To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he will make to the second annual report of the chief administrative medical officer and director of public health concerning the health of the people of the Borders; and whether he intends to increase the resources available to enable the Borders health board to implement its recommendations.

Responsibility for the delivery of health care services in the area lies with Borders health board and it is for the board to determine its own priorities within the resources it receives. In reaching its decisions, the board will no doubt take into account, among other factors, the reports it receives annually from the chief administrative medical officer/director of public health about the health of the population in the area and the implications for services.