Seòmar agus comataidhean

When I established the committee I made clear that I intended to consult widely on the committee's recommendations with the relevant parties. I outlined the detail of that process in written PQ (S1W-7089) on 24 May. The first stage of meetings and discussions has begun and will continue through the summer. In the autumn I intend to chair the Implementation Group which will have all the key parties represented. My aim remains to make progress towards an agreement for implementation from April 2001.

It is not possible to estimate the costs to the individual of nicotine replacement therapy because these will vary according to the preparation and dosage used, and the stage of treatment.

Transfers offer opportunities for new initiatives to promote owner occupation and to assist existing owners. These opportunities should be considered by those developing transfer proposals. In general, however, before buying any property, prospective purchasers would be well advised to commission a survey and take into account the costs of future repairs and maintenance.

Advice provided by the Scottish Executive gives health education, including about tobacco and smoking, a secure place within the curriculum and seeks to ensure that it is provided in all schools.

Individual Learning Accounts are designed to help people overcome the financial barriers to learning and to encourage them to undertake and invest in their own learning throughout their lifetime. They will be available to all people aged 18 and over. The incentives and discounts available under ILAs, however, will not be able to be used for such education or training where the individual is already supported by scholarships, grants or other allowances paid out of public funds. It would be inappropriate to provide the benefit of both forms of public support for the same learning.

I refer to the answer I gave to question S1W-7271.

I refer to the answer I gave to question S1W-7271.

Greater Glasgow Health Board currently has under way two reviews involving full public consultation exercises, one on its proposals to modernise acute hospital services across the city, the other specifically about the future role of the Yorkhill NHS Trust. The kind of questions which the member has asked about proposals for the future delivery of services currently provided by Yorkhill are at the heart of the review and consultation process and I shall ask the board specifically to take her questions into account. But it is far too early to say what conclusions will be reached. The board hopes to be in a position to draw up a firm set of proposals by December. Whatever the outcome of the reviews, the Scottish Executive will want to ensure that any proposals will form part of a robust framework of integrated children's services across Scotland.

I refer to the answer I gave to question S1W-7271.

It is for Greater Glasgow Health Board to develop strategies to meet the needs of its local population including mothers and their children.

The Executive fully recognises the important role that the local community and local volunteers play in supporting NHS services and in December published guidance to assist Trusts in implementing volunteering policies.

Yorkhill NHS Trust currently enjoys considerable support from the local community and local volunteers, which is to be commended. Detailed information about local involvement in its activities is available from the Trust.