The First Minister:

I am happy to ensure that the cabinet secretary for health writes in detail to Jackie Baillie about the actions that are being taken. I do not want anyone in the country, regardless of their condition, but particularly when it is cancer, to have to wait a day longer than they have to in order to get treatment. We know that the earlier that cancer is diagnosed and the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of survival, which is why we have taken action. For example, there has been an almost 100 per cent increase in the number of consultant oncologists since the SNP has been in position. We have also increased the number of consultant radiologists by more than 66 per cent.

To address the point about private healthcare, when comparing Scotland to the rest of the UK, fewer people are having to self-fund for private in-patient day-case care. Notwithstanding that, I want to see the work that we are doing, particularly on ovarian cancer, being extended across Scotland so that there is no postcode lottery for care. I will ensure that the health secretary writes to Ms Baillie in detail.