Chamber and committees

There is no specific timescale attached to the completion of a Scottish Vocational Qualification at any of the five levels available. SVQs demonstrate a candidate's ability to undertake a particular job to national standards of occupational competence rather than record the completion of a particular course of study or training.

Completion of an SVQ reflects the gathering of evidence to demonstrate that a candidate meets defined performance outcomes. The length of time this will take will depend upon a number of factors, including the number of outcomes, the complexity of the job, the extent of evidence required and the needs and ability of the candidate.

The content of vocational training for general practitioners (GPs) in the UK is a matter for the Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice (JCPTGP). The JCPTGP works in close collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to set high quality standards in the training of GPs. During their training vocational trainees will spend time learning about mental health. We would expect all GPs to keep up to date with current practice in a key clinical priority such as mental health as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

A range of impacts from confusion to misunderstanding can apply. The role of carers, family and practitioners is key to helping the patient reduce this additional stress where it occurs. The aim of all concerned is to provide appropriate support and care to meet the assessed needs of individuals.

No action on such a definition is envisaged by the Executive in advance of the report of the Millan Committee which is reviewing mental health legislation.

I refer Mr Kenneth Gibson to the answer I gave to question S1W-8052 on 29 June 2000.

The Scottish Further Education Funding Council has allocated almost £16 million to further education colleges for investment in capital works in 2000-01. It is for the colleges to decide on the details of capital investment programmes, according to their own assessment of needs and priorities.

In addition to this, I announced on 16 June that I would make available a further £10 million for colleges' capital expenditure this year, particularly to enhance physical access to buildings for students with special needs.

Locate in Scotland, in consultation with the Scottish Enterprise Biotechnology Team, is working to attract biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to Scotland. In the Pacific Rim area, this work focuses particularly on Japan.

The Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS), which is funded wholly by the Scottish Executive, works closely with the Executive in the development of its many and wide ranging activities, including those covering mental health.

The promotion of mental health is a core aim of HEBS work. In consequence, the board, working in partnership as appropriate with relevant agencies such as the Scottish Association for Mental Health, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Health and Safety Executive, incorporates the topic into all its programmes.

A Modern Apprenticeship in construction follows a framework designed by the Construction Industry Training Board. It includes an SVQ Level 3 and core skills. The SVQ is competency-based and as such there is no prescribed period of training. However, in practice, the MA in construction takes around four years to complete.

The Executive is committed to three-year core funding for voluntary organisations, and to working with other funders to promote a stable funding environment for the sector. The Executive published Good Practice Guidance on funding of voluntary organisations on 13 June. The guidance will assist the promotion of a standard approach to funding practices.