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The involvement of patients in clinical trials took place around the introduction of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) heat-treated Factor VIII product in 1987. Papers already released include correspondence in relation to eligibility for compensation for patients taking part in clinical trials. Although there were concerns expressed by clinicians about compensation arrangements, these issues were resolved and did not delay the introduction of a heat-treated Factor VIII product which was safe in terms of the transmission of hepatitis C.

The Scottish Executive is not aware of any evidence which suggests that women in Scotland have contracted blood-borne viruses from anti-D immunoglobulin. It is, therefore, not necessary to make contact with women who have received this product.

Ministers have fully considered all the relevant information and issues.

The income from the Members’ Restaurant is recorded separately from the other catering outlets. As I indicated in the answer to question S2O-8978, some costs are generic. For example, some roles cover all areas: general manager, executive chef, accountant, kitchen porters and other roles such as food service assistants are often located by demand. It would be extremely difficult accurately to split costs amongst all catering outlets. We have no current plans to make major changes and subsidy is likely to continue to be presented as a total for all catering outlets.

Access to the Members' Restaurant was re-considered by SPCB in November 2004, and it was agreed that the members and their guests only rule, on business days, would continue. It was also agreed that all pass holders could access the bar at any time. The SPCB has no current plans to change the access arrangements.

Future subsidy will be determined by usage, service level and tariff policy. It is not possible to ensure that the catering outlets operate at the same subsidy level, as usage is one of the main factors and can vary from week to week. While the SPCB will keep the catering policy under review, we have no current plans to make major changes and the total subsidy level across all catering outlets will continue broadly at the same level.

As the Members' Restaurant is within the private part of the building, it would not be possible, within the current security arrangements, to give the public unescorted access. Members can of course invite guests into the Members’ Restaurant but non-pass holders must be accompanied by a pass holder at all times in the private area.

Information on the numbers of patients admitted to NHS hospitals due to complications in treatment received in the independent sector is not held centrally.

The Scottish Executive will not be reconsidering its policies at present in respect of contracting with the independent sector to provide clinical care. Thousands of patients across Scotland have benefited already from our use of the independent sector, and we have been able to use the extra capacity provided to drive down waiting times across Scotland. However, we expect the same high standards for our patients wherever they are treated. It is for NHS boards to satisfy themselves that, in contracting with an independent sector provider, appropriate governance and monitoring arrangements are in place.

The Scottish Executive has no such plans. Explicit guidance has been issued to NHS boards underlining their responsibilities to ensure services provided to NHS patients by the independent health care sector meet the quality standards that apply in the NHS in Scotland. It is for NHS boards to satisfy themselves, in contracting with an independent sector provider, that appropriate governance and monitoring arrangements are in place.