- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 11 May 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 3 July 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6113 by Susan Deacon on 8 May 2000, what impact it considers the reduction of capital expenditure on the provision or replacement of equipment in the NHSiS, in real terms, from #55.129 million in 1994-95 to #25.022 million in 1998-99 has had on modernising equipment, improving patient outcomes and reducing waiting lists.
Answer
It is for individual health boards and NHS Trusts to determine annually the level of funding required for new and replacement medical equipment taking into account other local priorities. Health boards and NHS Trusts can use both capital and revenue resources to meet equipment costs.
Capital investment in the NHS in Scotland continues to increase from £136 million in 1998-99 to £179 million in 2000-01, rising further to £194 million in 2001-02.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 11 May 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Susan Deacon on 3 July 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6113 by Susan Deacon on 8 May 2000, whether it can explain why NHSiS expenditure on the provision or replacement of equipment by Greater Glasgow Health Board fell, in real terms, from #13.556 million in 1994-95 to #3.547 million in 1998-99.
Answer
It is for individual health boards and NHS Trusts to determine annually the level of funding required for new and replacement medical equipment taking into account other local priorities. Health boards and NHS Trusts can use both capital and revenue resources to meet equipment costs.
Further information on local spending decisions can be obtained from Greater Glasgow Health Board.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Iain Gray on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive what the mental illness grant was in real terms in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
Answer
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.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Iain Gray on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive what impact mental illnesses have on patients suffering from physical ailments.
Answer
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.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Henry McLeish on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive how long it takes a trainee to qualify for a Scottish Vocational Qualification at level three.
Answer
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.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Henry McLeish on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist further education colleges to adapt their buildings to the needs of disabled people.
Answer
The Scottish Further Education Funding Council has allocated almost £16 million to further education colleges for investment in capital works in 2000-01. It is for the colleges to decide on the details of capital investment programmes, according to their own assessment of needs and priorities.
In addition to this, I announced on 16 June that I would make available a further £10 million for colleges' capital expenditure this year, particularly to enhance physical access to buildings for students with special needs.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Henry McLeish on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reduce the potential for confusion in the area of education and training initiatives for businesses by eliminating any duplication and simplifying access.
Answer
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.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Henry McLeish on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the access of small and medium-si'ed companies to venture capital.
Answer
I refer Mr Kenneth Gibson to the answer I gave to question S1W-8052 on 29 June 2000.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Henry McLeish on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to provide access to administrative and support staff to small and medium-si'e high growth companies who otherwise could not sustain them.
Answer
We are currently working with Scottish Enterprise to enhance the quality and consistency of support provided to businesses in the SEn area. This will include improved support arrangements for high growth start-ups. The new arrangements will provide greater consistency in core support for such companies, while ensuring that detailed assistance continues to reflect the specific needs of the businesses involved. I hope to announce details shortly.
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 15 June 2000
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Current Status:
Answered by Iain Gray on 29 June 2000
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a definition of what it considers to be mental illness and mental disorder.
Answer
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.
