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Information about NHS access to acupuncture treatment is not held centrally.

NHS boards are responsible for providing NHS services in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of the population. Decisions regarding the care of individual patients are a matter of professional judgement for the clinician responsible for the patient''s care.

The Scottish Government''s current policy in relation to NHS provision of complementary or alternative medicines, including acupuncture, is that these may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions, and it is open to NHS boards in Scotland to make such services available based on an assessment of needs within their respective areas

Guidance was issued to NHS boards in August 2005, to remind them that this option is open to them. The letter, NHS Circular HDL (2005) 37, is available at:

http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/HDL2005_37.pdf.

The planning and provision of NHS services is a matter for NHS boards. NHS boards are expected to take account of the relevant evidence based advice and guidance in the delivery of NHS services. The treatment of individual patients is a matter of professional judgement.

Fingerprint identifications are carried out using the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation “ Verification (ACE-V) methodology. No check is required by an examiner with more experience but each identification is checked by two other qualified experts.

Following a Scientific Advisory Group (Managers) meeting in June 2010, there are now no verification units within the Scottish Police Services Authority.

No anonymity is required for those carrying out fingerprint identifications. Fingerprint identifications are carried out using the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation “ Verification (ACE-V) methodology and each identification is checked by two other qualified experts.

I met with Scottish Opera as one of a series of meetings with National Companies and discussed their proposals on contract changes at that time.

I understand the genuine concerns raised by the orchestra members during the consultation process on changes to their contracts. It is not, however, the role of ministers to intervene in the operational management of an independent company. I have made it clear that I expect Scottish Opera to consult with unions and staff about the proposals in accordance with due process.

Scottish Opera has a responsibility to look at ways to make best use of its resources. How this is achieved is a matter for Scottish Opera''s management and board, in full consultation with staff and unions. Protecting the world-class work of the company is a key objective for Scottish Opera in making these decisions. In accordance with the criteria set for all national performing companies, the Scottish Government will continue to take a close interest in how Scottish Opera delivers opera and its other activities to a high standard; with the best possible use of public subsidy.

The Scottish Police Services Authority did not carry out a staff survey in 2009.