Thank you. That concludes general questions. The next item of...

That concludes general questions. Next item of Businesses, First Minister's questions. And

at question number one, I call Russell Finley.

Thank you, President. One in three cancer patients in Scotland don't begin to receive treatment within the government's

target time. I'm going to repeat that for the First Minister's benefit. One in three

cancer patients are not receiving treatment when they need it. In one health board,

NHS borders fewer than half begin treatment within the 60 day 62-day target. For NHS Grampion,

it is almost as bad. And behind these new and bleak statistics are real people. For them

and their families, the SNPs, culture of failure can be the difference between life and death.

Does John Swinney accept that this is unacceptable?

And what will he do to meet cancer treatment times?

First Minister.

Before I answer Mr Finlay's question, could I acknowledge the announcement that you made at the weekend,

of your intention not to seek re-election to Parliament at the next election,

express my appreciation to your leadership in Parliament as Presiding Officer.

In relation to the issue in cancer waiting times, Mr Finlay raises a serious and important issue.

I want to begin by expressing my regret that the cancer waiting times are in all circumstances

not being achieved around the country.

The 31-day target, which is the target for once an assessment has been made, that treatment

is required, that target of 95% is very closely met, it is 94.1%.

But the 62-day target is the performance is not acceptable.

What the government is doing is focusing on improving the activities and the investment

...