Chamber and committees

The following table details the total cost of operation and number of journeys completed by the Government Car Service since 2011.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-08754 on 14 June 2022. 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

A: The Scottish Government has not held any recent meetings with the government of Norway where the viability of replicating a sovereign wealth fund in Scotland was discussed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-08754 on 14 June 2022. 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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-08754 on 14 June 2022. 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 Scottish Government is not currently working to build a sovereign wealth fund. Under the current constitutional arrangements, the Scottish Government does not have the power to set up a sovereign wealth fund, similar to that of Norway, which is currently worth $1.2 trillion. We will set out our proposed approach to the economy of an independent Scotland in the forthcoming independence prospectus papers.

Transport for London’s Veteran Oyster Card scheme is specifically tailored to London’s ticket and fare system. Whilst there are no current plans to roll out such a scheme in Scotland, I have asked my officials in Transport Scotland to meet with TfL to learn more about the scheme’s operation and where we might be able to learn lessons in Scotland.

There have been no recent meetings between veterans' groups and the Scottish Government to discuss concessionary travel. However, I will be meeting Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans in the near future to discuss issues including concessionary travel.

As for all major road projects, owners of land purchased for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will receive fair compensation, independently assessed by the District Valuer.

Negotiations are ongoing between the District Valuer and claimants for the remaining compensation cases for land purchased on the scheme. Each of these claims are being considered on a case by case basis on their own individual circumstances to ensure a fair compensation figure is agreed in accordance with the compensation code. Final payment can only be made once agreement is reached between the parties.

The Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 (as amended) also provides a mechanism for compensation in the loss in value of a property when attributed to the use of new or improved roads. Part I of the Act extends compensation to those who have not had land purchased for the scheme but are affected by the use of a new or improved road. Part I compensation claims relating to the depreciation of property from the use of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are currently under active consideration by the District Valuer. Negotiations are anticipated to commence with claimants and their representatives in the coming months with payment following thereafter once agreement has been reached.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all people living in Scotland with long term conditions such as coeliac disease are able to access the best possible care and support.

The provision of healthcare services, such as audits of blood tests, is the responsibility of NHS Boards, taking into account national guidance, local service needs and priorities for investment.