- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 16 January 2017
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 19 January 2017
To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that appropriate resources are in place to support teachers of children with additional support needs.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 19 January 2017
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 January 2017
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 18 January 2017
To ask the Scottish Government how physical education is helping to narrow the attainment gap.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 18 January 2017
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 14 December 2016
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 22 December 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to implement the recommendations of the ENABLE Scotland report, #IncludED in the Main?!.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 22 December 2016
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 07 December 2016
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Current Status:
Answered by Keith Brown on 14 December 2016
To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses Scotland’s economic performance in comparison with other countries.
Answer
The Scottish Government uses the National Performance Framework and Scotland Performs to help monitor and assess Scotland’s overall economic performance.
These contain indicators that assess Scotland’s performance across a number of dimensions of economic performance. They also include several indicators that compare Scotland against our international competitors.
The Scottish Government is committed to improving Scotland’s economic performance in comparison to our international counterparts. Scotland’s Economic Strategy sets out our framework for doing so, based on the twin objectives of boosting competitiveness whilst tackling inequality.
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 17 November 2016
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Current Status:
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 1 December 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it (a) has had and (b) plans to have with (i) Heriot-Watt University and (ii) other third parties regarding (A) the creation of and (B) providing finance and support for a national film studio.
Answer
The Scottish Government has regular meetings, as a member of the Film Studio Delivery Group, to discuss how to support and finance enhanced film studio infrastructure for Scotland.
As representatives of the Film Studio Delivery Group, Scottish Enterprise are in discussion with potential investors Guardhouse Productions Ltd. regarding their interest to develop studio facilities in Scotland at Heriot-Watt University.
The Scottish Government has, to date, had no discussions with Heriot-Watt University regarding the creation of, or support for, enhanced film studio infrastructure in Scotland. The Scottish Government remains open to discussions regarding proposals.
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 30 November 2016
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 7 December 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to support a national campaign to raise awareness of disability and reduce stigma, in light of the recent report by Disability Agenda Scotland.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 7 December 2016
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 17 November 2016
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Current Status:
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 29 November 2016
To ask the Scottish Government which sites have been identified as possible locations for a national film studio.
Answer
There are a number of facilities which Creative Scotland actively promote for film production in Scotland – the current list of available premises is set out in the following table:
Studio Space
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Location
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BBC Studios
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Dumbarton
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BBC Studios
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Pacific Quay
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100 Borron Street
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Glasgow
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Buchanan Business Park
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Glasgow
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Drampac
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Bellshill
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Edinburgh Film Studios
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Edinburgh
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Film City
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Glasgow
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Film Services Ltd.
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Livingston
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Pelamis
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Edinburgh
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Pyramids Business Park
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Bathgate
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Scottish Opera
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Glasgow
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The Shed
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Glasgow
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Skyespace
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Isle of Skye
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Sugar Sheds
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Greenock
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SWG3
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Glasgow
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TCU Studio and Office Facilities
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Glasgow
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Westway
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Renfrew, Glasgow
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Our intention to support the expansion of the existing facilities at Wardpark, Cumbernauld, currently home to the successful drama series, Outlander, was announced on 9 March 2016.
The Film Studio Delivery Group (Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise) published a feasibility study and options appraisal for film studios in 2014. The study was refreshed in 2015.
The Scottish Government and its partners remain committed to supporting further private sector-led investment in additional studio developments, as appropriate, to meet the needs of the market.
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 November 2016
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Current Status:
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 16 November 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on how the proposal by Edinburgh City Council to introduce a tourist tax could impact on the number of visitors to the city.
Answer
The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a tourist tax. The Scottish tourism industry currently subject to UK Government VAT rates which are the seconds largest in the EU. However we are open to discussions with any local authorities that are interested, recognising that potential impacts and implications would need to be carefully considered.
More widely we continue to engage with COSLA around making local taxation fairer and ensuring local authorities continue to be properly funded while becoming more accountable.
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 02 November 2016
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 10 November 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage school pupils to study medicine at university.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 10 November 2016
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 October 2016
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 26 October 2016
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to tackle claimants' abuse of the welfare powers that are being devolved.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 26 October 2016