Chamber and committees

NHS sight test fees are negotiated on a UK basis by the health departments. Differing times for eye examinations is an element that the profession has raised in its negotiations with the health departments on the annual increase in the NHS sight test fee.

The Facilities Management (FM) Office replaces printer, fax machine and photocopier cartridges. Spent cartridges are stored on-site and uplifted periodically by the supplier for recycling.

In accordance with the Executive's Greening Government policy, staff are encouraged to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle waste. In addition, the Executive's contract for IT consumables, which includes ink jet and laser jet cartridges, obliges the contractor to recycle used cartridges. Where re-use is not possible, the waste is disposed of in a manner that does not harm the environment. In respect of photocopier cartridges, the Executive is currently considering the options for recycling and expects, when it enters into a new photocopier contract later this year, to have a similar obligation on the contractor as is the case for IT consumables.

I am unaware of any such bids for financial assistance to build a community hall and ancillary facilities. However, if a formal approach were to be made to Communities Scotland this would be considered and assessed against the other demands in the North Lanarkshire Council area.

The Scottish Executive does not make funds available to local communities for the specific purpose of purchasing local authority premises that are surplus to the authority's requirements.

The manufacturing sector has experienced falling output in recent times, due to the global slowdown and re-structuring in key industries such as electronics. Scotland cannot be immune from global developments. All major industrialised economies have recently experienced a fall in industrial output.Although the Executive recognises that trading conditions remain difficult, there is some evidence that situation is improving for the manufacturing sector. Business survey evidence regarding optimism and demand does show an expected improvement in the latter part of 2002.A framework for support for manufacturing across Scotland was set out in Created in Scotland, in March 2000. It includes 52 initiatives which are being progressed at the Scottish and UK levels; 38 of these are being implemented by the Executive and its agencies. Good progress has already been made on almost all of these initiatives and a number of them can provide support to small businesses. One example is the Small Business Gateway which provides access to advice and information on business support available both locally and nationally.

None. The promotion of Lanarkshire as a tourism destination is a matter for Greater Glasgow Clyde Valley Tourist Board.

It is a matter for individual NHS boards and trusts to determine staffing levels on the basis of local need. Trusts must be able to adapt staffing arrangements to suit the changing pattern of local circumstances, and be judged by outcomes rather than inputs. A review of the Scottish medical workforce has been commissioned and is expected to report shortly. This report will help inform the future planning of the medical workforce across Scotland, and will be a key element of the workforce development arrangements which we are establishing to support boards and trusts in assessing and providing for their workforce needs.I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22202 on 6 February 2002.

Reducing levels of delayed discharge is a key priority for the Executive, and for local authority and Health Partners. We have committed an extra £20 million this year to tackle the problem. This will secure care in more appropriate settings for another 1,000 people. Local Joint Action Plans show how partners will meet their targeted reductions and secure real improvements for those delayed in hospitals. We expect to see substantial reductions in delayed discharge as a result.

Any decisions on whether or not new development in Bo'ness is compatible with the petro-chemical industry should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the advice of the Health and Safety Executive regarding potential hazards.