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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Question reference: S5W-31740

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for the (a) ScotRail and (b) Caledonia Sleeper franchise following the end of the Emergency Measures Agreements on 20 September 2020.

Question reference: S5W-31742

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether a free bus travel scheme for under-26s is still being considered as part of the review of discounts available on public transport to people under the age of 26.

We are progressing our work with stakeholders to review the extension of discounts available on all public transport to those under the age of 26. This looks at a range of options, including free bus travel for those under the age of 26 through a cost and benefits appraisal in order to fully consider financial sustainability. We committed within the Programme for Government to report on the review by the end of December 2020.

Question reference: S5W-31750

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will at least maintain in real terms its current spending on active travel over the next five years.

The Scottish Government's commitment of over £500 million pounds over five years announced in the recent Programme for Government is the highest ever investment in active travel. This record level of funding was warmly welcomed by our active travel partners and will provide confidence for long term investment in large scale, transformational active travel infrastructure projects many of which span several years.

The Scottish Government will, as a matter of course, consider the case for additional support for active travel as part of the annual budget process.

Question reference: S5W-31610

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government when it expects all Spaces for People schemes to be completed.

Question reference: S5W-31608

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government which (a) local authorities and (b) other public bodies have not yet completed the implementation of Spaces for People schemes.

Question reference: S5W-31607

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what guidance has been given to local authorities for monitoring Spaces for People schemes and the criteria for assessing whether measures can be made permanent.

Sustrans Scotland, who administer the Spaces for People programme, is providing guidance on monitoring as part of a package of support offered to local authorities. Guidance, which is bespoke and based on need, typically includes advice on developing monitoring plans, undertaking data collection, analysing data and reporting.

A national monitoring and evaluation framework for Spaces for People has been developed by Sustrans in partnership with Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland and distributed to local authorities.

It is for local authorities to determine, through evaluation of projects, whether or not they merit being made permanent. The Scottish Government provides support to local authorities for the creation of permanent walking and cycling infrastructure through the Places for Everyone programme.

Question reference: S5W-31609

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken against councils and other public bodies that have delayed the implementation of Spaces for People schemes.

Question reference: S5W-31748

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work being undertaken by the Scottish National Investment Bank regarding ultra-low emission buses.

Question reference: S5W-31739

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the commitment in its Programme for Government, when it will “[bring] forward firm plans to encourage greater landing of catch into Scottish ports”.

Question reference: S5W-31746

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of all air quality management areas currently in Scotland.