Chamber and committees

Information on the total number of operations cancelled in Glasgow Hospitals in the last year is not available centrally.

Details of planned admissions to hospitals which are cancelled are published annually in the NHS in Scotland Annual Report and in the Scottish Health Statistics.

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.

One of the key functions of the Scottish University for Industry - learndirect scotland - will be to assist businesses access the learning opportunities required, in the right place, at the right time and at the right cost. To be launched in the autumn, the learndirect scotland helpline and website will provide information and advice and take telephone or online bookings. Particular attention will be paid to the needs of small businesses: learndirect scotland will commission materials to fill gaps identified in existing provision.

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.

Total Mental Illness Specific Grant has remained stable at £18 million per annum since 1996-97 and is provided on a 70:30 ratio between the Scottish Executive and the local authorities through their Grant Aided Expenditure. The Scottish Executive's contribution is shown in the table below:

Financial Year	Mental Illness Specific Grant
	ACTUAL (£ million)	REAL TERM (£ million)*
1995-96	£12.229	£13.737
1996-97	£12.521	£13.625
1997-98	£11.966	£12.669
1998-99	£12.571	£12.885
1999-2000	£12.445	£12.445

* Based on 1999-2000 as reference year, using GDP deflator.

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.

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.

This information is not held centrally.

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 SPCB's "Policy on Smoking in the Workplace" (Personnel Policy: No 1/1999) was issued by the Personnel Office on 19 November 1999. It was placed in the public folders and all members and staff were advised of this at the time. The policy is currently available in the Personnel pages of SPEIR.

The policy includes the provision of smoking cessation group sessions and nicotine patches at a cost. The Personnel Office will shortly issue a reminder drawing the availability of this service to the attention of those covered by the policy.