To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to improve facilities for clinical research within NHS hospitals and establish new dedicated facilities. It is for individual health boards and NHS Trusts to determine the level of funding required for investment in the improvement of facilities for clinical research, and the need for new dedicated facilities, from within available resources.The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department does, however, play a major role in supporting the research conducted in such facilities through its £31 million R&D Support Fund.