Chamber and committees

I met members of the Scottish Perinatal Network at the National Best Start Learning Event on 28 June, however have not had a formal meeting with the Scottish Perinatal Network since taking up office. My Officials regularly meet with the Network and sit on the Network Oversight Board, and Maternity and Neonatal Steering Groups.

The Scottish Government recognises that it is essential that pre-eclampsia is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. This is why the Scottish Government contributes funding towards the commissioning of the Maternal Newborn and Infant Clinical Outcome Review Programme run by Mothers and Babies, Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE-UK). All maternity units in Scotland contribute data to this and reports focus on pre-eclampsia every 3 years, highlighting recommendations for healthcare professionals, Health Boards and Trusts, policy officials and other organisations to tackle this condition.

The Scottish Government expects all NHS Boards in Scotland to take note of the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) recommendations, published on 23 March 2023, and take steps to ensure that any woman who requires access to placental growth factor (PlGF) based tests as part of her maternity care can do so.

As Oxfam’s report recognises, the regulation of fossil fuel industries and the majority of tax powers remain reserved to Westminster. We will keep pressing the UK Government to take the urgent action needed – especially after their recent backsliding on net-zero ambitions.

Here in Scotland we are committed to using what powers we have to meet our world-leading climate targets. We will continue with our progressive approach to tax and working to ensure we achieve a just transition – all of which will help achieve our climate goals, safeguard jobs and protect those on the lowest incomes.

Marine Directorate staff participate in the ICES Scallop Assessment Working Group (WGScallop) and work closely with national and international research institutes and universities to understand recent advancements and changes to scallop fishing practices. Further details, terms of reference and a link to last year’s report can be found on the ICES community groups pages – when selecting “WGScallop”.

The working group will meet 10-12 October 2023 and a report will be made publicly available.

Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate are in regular communication with stakeholders we established a Fisheries Management and Conservation (FMAC) Scallop sub-group earlier this year. This forum brings together a broad range of scallop sector interests and is the ideal forum for developing stakeholder led solutions, including relating to gear technology, to help deliver sustainable fisheries. Marine Directorate staff are also involved with the Project UK Scallop Fisheries Improvement Projects and with Heriot Watt University and the Scallop Innovation Gear Projects.

The Scottish Government does not routinely provide financial support for the repatriation of historical artefacts.

Due to the unique circumstances and complex logistics as a result of the size of the House of Ni’isjoohl memorial pole, funding was provided to National Museums Scotland to facilitate the pole’s removal from the museum and enable its transport to Leuchars Airfield.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21476 on 2 October 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The causes of stillbirth are complex and in some cases remain unknown. Nevertheless, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting families who have experienced stillbirth and are funding key initiatives to help reduce the incidence of stillbirth in Scotland. This includes the Perinatal strand of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP), led by Healthcare Improvement Scotland which works with NHS Boards to improve safety for women, babies and families in Scotland. The SPSP Perinatal stillbirth package supports Boards to reliably and consistently deliver person centred care, effective fetal monitoring, safe communication, and leadership to promote a culture of safety at all levels.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21623 on‎ 29 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21623 on‎ 29 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21623 on‎ 29 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers