Chamber and committees

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.

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.

Yes. These accounts were also laid before Parliament and are available on the Prestwick Airport website.

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.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport published their Strategic Vision in October 2014. This built upon a business plan that was developed by a senior adviser and included as much of his work as possible without impinging on commercial confidentiality and the airport’s ability to operate commercially. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is finalising a new 5 year Strategic Plan for 2017 – 2022 now and this will be published shortly.

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

Glasgow Prestwick Airport operates on a wholly commercial basis and at arm’s length from the Scottish Government. Details of commercial contracts – including end dates – are commercially sensitive.

The following table provides the number of Ryanair scheduled flights by month until October 2017. The schedule for winter 2017-18 has yet to be confirmed.

These figures are subject to change.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport published their Strategic Vision in October 2014. This built upon a business plan that was developed by a senior adviser and included as much of his work as possible without impinging on commercial confidentiality and the airport’s ability to operate commercially. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is finalising a new 5 year Strategic Plan for 2017 – 2022 now and this will be published shortly.

The overall aim set out in the Strategic Vision published in October 2014 was to operate the airport in a safe, cost-effective and efficient manner and to develop and enhance its variety of business interests in order to return it to profitability, with the long-term intention of returning it to the private sector.

Prestwick Airport is a non-typical airport where success is not predicated on passenger traffic or any one business area alone. There are a number of opportunities for the airport’s management team to build on, including increasing freight and passenger traffic, fixed base operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul, property and it is very well placed to provide world class facilities for the UK Spaceport program.

The budget for 2016-17 approves loan support of £9.3 million for Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The draft budget for 2017-18 allocates loan support of £9.4 million.

We plan to approve the amount of loan funding required in future years through the approval of the airport’s business plan for that year.