To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding research into the health benefits to older people of volunteering taking into account (a) their own well-being and happiness, (b) the life of their communities and (c) reducing the demands on health and social services. The National Framework for Service Change report Building a Health Service Fit for the Future (Bib. number 36608) makes it clear that volunteers make a valuable contribution to health care, and that the health and psychological benefits to volunteers themselves are becoming ever more apparent.