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On 7 February I said that a review would take place over the next six months. That review is almost complete. We will issue a consultation document seeking views on our proposals in the autumn.

There are a number of ways in which the nursing professions are being empowered at present. For example, through the recently published Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, midwives have an explicit role in delivering and influencing patient care.

In addition, Caring for Scotland - The Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in Scotland has a commitment to investing in leadership at ward sister and charge nurse level and focus group meetings for those staff are being held now.

Also, I recently announced plans for Scotland's first nursing summit to bring together all those with an interest in promoting nursing to work in partnership with the Executive to explore new ways of improving recruitment and retention.

The Scottish Executive Health Department has recognised the crucial importance of ongoing education for all staff in NHSScotland through its strategy for education, training and lifelong learning entitled Learning Together.The prime responsibility for continuous professional development lies with employers and it is for them to organise their priorities and resources to meet the needs of their staff.Support and co-ordination of this activity is currently provided by the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland and will continue and develop under the new special health board being created to provide an overarching education and training body for health care staff.

The Scottish Executive Health Department has recognised the crucial importance of ongoing education for all staff in NHSScotland through its strategy for education, training and lifelong learning entitled Learning Together.The Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in Scotland, Caring for Scotland, published in March 2001 reinforces this through specific actions on meeting the provision of support and opportunities for nurses and midwives in meeting their CPD needs and requirements.

Pay increases for nurses and midwives are recommended annually by the independent Nurses Pay Review Body (NPRB) who take into account the full range of issues which can affect the remuneration of their remit group.

The funding of individual colleges of further education is a matter for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. The funding of the further education sector in Scotland is kept under constant review by the council.

The Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Committee of the Parliament has also indicated its intention to inquire into the need for a long-term, comprehensive strategy for continuing post-compulsory education and training in Scotland, including considering the effectiveness and relevance of current funding mechanisms and levels in meeting Scotland's economic and social needs.

It was announced last month that, because of the progress made by local authorities in installing central heating in recent years, the Scottish Executive would consider how the central heating programme might be extended.

The resources required for the Central Heating Programme will come from the social justice budget, from the private sector investment produced by stock transfer and from the energy companies under their Energy Efficiency Commitment.

It would not be appropriate for ministers to be involved in such a local issue.

The funding of individual colleges of further education is a matter for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. The council has been in detailed discussion with the college on the preparation of its financial recovery plan, which is now expected to be incorporated into the college's management action plan by the end of July 2001. Implementation will be a matter for agreement between the council and the college.