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-08200

Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 11 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many single parents have accessed further education in each year since 1999.

Question reference: S6W-08220

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 11 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how people with no digital or internet access can use ScotRail's half-price train ticket scheme.

Anyone with no digital or internet access can benefit from ScotRail’s half price ticket offer by phone via 0344 811 0153.

The number to call has been publicised by ScotRail from 9 May to enable customers to book their discounted Off-Peak tickets between 9 and 15 May 2022 inclusive, with outward travel valid Monday to Friday between 9 and 31 May 2022 inclusive. All open return travel must be complete by 30 June 2022.

Question reference: S6W-08104

Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 11 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has conducted any research into any dangers posed by lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles on ferries.

Question reference: S6W-08003

Asked by: Gillian Mackay, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 11 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 11 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether the next Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey or equivalent will (a) gather and (b) publish data about (i) the use of and (ii) attitudes towards vaping products and e-cigarettes.

There are currently no plans to recommission the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Attitude Survey (SALSUS).Over the past 4 years, the Scottish Government has been working with local authorities in developing a Health and Wellbeing Census.This Census is currently underway in Scottish schools and contains some key, high-level data which were previously collected in SALSUS.This includes questions on e-cigarettes, with both S2 and S4 pupils being asked about their frequency of use of these products. An additional question on usage and where these products were purchased is also asked of S4 pupils.

Results from the 2021-22 HWC are expected to be published towards the end of 2022.

Question reference: S6W-08048

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 13 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what the average grant paid out from the Young Patients Family Fund was in 2021-22.

Question reference: S6W-08021

Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what support is available to people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

While the Scottish Government’s role is to set the strategic policy for the NHS in Scotland, NHS Boards and healthcare professionals locally have responsibility for both service delivery and people’s care. NHS Boards are expected to ensure that patients, including those who require care and support for ME/CFS, have access to a range of professionals to provide the appropriate management of their condition.

We recently commissioned an independent organisation to engage with third sector and clinical stakeholders and people with lived experience, to discuss how we move forward in implementing the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) guideline recommendations on ME/CFS in Scotland, and in identifying priorities for service improvement. We are currently preparing to publish the final stakeholder consultation report and are considering its findings.

I was pleased to meet with #MEAction Scotland representatives in March 2022, to hear their views on improving the access to care and support for people affected by the condition.

Question reference: S6W-08052

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether the Young Patients Family Fund will cover travel to elsewhere in the UK for treatment.

The Young Patients Family Fund provides valuable financial support to eligible visitors of inpatients up to the age of 18 who are being treated in Scotland.

We recognise it is not possible to deliver all services and treatments in all locations. That is why, where patients are required to travel we already expect boards to take a patient centred approach and to have in place arrangements to allow and support people to receive treatment elsewhere. In addition, financial support for travel is available for patients and authorised escorts attending hospital appointments, in line with eligibility criteria and medical requirements.

Question reference: S6W-08051

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the Young Patients Family Fund to include support for 18- to 25-year-olds.

The Young Patients Family Fund provides valuable financial support to eligible visitors of inpatients up to the age of 18. There are currently no plans to extend the age range.

Those aged between 18 – 25 years old continue to have access to the Patient Travel Expenses Scheme or the Highlands and Islands Travel Scheme, both of which provide eligible claimants with support to meet travel costs associated with outpatient appointments.

Question reference: S6W-08050

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the Young Patients Family Fund to cover outpatient as well as inpatient treatment.

Question reference: S6W-08047

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 13 April 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 May 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how much was allocated for (a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) other expenses from the Young Patients Family Fund in 2021-22.