Whether it will initiate pilot studies and a cost-benefit analysis of exercise on prescription from NHS doctors.

The Scottish Executive is committed to improving health andreducing inequalities in health. There are no current plans to initiate pilotstudies and a cost-benefit analysis of exercise on prescription by NHS doctors.However, there are a number of local exercise initiatives in place which arethe subject of review and evaluation. Exercise referral schemes are just onetype of intervention that can be used to promote physical activity for healthgain. It is important to emphasise the broad range of actions being supportedto promote physical activity. Physical activity is one element of the nationaland local approach to improve health and reduce inequalities.