Chamber and committees

The procurement of NHS equipment is undertaken by NHS Trust supplies departments. There are a large number of national contracts set up by Scottish Healthcare Supplies for Trusts to use. NHS Trusts are encouraged to use the services of Scottish Healthcare Supplies where possible to assist in major procurement exercises.

A centrally led initiative to procure cancer treating equipment was completed recently which secured savings of around £1 million on an asset total of £7 million. A second round of purchasing, again on an all Scotland basis, is now underway.

At the recent NHS Conference in Peebles the establishment of a National Network Group to consider smarter ways of managing capital projects and delivering value for money in procurement was announced. This group will seek out best practice across the NHS in Scotland and identify opportunities for greater efficiencies and savings.

The work of the National Network Group will complement work already underway by Scottish Healthcare Supplies and the NHS Trusts to establish a greater use of national contracts. Scottish Healthcare Supplies is also examining the scope for introducing logistics management and greater co-ordination into NHS procurement.

Following an amendment made to the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 by paragraph 5 of Schedule 8 to the Scotland Act 1998, it is no longer possible to apply under the 1936 Act where the powers sought are wholly within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. Applications made before 1 July 1999 are not affected.

Where the powers sought are wholly within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, a Private Bill may be introduced in the Scottish Parliament. Special rules for Private Bills are contained in Rule 9.17 of the Standing Orders.

Currently, part of a dependant's income is disregarded for the purpose of calculating entitlement to supplementary grants. For academic session 2000-01, £930 for each dependant will be disregarded in the calculation of dependants' grant. The fundamental review of the means test used to assess support for higher education students will examine all aspects of the current arrangements, including the disregards.

A fundamental review of the means test used to assess support for higher education students is underway. It will encompass issues such as whether partners should be treated on the same footing as spouses in terms of their eligibility for the Dependants' Grant and their liability to be assessed for a contribution towards the student's support.

I am advised by North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust that its major strategic review of the operation of Glasgow Dental Hospital will be completed by the end of the summer, when the proposals flowing from the review will be the subject of a public consultation exercise.

Health boards and their partner Trusts are required to manage the services they provide in a way which best meets the needs of those who use the services.

It is for North Glasgow University NHS Trust, which has management responsibility for Glasgow Dental Hospital, to put in place measures to reduce waiting for dental services. This is a key aim of the major review the Trust is carrying out at present.

The New Housing Partnerships Steering Group comprises representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland, Scottish Homes and the Scottish Executive, plus one independent member with direct experience of a large scale transfer, the Chief Executive of Broomleigh Housing Association.

The table below lists the approved members of Scottish Homes' panel of independent advisors from which its tenants are able to select their preferred adviser. Tenants and/or their representative groups are not required to select solely from this panel, and can appoint an adviser not on Scottish Homes' list. However, such an adviser is required to provide Scottish Homes with evidence that it possesses the full range of expertise and skills required by approved panel members.

Organisation

Anne Flint & Associates

Arneil Johnston

Calvay Co-operative Ltd

Chapman Hendy Associates

Cube HA

Housing Association Consultancy and Advisory Service (HACAS)

Hilland Ritchie

Housing Plus

Mason Rose-Troup Advisers

Organisational Development and Support (ODS)

Russell Rowbotham Associates

Tenants Information Service (TIS)

The new Housing Services

Tenants' Participation and Advisory Service (TPAS)

Waverley Housing Management

We have no present plans to do so.