asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why police officers in Scotland receive medical prescriptions free; why this does not apply also to the nursing profession; and if he will make a statement.

As part of their conditions of service police officers have been provided with free medical and dental treatment since 1919. The need for this ended in July 1948, when they became entitled to free treatment under the NHS. But when NHS charges were introduced it was agreed that police officers should not have to pay for treatment to which they had previously been entitled free

The Dornoch Firth bridge is the subject of a design and build competition the result of which is expected to be announced in January 1988. Construction of the bridge is planned to start in January 1989. Work'on the southern approach road will begin in June this year and will be followed by a start on the northern approach road in August.