Chamber and committees

We have been observing the European Commission’s consideration of new genomic techniques with interest, and look forward to further information on their legislative proposals. We note that the Commission has stated these will be published in the second quarter of 2023.

Should the EU move to change its regulatory framework, as in other matters, we will consider the implications for Scotland as details become available. The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining alignment with the EU where appropriate and in Scotland’s interest, including the protection and advancement of the high environmental standards that both Scotland and the EU enjoy. As our biggest international trade partner, any changes in the EU may have implications for Scottish businesses. In addition to monitoring EU developments, other relevant regulatory changes around the world provide further important context.

Overall, it is of fundamental importance that Scotland’s regulatory approach to gene editing reflects the views and priorities of people in Scotland, and recognises the wider context in terms of impacts on international trade and consumer rights.

The Scottish Government have used evidence, data and advice from a range of sources to inform the decision to bring forward legislation to licence grouse shooting in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.

The Policy Memorandum which accompanies the Bill sets out in detail the evidence that was taken into account when developing the provisions for the Bill.

Details of the responsibilities of the Minister for Independence can be found on the Scottish Government’s website at: Minister for Independence - gov.scot ( www.gov.scot ) .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16876 on 25 April 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The most recent statistics report Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland 2019-22 includes data tables showing a time series of poverty rates for children by whether the mother is under or over the age of 25. This report is available at Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland 2019-22 (data.gov.scot) . However, it has not been possible to publish poverty rates for children where the mother was under 25 from 2016 onward due to small sub-sample sizes. The next report will be in March 2024.

The Scottish Government has not allocated any funding directly towards advertising Scotland Loves Local gift cards.

The Scottish Government provides funding to Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) to provide town centre advice and support, which since 2020 includes promoting the Scotland Loves Local Programme.

In 2020-2021, we provided funding totalling £235,000 to STP to deliver a Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign to support businesses in recovering from the impact of the pandemic in their local areas.

In 2021-22, we provided £2.1m that delivered a £1.5m Scotland Loves Local fund, as well as support for local authorities delivering the Scotland Loves Local gift card and additional phase of the marketing campaign.

In 2022-23, we provided £250,000 funding to enable digitisation of the Scotland Loves Local gift card scheme and to encourage additional business to join the scheme.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16876 on 25 April 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Social Security Scotland operates three buildings, forming its headquarters in Dundee: Agnes Husband House, Enterprise House and a part of Dundee House. Social Security Scotland analysis has determined that estates capacity could be reduced, providing a saving to the public purse while continuing to meet the employment commitment made to the city of Dundee.

On this basis, the decision was made to not renew the Occupation Agreement with Dundee City Council for space at Dundee House. From 31 May 2023 Social Security Scotland will occupy Agnes Husband House and Enterprise House. There are currently no plans to reduce the estate further in Dundee.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16884 on 25 April 2023. As only one member of staff is allocated to work directly for the Minister for Independence, their individual salary cannot be released.

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/questions-and-answers

Small Modular Reactors use the same nuclear fission technology as the power generating process found in larger traditional nuclear power plants and carry the same environmental concerns.

As set out in our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, the Scottish Government maintains its long standing opposition to the building of new nuclear power plants under current technologies. Therefore, any such analysis on the use of Small Modular Reactors would not be value for money and has not been pursued.