You are a gentleman, sir.

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving and developing cancer care in the west of Scotland. (S3O-427)

There has been a significant programme of investment in cancer care in the west of Scotland—thanks to the previous Administration, of course. That includes the completion of the new £105 million Beatson west of Scotland cancer centre, which provides state-of-the-art equipment and treatments for patients throughout the region. The Beatson is an internationally renowned teaching centre and its team is able to see more than 8,000 new patients every year.

I thank the cabinet secretary for her wonderful commendation of the work done by the previous Executive. Long may that continue—I recommend the approach to the First Minister.

Will the cabinet secretary say how she can work not just with the Beatson centre but with Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides incredible support services to ensure that families can deal with the awful challenge of cancer? In particular, the charity assists people to cope with cancer at home rather than in an acute hospital setting.

I hope to continue the spirit of consensus. The work of cancer charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support in researching cancer and providing much-needed support for cancer patients is second to none. Most people with cancer want to stay at home for as long as possible and then receive the right care towards the end of their lives. Charities such as Macmillan help to make that possible, and I look forward to continuing to support them in their future work.