Chamber and committees

Scottish Development International does not routinely record the value of inward investment. Data collated refers to the number of jobs and projects and those details are provided in the responses to S5W-06373 and S5W-06374 on 1 February 2017. 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

Of the 55 inward investment projects confirmed since April 2016, 16 are new projects, nine are safeguarded projects and 30 are expansion projects.

We have no immediate plans to review this circular and addendum; however, we are currently consulting widely on proposals for changes to the planning system. We will consider future options in light of the results of the consultation.

There have been 601 new jobs, 1,577 safeguarded jobs and 1,241 expansion jobs secured as a result of the 55 inward investment projects confirmed since April 2016.

The Scottish Government considers that, whilst vacant properties may not be in active use to produce goods and to deliver services, owners of these properties still benefit by being able to rely on the continued availability of services provided by Scottish Water. There is a reliance, in particular, on drainage services to ensure that rainwater from roofs and car parks continues to be drained so that properties are not flooded. It is also important to note that the costs associated with maintaining services to these properties currently falls to other non-household customers. The revenue generated from the removal of the exemption is enabling a price freeze in business charges for the period 2015-21.

There are no exemptions proposed.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme assists low income households in meeting their Council Tax liabilities but is not part of either the devolved or the UK Government Social Security systems.

The board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been clear that they first need to take full account of the recommendations of the National Review of Maternity and Neonatal Services, which was published on 20 January. Should the Board then wish to pursue the same proposals that were designated as major in December 2016, they must be subject to formal public consultation and, ultimately, Ministerial approval.

Given the formal role that Ministers have in the major service change process, it would be inappropriate for me to accept an invitation to meet with campaigners until the consultation period is complete. I have, however, been clear that I'd be happy to meet with local campaigners and their representatives to help inform my final decision on any proposals that may come to me, once the formal consultation period has concluded.

The Scottish Government has not set a time limit for Glasgow Prestwick Airport to repay the loan support provided.

As we have made clear since acquiring the airport in 2013, it is the Scottish Government’s intention to return the airport to the private sector when the time is right. No timescale has been set.

Any repair work or potential upgrades to Prestwick Station are the responsibility of the owner, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, who operate on a wholly commercial basis.