Chamber and committees

The pension providers were notified in writing six weeks prior to the withdrawal of the direct debit system. At the same time they were advised that future payments would be made by cheque or by BACS if the pension provider advised the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body of the relevant bank details. The outcome of this was that many of the providers contacted the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to advise of their preferred method of payment. A few of the providers did not make contact, therefore, in accordance with the correspondence sent to them, regular monthly cheques were issued as a matter of course.

Scottish Executive agencies drew up race equality action plans at the end of November 2002 under the terms of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002. They did so either as part of their respective race equality schemes or under the Scottish Executive's overarching scheme. Since then the Scottish Executive has been working closely with the agencies to ensure effective implementation of their plans. Executive agencies, together with the Scottish Executive, will report on progress annually.

All Scottish Executive departments drew up race equality action plans as part of Scottish Executive's race equality scheme at the end of November 2002 under the terms of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002. Since then departments have been working to ensure effective implementation of their plans. The Scottish Executive will report on progress annually.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer's letter to health professionals, including general practitioners, on 14 January 2003 made clear that parents are entitled to know if thiomersal is contained in vaccines available to them, and the reasons for this. The letter also provided various research references to facilitate discussion with parents.More generally, as GPs are aware, any final decision about the immunisation of a child requires the informed consent of a parent or guardian. In that process, it is appropriate for general practitioners to make available information on why a particular product is recommended, while recognising that it is open to parents to request, and doctors to provide, an alternative vaccine, which is available through the NHS.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-1225 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.

Greater Glasgow NHS Board has given an assurance that patients will continue to be assessed and prescribed beta interferon where it is clinically appropriate.

These projections will be included in the environmental statement.

Ground investigation work is due to start later this year. This will establish the extent of any mine workings along the proposed route.

A study into the levels of atmospheric pollution was undertaken in 2002 as part of the environmental impact assessment for the A80 Auchenkilns junction improvement. This study also included the results of two North Lanarkshire Council surveys. Further studies are currently being undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment for the corridor of the proposed A80 upgrade.

The number of domestic properties that will have to be demolished will be confirmed when the design is fully developed and draft roads orders published.