Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-26807

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 11 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 7 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on its engagement with Vestas regarding potential investment in Scotland.

We are continuing to engage with Vestas around potential investment into Scotland. Most recently, the First Minister met with the CEO of Vestas on 3 April 2024. Throughout our engagement with Vestas it has continued to emphasise its commitment to Scotland.

Our fast-growing offshore wind industry provides us with significant opportunities to attract inward investment, generate green jobs and grow our regional and national economies.

We are taking a “Team Scotland” approach across the public sector when engaging with companies such as Vestas to ensure we maximise investment opportunities.

And we are investing up to £500 million over 5 years to anchor the offshore wind supply chain in Scotland and maximise the economic benefits the sector can bring.

Question reference: S6W-26939

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 22 April 2024
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 7 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce its proposed Heat in Buildings Bill ahead of the Scottish Parliament's 2024 summer recess.

We are in the process of analysing the approximately 1650 responses to our consultation which closed on 8 March 2024. This will allow us to take into account the feedback and perspectives from those who responded as we consider next steps. This follows the commitments made to develop proposals for legislative change, including in relation to Heat in Buildings as established in the Programme for Government where the legislative programme for 2023-24 is set out.

Question reference: S6W-27272

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 03 May 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 20 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Sentencing Council regarding sentencing in cases where miscarriage or forced termination has occurred as a serious aggravation of domestic abuse.

Question reference: S6W-27273

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 03 May 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 20 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent domestic violence in Lanarkshire.

Question reference: S6W-26967

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 22 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 3 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government how it is marking bowel cancer awareness month.

Raising awareness of all cancers, including bowel, remains a priority for the Scottish Government. We published our Cancer Strategy for Scotland Cancer strategy 2023 to 2033 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) along with an initial three year Cancer action plan 2023 to 2026 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

A new Earlier Cancer Diagnosis Vision was developed as part of the new strategy. The vision has a focus on reducing the health inequalities gap and raising awareness of cancer symptoms, particularly for those from areas of deprivation.

We know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat and even cure which is why we continue to invest in our Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) Programme.

Question reference: S6W-26955

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 22 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 3 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what contingency plans are in place in the event of a wildfire in a national park.

Wildfires typically require a significant emergency response and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as part of its new wildfire strategy, is in the process of providing a package of specialised vehicles including All-Terrain Vehicles, additional 4x4 vehicles and logistical support units. Additionally, a large amount of new equipment has been provided to support crews as they respond to these types of incidents as part of its wildfire strategy. Crews are also supported by wildfire tactical advisors from around Scotland.

Land managers are alert to the risks of wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park which can occur throughout the year. There is a large pool of people across the Cairngorms National Park who are expert in fighting fires and are well equipped and trained to do so. There are good communications between land managers and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Land managers also take preventative action to prevent fires from occurring through patrols and signage at periods of high fire risk.

The Park Authority Ranger Service plays an important role in patrolling, visitor management and fire prevention through educating the public. The Park Authority is developing an integrated wildfire management plan to improve measures around wildfire prevention and response to any wildfires.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority recently consulted on fire management and the potential requirement for byelaws in the Cairngorms National Park as part of the measures to help control the risk of wildfire. Responses to this consultation are now being analysed.

Question reference: S6W-26950

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 22 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 3 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government when it will establish a pilot scheme for partial re-wetting projects.

On 18 April, I made a statement to the Scottish Parliament with new measures aimed at accelerating Scotland’s journey to net zero. These included a commitment to explore how partial rewetting of peat soils might help to further reduce carbon emissions alongside our existing commitment to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peat by 2030. We will work with farmers, crofters and other land managers to understand the scope for such an approach in Scotland, its costs and benefits, and how it could be part of future agricultural support from 2026 onwards. Further details of any pilot scheme will be available in due course.

Question reference: S6W-26810

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 11 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 2 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the potential implications of the announced closure of the Grangemouth refinery as part of its work on the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

The Scottish Government continues to work with the business and other key stakeholders to understand the implications of any future announcement made by the business and have committed to publishing this work in due course. Whilst this commercial decision will clearly have implications on a wide range of factors, the Scottish Government’s commitment to meeting our 2045 net zero target remains resolute and the Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan will reflect that. We have also committed to publishing a Draft Grangemouth Just Transition Plan which will be the first place based approach to Just Transition, and is being actively worked on with a range of stakeholders. We have also convened the Grangemouth Future Industries Board to analyse current and future opportunities at the industrial site.

Question reference: S6W-26688

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 04 April 2024
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 2 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the construction industry in relation to the reported freeze on Modern Apprenticeships.

Question reference: S6W-26686

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 04 April 2024
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 2 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what immediate action it will take in response to the reported freeze on Modern Apprenticeships.