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-02352

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 19 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 13 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that (a) Forth Ports and (b) other port operators have appropriate measures in place, such as demarcation areas or no activity areas, to protect the public using the water for recreation, while ensuring the requirements of the access code are maintained.

Ports in Scotland are operated as independent statutory bodies and governed by their own local legislation. This is subject to public consultation and Ministerial approval. The Scottish Government has no remit in the day-to-day operation of ports, which is the responsibility of the relevant port authority.

The Port Marine Safety Code sets out a national standard for port marine safety in ports throughout the UK. The Code aims to enhance safety for everyone who uses or works in the UK port marine environment. It is endorsed by the UK Government, the devolved administrations and representatives from across the maritime sector. Whilst the Code is not mandatory, there is an expectation that all harbour authorities will comply with it. The Code is intended to be flexible enough that any size or type of harbour or marine facility will be able to apply its principles in a way that is appropriate and proportionate to local requirements.

Port marine safety is governed not only by marine legislation, such as the Pilotage Act 1987 and Merchant Shipping Act 1995 as referred to in the Code, but also by general legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 .

The right of responsible non-motorised access to land enshrined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 applies to both land and inland water. These access rights, set out as rights and responsibilities in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, do not however apply to ports and harbours.

Question reference: S6W-02353

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 19 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 13 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what legal duty (a) Forth Ports and (b) other port operators in the Firth of Forth have to ensure the safety of any members of the public who are lawfully using the water for recreational purposes under Outdoor Access legislation.

Question reference: S6W-02424

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Friday, 20 August 2021
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on talks with the Scottish Green Party on a potential co-operation agreement.

As I advised Parliament on 26 May, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party committed to exploring opportunities for cooperation and joint working

I am pleased to advise Parliament that the Scottish Government has today published drafts of a joint cooperation agreement and a shared policy programme, Working together to build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland .

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-cooperation-agreement

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-shared-policy-programme

Together, these set out our plans for close cooperation and collaboration that will allow us to work together to deliver the bold policies and programmes we need for the challenges we face. We are also determined that this new approach will change the dynamic of our politics for the better and in line with the founding principles of our Parliament.

Question reference: S6F-00142

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 21 June 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 June 2021

Question to be taken in Chamber.

Question reference: S6O-00050

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 June 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 June 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that money invested in economic recovery by way of grants, loans and other funding will support fair work practices and climate obligations for any companies that receive support.

Question reference: S6F-00041

Asked by: Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 01 June 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 June 2021

Question to be taken in Chamber.