Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-02661

Asked by: Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 06 September 2021
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 18 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-01641 by Graeme Dey on 16 August 2021, whether it can confirm that there is no opposition from Transport Scotland to the application from the Ferymuir Gait site developer to secure planning permission for the access arrangements to the Ferrymuir Gait housing development to be amended, to allow for unrestricted access.

Question reference: S6O-00405

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 10 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Keith Brown on 18 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the number of drugs tests taking place in prisons has fallen considerably since 2018.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for those who work in our prisons and individuals in custody.

The SPS carries out drug testing for a range of reasons which includes suspicion testing and the identification of drug trend information as part of wider efforts to detect and deter illicit substances. It is also used for risk assessment purposes to support and evidence a prisoner’s progression through to release.

The reduction in the number of drug tests throughout 2020 and 2021 is linked to the COVID pandemic, partly due to reduced movement across the prison estate lessening the demand for drug tests related to progression.

The SPS anticipates that the number of drug tests will begin to increase as we move through to recovery from the pandemic.

Question reference: S6O-00418

Asked by: James Dornan, MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 11 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Maggie Chapman MSP (on behalf of the SPCB) on 18 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what consultation was conducted with MSPs ahead of changing the allowances system.

I would like to begin by stating up front that we had to replace the travel and expenses system. The contract for that system was coming to an end, and it could not be extended further as it had reached its contract limit. We were required, as with all public bodies, to follow Public Procurement Scotland regulations and replace the system by putting the opportunity out to tender.

Given the system at the time was over 10 years old and travel and expenses systems had moved on significantly it was recognised that any new system would be a significant change for Members and their staff.

Therefore, as part of the survey carried out on the review of the Reimbursement of Members’ Expenses Scheme in March 2019, and with the understanding that the system would need replaced, questions were included in relation to the submitting of claims and invoices, how this could be improved as well as seeking feedback on submitting claims through a new on-line travel and expenses system.

66.67% - two thirds - of those who completed the survey thought it would be more efficient to submit claims on-line rather than in hard copy. This feedback, as well as other views on what they would like to see in a new system, was built into the specification for a new system. Some of these suggestions included:

make it all electronic
being able to see invoices online
being able to submit online
see reports at any time not just once a month
an app where picture or receipt could be included and then submitted
be able to see progress of invoices/claims

We recognise that Members have experienced some difficulties during the roll out of the new system and the Allowances Office has worked with Members, their staff and our providers to rectify any issues experienced and to provide ongoing support and guidance as and when required.

Question reference: S6O-00443

Asked by: Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Stirling’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, following its inclusion in the longlist for selection.

Question reference: S6O-00425

Asked by: Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to tackle the reported backlog of colorectal cancer screening.

Question reference: S6O-00436

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that construction firms adhere to the highest building standards.

Question reference: S6O-00427

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address the reported backlog in at-home COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine appointments in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

Question reference: S6O-00445

Asked by: Tess White, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress in relation to A Culture Strategy for Scotland.

Question reference: S6O-00423

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the closure of Edington Cottage Hospital.

Question reference: S6O-00428

Asked by: Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the measures it has been taking as part of the Women’s Health Plan to improve access for women to appropriate support, speedy diagnosis and best treatment for endometriosis.