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I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.

Firearms policy and legislation are reserved matters. However, the Scottish Executive is represented on the Firearms Consultative Committee, the independent statutory body established to keep under review the working of the provisions of the Firearms Acts and to make recommendations to the Home Secretary for improving their working.The latest published statistics for Scotland on gun-related crimes and deaths show a marked downward trend between 1991 and 2000. Final figures for 2001 in respect of crimes and offences recorded by the police in which a firearm was alleged to have been used will not be published until September 2002. It is difficult to comment substantively in advance of that but any increase would be deplored. As regards the circulation of illegal weapons, the police and other enforcement agencies continue to put significant effort into tackling this.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20764 on 4 February 2002.

NHS local management has advised that:all clinics currently serviced by consultants based at the Beatson have been reviewed. Over the next six months, prior to substantive appointments being made, interim arrangements will be put in place so that new patients will be a priority to be seen at outreach clinics taking place within their local NHS board area;there is no formal waiting list for medical oncology and it is not envisaged there will be an impact on this, andradiotherapy waiting times are currently reducing as the new machines funded by the Scottish Executive come on stream. I am pleased to confirm that the radiotherapy equipment modernisation programme continues and it is hoped this downward trend will continue. Two new, additional, linear accelerators are expected to be commissioned during the course of 2002.

The Scottish Executive regards the report on the use of police stop and search powers as an important contribution to the understanding of police practice in this area. While the findings provide reassurance that the powers are being used appropriately, they also identified areas of concern including anecdotal evidence that minority ethnic and white youths appeared to be alienated from the police. We are, therefore, together with the Scottish Police Service, carefully considering the findings and recommendations in order to determine what action is necessary.

Chief Constables both individually and collectively through the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are providing diversity awareness training, guidance and support to create a climate which will enable officers to engage with confidence and in an appropriate manner with members of minority ethnic communities.

I expect the review to conclude in the spring of 2002.