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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Displaying 14 questions Show Answers

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Question reference: S7F-00047

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 September 2026

Question to be taken in Chamber.

Question reference: S7W-02892

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 18 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will rule out a cruise line levy.

Question reference: S7F-00041

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 17 September 2026

Question to be taken in Chamber.

Question reference: S7W-02810

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 11 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the commitment in the 2026 Scottish National Party manifesto to enact a statutory price cap on essential food items, what its response is reported comments by CBI Scotland that such a price cap risks distorting competition and adding complexity without addressing underlying cost pressures.

While we recognise that some will have concerns about these proposals the Scottish Government cannot stand by when households are struggling to afford essential goods. Our objective is not to penalise retailers, but to strike a fair balance that addresses the needs of those that are struggling with the cost of their weekly shop. We are consulting on draft proposals before any decisions are taken. The consultation seeks views and evidence from consumers, retailers, producers and other stakeholders on the potential benefits, risks and issues around any food price cap scheme.

Question reference: S7W-02809

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 11 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the commitment in the 2026 Scottish National Party manifesto to enact a statutory price cap on essential food items, what its response is to the reported comments by 23 industry trade associations, including the Scottish Retail Consortium, Food and Drink Federation, and Scottish Bakers, that a price cap would be unnecessary, ineffective and likely to deliver significant adverse consequences for retailers, shopworkers and producers, and could increase the cost of other goods.

The Scottish Government is aware of concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding unintended consequences of the proposed price cap on essential food items.

That is why we are engaging constructively with all relevant stakeholders to support considered and informed discussion on this. We are consulting on draft proposals before any decisions are taken. The consultation seeks views and evidence from consumers, retailers, producers and other stakeholders on the potential benefits, risks and issues of any food price cap scheme.

Question reference: S7F-00037

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 08 September 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10 September 2026

Question to be taken in Chamber.

Question reference: S7F-00026

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 September 2026

Question to be taken in Chamber.

Question reference: S7W-01369

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Friday, 26 June 2026
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 10 July 2026

To ask the Scottish Government at what point an NHS Scotland patient, who requires treatment and cannot access appropriate care and treatment within their own NHS board, has the right to seek timeous treatment from a provider (a) in another NHS board, (b) anywhere else within the UK or (c) further afield.

It is expected that most patients will be seen and treated locally wherever possible and appropriate, based on clinical need.

The NHSScotland National Access Policy (December 2023) sets out the national framework for how Health Boards ensure equitable and timely access to care. Under this policy, Health Boards are responsible for ensuring patients are treated as quickly as possible, including by optimising available capacity and working collaboratively across NHS Scotland.

Patients may be offered treatment within another NHS Board where this is clinically appropriate and capacity is available. Where necessary, Health Boards may also arrange treatment with alternative providers, including elsewhere within the UK.

The policy does not prevent patients from independently seeking treatment outside NHS arrangements. However, patients should not assume that the costs of such treatment will be met by the NHS. Any request for NHS funding must be agreed in advance by the responsible Health Board, which remains accountable for the patient's care.

Question reference: S7W-01370

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Friday, 26 June 2026
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 10 July 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for an individual to be seen by a practitioner in another NHS board area where there is capacity

It is expected that most patients will be seen and treated locally wherever possible and appropriate, based on clinical need.

The NHSScotland National Access Policy sets out that Health Boards must optimise available capacity and work collaboratively to ensure patients are treated as quickly as possible. This includes offering treatment outwith a patient’s local Health Board where this is clinically appropriate and capacity is available.

Patients may therefore be offered appointments or treatment in another NHS Board, including National Treatment Centres or the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital. Decisions on these arrangements are made by clinical teams and Health Boards, and follow robust clinical pathways.

Patients may choose whether to accept an alternative offer; however, accommodating requests for a specific location cannot be guaranteed and should be discussed with the relevant clinical team.

Question reference: S7F-00025

Asked by: Malcolm Offord, MSP for West Scotland, Reform UK
Date lodged: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 June 2026

Question to be taken in Chamber.