Chamber and committees

In recent years the Scottish Government has invested significantly in manufacturing support infrastructure. The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) represents a £75 million investment by the Scottish Government and its agencies and has a mission to make Scotland a global leader in advanced, sustainable manufacturing. The Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund also led to the establishment of a range of facilities across Scotland with either a regional or sectoral focus. These include the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre based at Heriot Watt University, Smart Hub Lanarkshire based at New Lanarkshire College and the Advancing Manufacturing Centre at West Highland College

Meanwhile, we continue to work with the UK Government and local partners on the delivery of tailored regional projects in support of the manufacturing economy. These include the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland and Investment Zone projects within the Glasgow City Region and The Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray within the Moray Growth Deal. We also anticipate that our Green Freeports package will have a catalytic effect on advanced manufacturing in the two regions affected.

Power of Attorney (PoA) applications in Scotland are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which is a part of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS). The SCTS is an independent body corporate and was established by the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008. The SCTS is not directly answerable to the Scottish Government, but rather has its own board, chaired by the Lord President.

Once a PoA is registered with the OPG, concerns about its use are generally addressed through investigation or civil court action, such as seeking removal of the attorney or appointment of a guardian. The OPG does not hold data on the number of civil court action cases brought to contest in the last three years, as it is not formally notified of them.

The Scottish Government (SG) has acknowledged that, while the current system for Powers of Attorney (PoAs) generally functions well, certain elements require improving and updating.

In January SG published analysis of responses to a consultation on proposals for reform of the Adults with Incapacity Act, including PoAs.

SG are now considering those responses and working towards modernising the AWI Act, taking forward recommendations from the Scottish Mental Health Law Review.

Officials from the Scottish Government last met with colleagues from the Office of the Public Guardian in relation to powers of attorney on 3 October 2023. This was to discuss recommendations from the Scottish Mental Health Law Review.

Screening policy in Scotland is based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an expert advisory group which advises the UK nations on all aspects of screening. The UK NSC reviewed the starting age for cervical screening in 2013 and recommended it should be increased from 20 to 25. The Scottish cervical screening programme therefore offers routine screening to women and people with a cervix who are aged between 25 and 64.

Since 2008, the HPV vaccination has also been offered to women under 25, which provides immunity to the virus that causes the majority of cases of cervical cancer. No cervical cancers have been found in those vaccinated in Scotland.

Nonetheless, in August 2021, the then Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Maree Todd, wrote to the UK NSC to ask them to keep the merits of lowering the age for cervical screening under review. To date, the evidence continues to support cervical screening beginning at the age of 25; a study found that for every 100,000 women invited for screening from the age of 20, an extra 8,000 women would need further investigation and 3,000 more would have unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment.

Provision of medical first aid at a major sporting event is the event organisers’ responsibility which, in this instance, is the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with event organisers to ensure that Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Boards and Public Health Scotland are appropriately engaged in planning groups for major sporting events.

Public sector health colleagues work meticulously with the event organisers and any procured private first aid and ambulance services to ensure adequate first aid and health care is provided to event participants, workforce and spectators, in line with guidance and requirements as set out in the Green and Purple Guides.

The Green Guide, or ‘Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds’, provides guidance on safety at sports grounds for stadium operators and event organisers. The Purple Guide is aimed at event organisers who are responsible for managing health and safety and at events in more general terms.

The 2025-26 Budget will provide a record £21.7 billion for Health and Social Care, including almost £200 million to reduce waiting lists and improve flow through hospitals. Gynaecology will be targeted as a key priority area for additional funding.

We are committed to ensuring those living with endometriosis are able to access the best possible care and support and that they benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care.

Endometriosis is one of the key priorities in the Women’s Health Plan and will continue to be so. Timely access to gynaecology services will also be a priority as we continue to develop the next phase of our Women’s Health Plan, which we aim to publish in 2025.

Guidance issued to NHS Boards by the Scottish Government states that in all new hospital developments, there should be a presumption of 100% single rooms, and where existing accommodation is being refurbished as close to 100% as possible is expected. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are working at pace on updated guidance for public bodies following the Supreme Court’s ruling, and the Scottish Government will await this guidance and review any relevant updates to NHSScotland patient policies and guides as appropriate.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-34345 on 28 February 2025. 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

Significant planning work has been undertaken for the Marine Fund Scotland (MFS) for 2025-26 and we hope to be able to confirm arrangements shortly. Potential applicants should provide their details to [email protected] if they wish to be added to the mailing list.