Chamber and committees

The first phase of the cervical screening HPV self-sampling pilot is expected to conclude in summer 2027, with subsequent phases anticipated thereafter, subject to evaluation findings. The Scottish Government remains committed to increasing uptake of cervical screening across Scotland and, in particular, to reducing screening inequalities. HPV self-sampling is one of a number of interventions being progressed to support this aim, alongside wider efforts to improve access to and participation in the cervical screening programme.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken a Scotland-wide assessment of which areas of the inshore seabed would benefit most from the exclusion of bottom-towed fishing.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-02777 on 15 September 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-02777 on 15 September 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The Scottish Government has no current plans to establish a pilot network of static-gear reserves in the Firth of Clyde Nephrops Functional Unit, including reserves with agreed environmental, fisheries, employment and community objectives and independent monitoring.

The Scottish Government has no plans to consult on the establishment of a strategically designed network of static-gear reserves covering at least 30% of Scotland's inshore waters by 2030.

In implementing provisions in the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Act 2026, the Scottish Government will consider how relevant and meaningful statistics can contribute to evaluating the Act's impact.

The Scottish Government has previously developed experimental statistics for Gross National Income (GNI) and primary income account statistics which deal with aspects of income flows into and out of Scotland, including Foreign Direct Investment, and has shown a net outflow of income from Scotland with the latest being published in 2023.

The Scottish Government has no plans to develop a recreational sea-angling strategy. No assessment has been undertaken on any contribution that the recovery of inshore fish populations could make to the development of such a strategy, or to employment and tourism income in coastal communities.

Contribution rates vary by apprenticeship framework and age group. They are set to encourage participation among younger apprentices. Those aged 16-19 receive a higher contribution rate than those aged 20-24, and the over 25s receive the lowest contribution. Younger apprentices are eligible for higher contribution rates as they may require more support to complete their apprenticeship.

The commercial decision announced in July of a sale of BPs North Sea assets has caused great uncertainty for their workforce and the wider energy workforce in Scotland.

The Scottish Government closely monitors and considers a range of evidence in relation to the energy transition. The First Minister and I met with energy leaders in the North East in the days after this announcement, and I continue to engage with BP and other relevant partners including the trade unions to understand the potential impacts of the sale.

Regulation of the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure is a reserved matter. Any assessment of potential impacts on decommissioning from bp’s sale of assets would be a matter for the UK Government.

The Scottish Government supports decommissioning activity happening in a way that facilitates an orderly, managed and just transition to net zero and maximises the benefits for Scotland’s businesses and communities.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the findings and recommendations of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) contained in its report Protecting Scotland’s Seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers’ implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report.

The Scottish Government will set out its position on the report's findings and recommendations through that engagement and in its formal response, updating the Scottish Parliament as appropriate in this respect.