Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00316 on 5 June 2026. 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.

Digital prescribing is a high priority for the Scottish Government supported by new investment announced for General Practice in October 2025. The Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Programme is currently forecast to start implementation in mid 2028, with a phased roll out across the country.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00256 on 5 June 2026. 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 S7W-00539. on 8 June 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found athttps://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

Hospices play an invaluable role supporting patients and families at the most difficult time in their lives and we remain committed to supporting them.

The Private Jet Tax will be implemented as higher rates of Air Departure Tax (ADT)which will apply to the carriage of passengers by air on private jet flights from Scottish airports.

Potential incidental findings from lung screening include, but are not limited to, conditions such as tuberculosis, emphysema and bronchiectasis. NHS Scotland has yet to formally agree an incidental findings policy for their planned targeted lung cancer screening programme. The Lung Screening Programme Board has, however, agreed in principle to align all clinical guidance relating to the programme with that of the other UK nations, unless there is clear justification for an alternative approach.

NHS England's Lung Screening Clinical Advisory Group developed an Incidental Findings policy in 2025. It explains the potential significance of each finding, how and when it should be reported and what action the screening programme should take in each case. A complete list of potential incidental findings along with their recommended management can be viewed here: 2502-B1647-quality-assurance-standards-prepared-for-the-lung-cancer-screening-programme.pdf

The Scottish Government recognises that the availability and quality of business premises is a key enabler of economic growth across the South of Scotland.

Our National Planning Framework states that Local Development Plans should include a suitable range of business sites that meet current market demand, location, size and quality, and that planning authorities should support the delivery and reuse of business premises in line with need.

We have committed £15 million through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal to deliver modern, fit for purpose business units at the Borders Innovation Park in Tweedbank, and a further £8 million through the Borderlands Growth Deal to deliver new industrial and business premises at five sites across the south.

Our dedicated enterprise agency for the region, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), works with partners to improve the supply, suitability, and sustainability of business space as part of its wider support for place-based economic development.

SOSE commissioned a comprehensive survey of employment and business properties across the South of Scotland in 2020, covering property size, condition, location and local market dynamics. This analysis was refreshed in 2022 to reflect post-COVID impacts.

The survey findings - alongside current market intelligence and engagement with businesses and partners - have informed work to develop and enhance business premises where there is clear evidence of need and economic impact.

SOSE has, for example, worked with partners to support regeneration activity in the Midsteeple Quarter in Dumfries, where vacant town centre buildings are being brought back into productive use, including for commercial and business purposes.

The Scottish Government is delivering the strongest package of winter support in the UK.

Winter Heating Payment replaced the UK Government's Cold Weather Payment in February 2023. The payment is made automatically and provides stable and reliable support to help low-income households with winter heating costs, regardless of the temperature.

Official statistics published on 19 May 2026 shows that as of 31 March 2026, over 472,000 Winter Heating Payments were made to eligible clients, with the vast majority paid automatically in December 2025. The information requested for April 2026 is not yet published.

Further details are available on Social Security Scotland’s website at: Winter Heating Benefit Statistics.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00480 on 3 June 2026. 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.