Chamber and committees

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is a Non-Ministerial Department and part of the Scottish Administration. OSCR is an independent regulator and does not form part of the Scottish Government.

In line with the framework agreement between the Scottish Government and OSCR, given that this question asks about matters that are the responsibility of OSCR and that Scottish Ministers are not accountable for OSCR’s operations,the Member is invited to refer the question to OSCR.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14979 on 7 March 2018. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The SME Holding Fund was originally capitalised at £40 million through the European Regional Development Fund Managing Authority in 2016. This was increased to £50 million through an additional £10 million allocated to the fund under the auspices of the Scottish Growth Scheme in 2017.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14261 on 21 February 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at ttp://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14261 on 21 February 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at ttp://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

We are planning to publish a performance report on the SME Holding Fund next month. I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14261 on 21 February 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at  http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Some of the information requested will be contained within that report, it will not however include information on unsuccessful applications (this information is not collected by Scottish Government) or provide information on businesses and their location (due to the commercially sensitive nature).

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14979 on 7 March 2018. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Up to 6th March 2018, £30.1m has been invested in 31 companies under the Scottish Growth Scheme.

The Scottish European Growth Co-investment Fund is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and the European Investment Fund (EIF) involving co-investment by European Venture Capital Fund Managers who are accredited by the EIF. There has been no funding leveraged to date although a number of active discussions are ongoing. Given the scale and nature of potential funding it understandably takes time for discussions between companies and potential investors to conclude.

The Government is committed to improving the current level of performance in public sector construction contracts. This includes ensuring prompt payment practices at all levels in the supply chain. A red/yellow card system, along the lines described, is potentially one way in which this might be achieved; however, there are other possible approaches. Therefore, I want to be satisfied that whatever approach we adopt is the most appropriate for public construction contracts in Scotland and is also consistent with our underpinning public contract legislation. The Government will publish its conclusions following a full consideration of all the issues.