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It is expected that, as is normal procedure, influenza immunisation will be concentrated in the period between 1 September 2000 to 31 January 2001.

It is not possible to give a precise answer. Even during a major influenza outbreak, it is relatively rare for the underlying cause of death to be classified as influenza because doctors do not often mention influenza on the certificate of cause of death. Provisional returns for the three months December 1999 to February 2000 show that influenza was mentioned for 164 deaths of persons aged 65 and over. Influenza was classified as the underlying cause of death for 137 of these. It is known that deaths from a number of other causes, notably pneumonia and other respiratory conditions, increase significantly during a period of high influenza activity. However, there is no standard method of associating a proportion of these extra deaths with influenza.

Publicity to accompany the flu vaccination programme is currently being considered by Scottish Executive Health Department officials and by the Winter Performance Group, which comprises a range of external professionals and NHS interests. I shall make an announcement on final plans later this year.

The Scottish Executive is committed to working with other funders to promote a stable funding environment for the voluntary sector including alcohol misuse projects. The Executive published Good Practice Guidance on funding of voluntary organisations to its Departments, Agencies and NDPB's on 13 June. The Executive actively supports three-year funding for voluntary organisations.

The Gas and Electricity Consumers' Council will have an office serving Scotland, which will be based in Glasgow. Establishment of the Council will depend on the progress through Westminster of the Utilities Bill.

The information requested is not held centrally. I have asked the Chairman of Scottish Enterprise to reply to the member. A copy of his reply will be placed in SPICe.

Following discussions with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee of the BMA, the Scotland wide target for immunising the over 65 age group has been set at 60% this year.

The information requested is not available. But as part of an ongoing programme, the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office (SEEO) is endeavouring to make Scottish businesses aware of how the Climate Change Levy will affect them and what they can do to mitigate its impact. Information on the CCL is being disseminated by way of seminars; other business events, press articles, the SEEO website, and the Enterprise Network. The SEEO is also working with the major energy suppliers in Scotland with a view to sending information on the CCL to their business customers.

My answer to question S1W-3919 by Duncan Hamilton confirms that the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health which provides advice to the Executive on such matters, holds information on influenza vaccination policies for European countries.

Decisions concerning vaccination programmes are made on the basis of locally relevant scientific information and take into account the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The Scottish Utilities Forum has met twice this year, on 21 March and 27 June. The Scottish Executive has been represented at both of these meetings.