility for treatment will depend on the clinical judgement of the specialist neurologists concerned.The health departments do not underestimate the work required to set up and operate the scheme and will be holding regular meetings with professional and patient groups to assess progress. The scheme includes incentives for the pharmaceutical companies to increase their investment in generic specialist MS nursing services.Full details of the scheme are explained in Health Department Letter (2002) 6, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20653).

As we made clear in our response to the final report of the Bristol Inquiry, patient safety and the quality of clinical care are paramount within NHSScotland. To achieve that general aim, a variety of safeguards are in place. In relation to medicines, it is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency to ensure that all medicines on the UK market meet appropriate standards of safety, quality and efficacy. Clinical trials may also be used to assess the effectiveness of new treatments or technologies, such as new ways of carrying out operative procedures or new radiotherapy regimens. Prior to the start of NHS clinical trials, they should be appraised by the appropriate NHS research ethics committee.In relation to new interventional procedures, such as surgery and interventional cardiological and radiological examinations and treatments, the former Safety and Efficacy Register for New Interventional Procedures was taken over by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence with effect from 1 April this year. This is a UK initiative which will continue to apply to the introduction of new interventional procedures in NHSScotland.Highly specialised services are introduced only when the Executive has been assured by the National Services Advisory Group that this can be done without compromising patient safety.The safety and effectiveness of medical devices is the responsibility of the Medical Devices Agency, which operates on a UK basis.

As was made clear in my reply to the question S1W-23296, decisions regarding staffing levels for primary care nurses and the need for any specialist posts in the field of coronary heart disease are the responsibility for NHS boards. Information on the need for posts and how this is addressed is not held centrally. There is no specific guidance on appropriate staffing levels in relation to the provision of service in this area.

The smallpox vaccine is regularly tested to ensure its potency. For security reasons, it is not UK policy to disclose details of vaccine stock.

In the event of any cases or outbreaks of smallpox in Scotland, vaccination measures would be deployed as appropriate. For security reasons, it is not UK policy to disclose details of vaccine stock or its location.

There is a lack of good evidence to support substitute prescribing for cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis misuse. Prescription of tranquillisers, such as diazepam, can ease the symptoms of withdrawal from psychostimulants, including sleep disturbance and anxiety. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and psychosocial interventions, such as relapse prevention, can also play an important role, either in conjunction with symptomatic relief, or as stand alone treatments. Psychosocial interventions and counselling are also used to help treat cannabis dependence.Drop-in facilities, peer support, family support and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can also be useful in helping psychostimulant misusers.A working group of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse is reviewing the available evidence on best practice in prevention of psychostimulant misuse, and service provision for misusers. Evidence based on the findings of the working group will be issued later this year to those who plan and deliver drugs services.

Information about the number of patients for whom prescriptions are written is not collected.The cost of anti-depressants* dispensed to patients in the community from 1992-2001^# is set out in the following table. The amounts shown do not include dispensing fees paid to community pharmacists or medicines dispensed through the hospital service.Ingredient Cost of Anti-Depressant Drugs Dispensed in the Community:

1992-93(£ million)	1993-94(£ million)	1994-95(£ million)	1995-96(£ million)	1996-97(£ million)	1997-98(£ million)	1998-99(£ million)	1999-2000(£ million)	2000-01(£ million)
12.27	14.23	17.06	21.51	28.16	35.2	40.07	44.55	44.06

Notes:*Drugs listed in Section 4.3 of the British National Formulary for the treatment of major depression.^#Data before 1992 is not available.

Around 1.85 million prescriptions for anti-depressants* were dispensed in 1996-97, rising to just under 2.77 million in 2000-01. Medical practitioners use their clinical judgement when prescribing for individual patients. They have access to comprehensive guidance on how to prescribe these drugs safely and effectively.Note:*Drugs listed in Section 4.3 of the British National Formulary for the treatment of major depression