Chamber and committees

As part of the Scottish Diabetes Group, we have a sub-group focusing on Education. This group is currently working towards a ‘Once for Scotland’ pathway for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes – both of which will have pregnancy specific content and support.

The Framework for the Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes indicates that for those diagnosed with gestational diabetes, structured education for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes should be offered post-partum and, where appropriate, referral to a weight management programme after pregnancy. Through investment, some NHS Boards have developed enhanced options for pregnant women for treatment of gestational diabetes in pregnancy. These involve education and clinical support provided by specialist midwives and dietitians.

This information can be found as part of the Scottish Diabetes Survey. The Scottish Diabetes Survey provides an annual summary of key issues and trends in diabetes care and treatment in Scotland and can be found by following link: https://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/publications/#survey-docs.

The Scottish Diabetes Survey 2021 is due to be published this month, February 2023.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14411 on 9 February 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 information in the format requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Diabetes Survey records the number of people who have attended structured diabetes education at any time and can be found at: https://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/publications/#survey-docs.

Some of the information requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Diabetes Survey records the information requested from 2015 onwards and can be found at: https://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/publications/#survey-docs.

The Scottish Diabetes Survey 2021 is due to be published this month, February 2023.

Where a person has been convicted of any offence, including murder, they can appeal against the decision of the independent court. Even where the normal appeals route is exhausted, if the person considers they have suffered a miscarriage of justice, they can apply to the independent Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) to have their case reviewed. The SCCRC have a power to refer a case back to the High Court for a fresh appeal if they believe there may have been a miscarriage of justice, and it is in the interests of justice to do so. If an applicant is dissatisfied with how the SCCRC have considered their application, it is open to the applicant to seek judicial review of the SCCRC's decision not to refer their case to the High Court.

Under the Inquiries Act 2005, the Scottish Ministers are empowered to establish a public inquiry where particular events have caused, or are capable of causing, public concern, or where there is public concern that particular events have occurred. In view of the fact that Mr Mitchell's conviction for murder remains in place following appeals and consideration by the SCCRC, the Scottish Ministers are not currently giving consideration to a public inquiry in respect of Mr Mitchell's conviction.

Vapes and e-cigarettes are subject to the provisions of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (the WEEE regulations). As such, anybody who sells a vape or e-cigarette to a consumer has obligations including to accept the return of WEEE from private households subject to certain conditions.

Guidance for retailers subject to these obligations, including on how to join a scheme which will discharge this obligation on a retailer’s behalf, is available here: https://www.gov.uk/electricalwaste-producer-supplier-responsibilities

The Deposit Return Scheme is an industry-led scheme, delivered by industry, led by the scheme administrator, Circularity Scotland Ltd. Decisions use of materials retained following recycling will be for Circularity Scotland Ltd and industry to take forward.

The Scottish Government is, however, keen to see investment in Scotland and we are therefore making one of the biggest investments in a generation to modernise recycling and support the circular economy. We have launched the £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund which will deliver modernised services for residents, and a step change in Scotland’s recycling performance at both national and local levels.

So far over £44m has now been awarded to 17 local authorities to increase the quantity and quality of recycling across Scotland and this investment has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by over 39,000 tonnes each year – the equivalent of taking over 21,000 cars off the road.

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s efforts to reduce climate emissions, tackle litter and increasing recycling. As it is a producer responsibility scheme, in line with similar schemes across the world, it inevitably means significant change for all producers in Scotland.

Drinks producers must register their products in order to continue to sell them in Scotland once DRS has launched. Registration is free for producers with an annual turnover of £85,000 or lower. As an industry-led scheme, it will be for individual businesses to decide what products they wish to sell in Scotland once DRS launches. Any producer with questions or concerns about registration should contact Circularity Scotland for advice and guidance.

I have commissioned an urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes. Zero Waste Scotland will lead on the review, which will examine available evidence and consider potential options to tackle the issue.

The review will consider of a range of approaches and implementation considerations, including the role of local authorities and others in helping to ensure responsible recycling and disposal, as well as enforcement issues.

We will consider the evidence and expert advice and bring forward policy options in due course.