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-15973

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 22 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on efforts to recommence operations at Stoneywood paper mill, in Aberdeen, in light of reports from 12 February 2023 that there was about to be a "credible bid" made.

My officials in Scottish Enterprise remain in regular contact with the Joint Administrators (Interpath Advisory) and continue to work with them to consider all viable options for the Stoneywood site in Aberdeen.

The administration process continues to progress and, prior to formal marketing of the site, Interpath Advisory had re-engaged with potential interested parties in February 2023. Discussions between the Joint Administrator and interested parties continue.

Question reference: S6W-15974

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 21 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on efforts to assist the workforce of Stoneywood paper mill, in Aberdeen, since the paper mill ceased operations.

The Scottish Government, through our initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), has provided continuous support to assist the workforce of Stoneywood paper mill, in Aberdeen.

On 22 September 2022, PACE information was supplied to the administrator, Interpath Advisory, for distribution to the workforce immediately following the announcement of redundancies, to facilitate their self-referral to PACE services. As previously advised, a PACE support and employment event took place on 29 September, which was attended by approximately 136 individuals, followed by a Jobs Fair on 10 October, which was attended by approximately 500 individuals. Additional PACE support has also been routinely provided to the retained Arjowiggins staff, which included onsite delivery on 11, 24 and 31 January 2023. Further on site delivery may take place with retained staff, should demand be confirmed.

Question reference: S6O-02048

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce bullying in schools.

Question reference: S6O-01987

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it would remove its presumption against oil and gas from its Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan in the event that it received significant feedback in favour of such a move.

Question reference: S6O-01961

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the £200 million Aberdeen to Central Belt enhancement project, which aims to reduce travel times between Aberdeen and the Central Belt by 20 minutes by 2026.

Question reference: S6W-13029

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 09 December 2022
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the late inclusion of Policy 27, part (d) in the revised fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), whether it considered any need to consult further with industry, in light of the change from the initial consultation and in line with section 3CA, part (5) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

Consideration was given to the need for consultation in line with section 3CA, part (5), however, further consultation was not required because the changes respond to views received whilst remaining consistent with the original proposals and intent of the earlier draft NPF4.

In relation to Policy 27 (d), the changes represent a strengthening of the policy consulted on in Draft NPF4, not a late inclusion. In the Draft NPF4 (Policy 26(a)), we consulted on restricting drive-throughs in out of town locations and, in response to what consultees told us and through our broader strategy of transitioning to net zero, the policy has been restructured in the Revised Draft version of NPF4. This strengthened policy gives greater focus for local development plans to identify when this type of development might be appropriate. We continue to engage with industry and other stakeholders and interests to raise awareness and provide assurance on all aspects of NPF4.

Question reference: S6W-13030

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 09 December 2022
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the late inclusion of Policy 27, part (d) in the revised fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), what its reasoning is for not consulting further with industry.

Policy 27 (d) represents a strengthening and restructuring of the policy consulted on in Draft NPF4. In the Draft NPF4 (Policy 26(a)), we consulted on restricting drive-throughs in out of town locations and, in response to what consultees told us and through our broader strategy of transitioning to net zero, the policy has been restructured in a more tightly worded policy in the Revised Draft. The changes maintain the policy intent, while reflecting responses to the consultation. Given this and the extent of engagement, consultation and scrutiny already undertaken, and the fact that we are engaging further, and will continue to do so as we enter the delivery phase of NPF4, no further consultation was required.

Question reference: S6W-13032

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 09 December 2022
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has to support specifically limiting drive-through facilities above and beyond other development proposals including commercial leisure uses, offices, community and cultural facilities.

The policy position reflects our commitment to climate change and a town centre first approach, which includes the policy principle of limiting out of town development. The consultation analysis noted that some respondents raised particular issues about drive-throughs, including suggestions that their development must be limited to prevent the cumulative effects of carbon emissions by vehicles. This reflects the need to deliver a cut to carbon emissions by car, as well as reduce kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030, in line with wider Scottish Government policies and commitments. On this basis, a strengthened approach has been taken to promote a plan-led approach to drive-through developments.

Question reference: S6W-13034

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 09 December 2022
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish more information on how the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) can be amended in future, and what that process will include.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, NPF4 will be adopted by Ministers in early 2023. Regulations and guidance on local development plans will be introduced to support delivery and the Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group will be established to oversee and advise on the delivery of the spatial strategy, national developments and national planning policy.

Information on legislation to enable amendments to be made to NPF4, and to set the process for making amendments, will be published in due course.

Question reference: S6W-13033

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 09 December 2022
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how many local planning authorities raised concerns about future drive-through developments during the public consultation period on the draft fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) from 10 November 2021 to 31 March 2022.

There were no specific questions on drive-through developments in the consultation on Draft NPF4. Despite that, five local authorities directly referenced drive-throughs in their responses to Question 45, which related to ensuring Scotland’s places will support low carbon living and for people to live well locally. Several of these responses supported the policy approach towards drive-through developments.

Most authorities made broader comments strongly supporting the town centre first principle and limiting out of town development. Other respondents raised particular issues about drive-throughs, including suggestions that their development must be limited to prevent the cumulative effects of carbon emissions by vehicles.