Chamber and committees

As Nitrous Oxide is not classed as a controlled substance under the reserved Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is not routinely screened for in toxicology testing.

The National Records of Scotland do publish ‘Accidental poisoning by and exposure to noxious substances’, but do not provide specific substance breakdowns.

Analysis of hospital admissions in relation to Nitrous Oxide would be limited by use of the ICD-10 diagnostic coding system. Nitrous Oxide use is coded within the ‘inhalant’ or ‘volatile substance’ category (F18), but this also contains other substances such as butane and glue, so it isn’t possible to narrow it down to the admissions specific to nitrous. There is also no mention of intentionality (i.e. recreational use) within these data.

The purpose of the Network Support Grant is to help to keep both commercial and subsidised services more extensive and fares more affordable than they would otherwise have been. The Network Support Grant continues to provide the same support that the Bus Service Operator Grant (BSOG) provided for many years. As such, it is difficult to separate the impact of the Network Support Grant from the Bus Service Operator Grant on the bus network.

Whilst the Scottish Government recognises the potential for alcohol-free and low alcohol products to reduce alcohol harm there is limited research in this area. We will continue to review emerging evidence carefully before coming to a position.

Transport Scotland officials recently contacted McGill's Buses to understand the reasons behind the application to withdraw the 52 service made to the Traffic Commissioner. McGill's Buses have advised that a decision on the 52 service has been delayed to allow further consultation with the local community.

The following tables show how many potholes had been reported and repaired by Transport Scotland’s Operating Companies and DBFO Concessionaires per month in 2021 and 2022

We are firmly committed to implementing the social housing tenancy related provisions at Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 (the 2021 Act).

Work on the wide range of tasks necessary to commence Part 2 of the 2021 Act is progressing as a priority. This includes secondary legislation, changes to court rules and forms, model tenancy agreements and the development of statutory guidance in consultation with stakeholders.

We aim to bring Part 2 of the 2021 Act into force by early 2024, subject to the necessary rules and forms of court also being in place.

The table below presents the total number of fatal casualties on the A9 between Perth (north of Inveralmond Roundabout) and Inverness (south of Longman Roundabout)

NatureScot are currently undertaking a review on Schedule 2 (the quarry list) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which determines the species that can currently be taken by wildfowlers. NatureScot will provide a report to the Scottish Government once the review has been completed for Ministers to consider whether any changes to the Schedule are required.

We are in year 5 of delivery of the Framework, which has seen the adoption of effective and evidence based treatments across Scotland. Through regular investment, we continue to support NHS boards to improve weight management services.

In 2022-23, NHS Scotland health boards were allocated £5,946,496 to support the implementation of the Framework. With investment to date, boards have continued to expand the delivery of weight management services and incorporated digital platforms, in line with our national standards . These standards aim to ensure a fair and equal approach in weight management services in Scotland. We have committed to funding the continued implementation of the Framework for at least the duration of this parliamentary term, to 2026-27.

To support health boards in planning and implementing the Framework, we have appointed two professional advisers. They provide direct support to boards through attendance at local oversight groups and in the setting of annual milestones to ensure Framework delivery. Alongside this, Framework implementation is monitored by our national oversight group.

The draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan sets out our vision for the transformation of Scotland’s energy system and includes a route map of milestones and actions to deliver this vision – including actions that the UK Government must take in reserved policy areas. The draft Strategy is out for public consultation until 4 April 2023.

The draft Strategy has been made available to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), but there is no statutory procedure for submitting such plans to the CCC. There is regular official-level engagement with the CCC on key aspects of the draft Strategy.

A response is being prepared to the CCC’s annual progress report and Scottish Ministers will request advice from the CCC on the draft version of the next Climate Change Plan as part of the procedure for finalising climate change plans.