Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-03073 on 23 September 2026, which provides both the number of NHS Scotland compensation claims managed through the Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS), and the amount reimbursed in relation to those claims.

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.

The information requested requires further collation and verification. I will write to the member as soon as this work is complete, and a copy of that correspondence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 66908).

The sale, import and product standards of off-road vehicles, and their registration, are largely reserved to the UK Government. Scottish Ministers have previously asked the UK Government to introduce compulsory registration of off-road vehicles. We will continue to press it on these matters as a shared challenge across the UK.

Within devolved competence, we are considering how the response to the antisocial use of vehicles can be strengthened. This includes exploring removal of the requirement for police to give a warning before seizing a vehicle used antisocially under section 126 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004. We are also reviewing the secondary legislation governing the retention and disposal of seized vehicles.

The police already have a range of powers. Riding a motorbike off-road without lawful authority is an offence, and a vehicle used in that way can be seized and, following prosecution, forfeited. Police can also seize vehicles used antisocially, or driven on a road without a licence or insurance. The use of these powers in Fife is an operational matter for Police Scotland.

The Scottish Government is committed to engaging collaboratively with local government, providers, people with lived experience, the workforce, trade unions and other key partners as this work develops.

The arrangements for this dialogue, including how different stakeholders will participate, are currently being developed. The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that providers of all sizes, including small and micro care at home providers and community organisations, make to the delivery of care and support across Scotland, and will consider how relevant voices can be reflected as plans for engagement are finalised.

The Scottish Government has been monitoring settlement agreement proposals since 2014-15, which is the first reporting year for which NHSS settlement records are available. The last year for which this data is available is 2025-26. The cost to NHS Scotland each year during this period is given in the following table.

The information requested requires further collation and verification. I will write to the member as soon as this work is complete, and a copy of that correspondence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 66908).

The information requested requires further collation and verification. I will write to the member as soon as this work is complete, and a copy of that correspondence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 66908).

Public Health Scotland (PHS) releases statistics, as part of the monthly Stage of Treatment (SoT) publication, covering waits for new outpatient appointments under the 12-week standard, and for inpatient and day case admissions covered by the 12-week Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG). The latest statistics are published up to 31st July 2026 and can be found using the link below:

https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/stage-of-treatment-waiting-times/

Quality assured data relating to the number of additions and removals to the waiting list outside of Scotland for a new outpatient appointment, or for inpatient and day case admission, have been published since 31 December 2012 onwards and can be found using the links below.

https://publichealthscotland.scot/media/40088/newop_jul26-data-file-up-to-30-june-2026.xlsx

https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/media/40087/ipdc_jul26-data-file-up-to-30-june-2026.xlsx

It is important to note that there are minimal data quality checks carried out on the location of treatment. Neither Scottish Government or PHS hold accurate information on the number of referrals to NHS commissioned independent sector providers outside of Scotland.

The Scottish Government has been monitoring settlement agreement proposals since 2014-15, which is the first reporting year for which NHSS settlement records are available. The last year for which this data is available is 2025-26. The number of settlements signed by NHS Scotland each year during this period is given in the following table.

Ministers and officials undertaking overseas travel are required to ensure that such travel represents value for money, supports the delivery of government priorities and complies with the Scottish Ministerial Code and relevant Scottish Government travel policies. Decisions on international engagement are based on the anticipated benefits to Scotland rather than the cost of any single journey in isolation.

The First Minister's visit to the United States took place during Scotland's first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years and provided an excellent opportunity to advance the four priorities of Scotland's International Strategy: economy, climate, equality and stronger international relationships. The programme secured engagement with investors, promoted Scotland's export and investment opportunities, strengthened political, academic and cultural partnerships, supported key sectors including food and drink and clean energy, and helped maximise the significant international profile generated by Scotland's participation in the tournament.

This has become more important in the aftermath of the UK leaving the European Union. That has left the UK more isolated, made business more difficult, removed rights from UK citizens and costing taxpayers tens of billions of pounds. That has had a significant impact on Scottish institutions, businesses and citizens making our international engagement vital as one of the means of seeking to overcome some of that damage.