Chamber and committees

I understand that the delivery of Harland and Wolff's contract with the developers of the Neart na Gaoithe (NNG) offshore wind farm for eight turbine jackets has now been reduced to four turbine jackets due to supply chain issues with component parts.

Whilst the number of jackets has been reduced by 50%, I understand that this will only reduce the contract value by around 10%-15%.

Due to commercial confidentiality the exact job number linked to the NNG are not available but as part of H&W overall Scotland project, it is forecast that a total of 1,042 jobs are expected to be created by H&W Methil over a 5-year period – 614 at Methil and 428 at Arnish.

The Scottish Government recognises the seriousness of the allegations and we are carefully considering them.

In line with the Ministerial Code, we cannot comment on whether specific legal advice has been taken on this matter.

Yes. As previously stated during the long COVID debate on 19 th May 2022 we committed to allocate “ funding of £3 million to health boards across 2022-23 to bolster the support that they are already providing to people with long COVID ”. This was confirmed in the Programme for Government 2022-23, published in September 2022, which stated that “ we will invest £3 million this year through the long COVID Support Fund to assist those living with long-term effects of infection .”

In 2015, the Scottish Government was one of the first governments to develop and adopt a National Marine Plan, which sets out the strategic framework and policies for the sustainable development of our marine resources out to 200 nautical miles.

Since 2015, there have been significant changes in Scotland – including our commitment to becoming a net zero nation by 2045, the impacts of EU exit and increased understanding of the impacts of climate change and human activity on the marine environment. The most recent statutory review of the National Marine Plan, published in 2021, suggested that while the current plan is effective, the urgent need to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, amongst other more recent factors, such as energy security, has become a core driver for a new plan.

Acknowledging the findings of this review, we have decided that now is the time to develop a new National Marine Plan. The National Marine Plan 2 (“NMP2”) will take account of the aspirations and framing set out in the recently published Blue Economy Vision, among other long-term commitments outlined in the Programme for Government and Bute House Agreement.

Developing our second National Marine Plan will be a considerable undertaking, comparable to the efforts required to develop its terrestrial equivalent, National Planning Framework 4. It will involve extensive consultation with stakeholders and a series of technical assessments, which we estimate will take in the region of three years to complete.

There will be significant choices to make as we proceed through the planning process. We want all sectors and communities to be part of developing this National Marine Plan 2, building shared objectives for the future of Scotland’s seas. In the spirit of this commitment, today we have published a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy for the development of National Marine Plan 2, which includes our statutory Statement of Public Participation. These resources outline when and how we intend to engage with the people of Scotland throughout the process and will be updated on a regular basis.

These documents and further information are available at:

• https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781804358641
• National marine planning - Marine planning - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• Marine planning - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
  

The measures listed relate to Corporation Tax, which remains reserved. Policy is set by the UK Government and the tax is administered by HMRC.

Recognising the important part that rail plays in facilitating longer distance journeys, the draft STPR2 recommendations published for consultation in January 2022 included one concerning investment in rail freight terminals and facilities. This recommendation (#44) recommends Transport Scotland supports industry partners in carrying out an updated market study for rail freight growth in Scotland (linked to the 2019 industry growth plan) including a review of rail freight terminals/hubs to confirm how to meet long-term mode shift requirements.

The potential for rail freight facilities to serve the dock area (at Methil Port) within Levenmouth would be considered as part of the aforementioned study. The STPR2 recommendations are currently being finalised and will be published later this year, informed by consideration of the consultation feedback received.

The STPR2 recommendation will build on the Scottish Government’s policy approach to supporting rail freight as outlined in our rail freight strategy of 2016 . This is strengthened by industry targets to grow rail freight and backed by the Scottish Government through past and current investment via our mode shift grant schemes.

In addition, SEStran are currently undertaking the “Go Forth Freight Study” funded by Transport Scotland’s Local Rail Development Fund, in conjunction with Forth Ports, to determine the potential cargo flows in/out/within the River Forth region and its associated ports and hubs which could be transferred onto more sustainable transport modes.

Moreover, Scottish Government Officials working with rail industry partners have engaged with potential rail freight customers to highlight the potential for the Levenmouth Rail Link. This has stimulated positive interest and discussions between potential customers and potential rail freight operators are known to be under way.

In October 2014, CMAL initiated procurement of vessel 801 and 802. The Scottish Government was not party to the procurement process, which was managed by CMAL.

The Scottish Government had not had any recent discussions about the definition of homelessness. A person is homeless under section 24 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 if (s)he has no accommodation in the UK or elsewhere which (s)he is entitled or permitted to occupy.

Audit Scotland’s briefing on PPE in June 2021 told us we need to learn from experience and to address a range of PPE issues for the future, and the Scottish Government was happy to agree to that recommendation.

Work continues to consult on and implement a new approach to pandemic PPE through a joined-up public sector procurement arrangement, led by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). This aims to provide a more resilient supply across Health, Social Care and the wider public sector for the long term, with due priority given to the need for robust supply chains and reductions in environmental impact.

The Scottish Government has already provided funding to run the first phase of a Small Business Research Initiative at NHS Tayside to help develop prototypes of reusable mask solutions. This first phase has provided an opportunity for companies to secure funding to undertake appropriate research and development of their prospective solutions.

The Scottish Government is currently in the process of establishing a Short Life Working Group to be tasked with refreshing the Personal Footcare Guidance for publication in early 2023.