Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S1W-00496

Asked by: Tricia Marwick, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 08 July 1999
Current Status: Answered by Susan Deacon on 22 July 1999

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details by health board area, of the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who are currently being prescribed betaferon and to outline the policy of each health board towards the prescription of betaferon.

It is not possible to identify the number of patients with Multiple Sclerosis who are currently being prescribed Betaferon. Data collected centrally relates only to prescribed items dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors. It does not specify individual patient data and information on the number of patients given specific drugs in hospitals is not available centrally.

In 1995, guidance about new drugs for multiple sclerosis, and clinical advice from the Standing Medical Advisory Committee, was issued to all Health Boards. The guidance asked Health Boards, in consultation with other key interests, to develop and implement local arrangements to manage the entry of these drugs into the NHS and, in particular, to instigate and continue prescribing through hospitals.The implementation of that guidance is a matter for each Health Board.

Question reference: S1W-00354

Asked by: Tricia Marwick, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 01 July 1999
Current Status: Answered by Jim Wallace on 20 July 1999

To ask the Scottish Executive what is the estimated cost to the voluntary sector in Scotland of criminal record checks on volunteers who work with children and young people.

Part V of the Police Act 1997 provides for extended access to criminal record checks and planning for implementation is currently underway. At this stage it is too early to estimate the cost to the voluntary sector and we are keeping the matter under review as the project progresses. The checks are not mandatory and it will be for voluntary organisations to decide when a check is required and whether to re-imburse the individual.

Chamber and committees