Chamber and committees

There is no specific timescale attached to the completion of a Scottish Vocational Qualification at any of the five levels available. SVQs demonstrate a candidate's ability to undertake a particular job to national standards of occupational competence rather than record the completion of a particular course of study or training.

Completion of an SVQ reflects the gathering of evidence to demonstrate that a candidate meets defined performance outcomes. The length of time this will take will depend upon a number of factors, including the number of outcomes, the complexity of the job, the extent of evidence required and the needs and ability of the candidate.

This information is not held centrally.

General Practitioners (GPs) do not specialise in the sense that hospital doctors do. For information on the training of GPs in the area of mental health, I refer to my answer to question S1W-8024

A Modern Apprenticeship in construction follows a framework designed by the Construction Industry Training Board. It includes an SVQ Level 3 and core skills. The SVQ is competency-based and as such there is no prescribed period of training. However, in practice, the MA in construction takes around four years to complete.

The needs of small and medium-sized enterprises are integral to the Executive's education and training policies. Through the enterprise network, priority is given to support for learning and skills development in SMEs. National Training Organisations have a duty to assess SME skills and training needs, and to influence education and training provision to ensure that these needs are met. The new Investors in People standard launched in April this year is designed to make the IiP process more accessible to small organisations. One of the key functions of the Scottish University for Industry - learndirect scotland - will be to assist businesses of all sizes access learning opportunities, in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost.

One of the key functions of the Scottish University for Industry - learndirect scotland - will be to assist businesses access the learning opportunities required, in the right place, at the right time and at the right cost. To be launched in the autumn, the learndirect scotland helpline and website will provide information and advice and take telephone or online bookings. Particular attention will be paid to the needs of small businesses: learndirect scotland will commission materials to fill gaps identified in existing provision.

All health boards have or are developing a register of patients with diabetes. Work is continuing in all areas to ensure that all patients with diabetes are included. The Scottish Executive is supporting a range of initiatives in diabetes including work to support and encourage integrated care. A pilot project is underway to support the central collation of data about diabetes.

Total Mental Illness Specific Grant has remained stable at £18 million per annum since 1996-97 and is provided on a 70:30 ratio between the Scottish Executive and the local authorities through their Grant Aided Expenditure. The Scottish Executive's contribution is shown in the table below:

Financial Year	Mental Illness Specific Grant
	ACTUAL (£ million)	REAL TERM (£ million)*
1995-96	£12.229	£13.737
1996-97	£12.521	£13.625
1997-98	£11.966	£12.669
1998-99	£12.571	£12.885
1999-2000	£12.445	£12.445

* Based on 1999-2000 as reference year, using GDP deflator.

The Executive is committed to three-year core funding for voluntary organisations, and to working with other funders to promote a stable funding environment for the sector. The Executive published Good Practice Guidance on funding of voluntary organisations on 13 June. The guidance will assist the promotion of a standard approach to funding practices.

We are currently working with Scottish Enterprise to enhance the quality and consistency of support provided to businesses in the SEn area. This will include improved support arrangements for high growth start-ups. The new arrangements will provide greater consistency in core support for such companies, while ensuring that detailed assistance continues to reflect the specific needs of the businesses involved. I hope to announce details shortly.