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Thanks very much.

Professor Fothergill opened his mouth; I thought that he was going to say something.

Thank you. I have another question, but before I move on, do any other members of the panel want to contribute?

Thank you. I am going to go to David Freeman again, because the paper from the ONS says:

“Data suggests that some of the increased inactivity could be due to long COVID.”

That suggests that you might take a slightly different view from Professor Fothergill.

That is a very interesting reply, because it leads me neatly on to the second question that I was going to ask, which picks up what you say in your paper about the impact on the labour market of long-term sickness and, in particular, long Covid. You suggest in your paper that you are quite sceptical about the idea that long Covid is a major factor in an increase in economic inactivity.

We can move on—I put the same question to David Freeman of the ONS.

Good morning to the panel. I will pursue a couple of issues, if time will permit.

First, I am interested in understanding to what extent the issues that we are seeing in the labour market, in particular with economic activity, are specific to Scotland or are in line with what is happening elsewhere, whether in other parts of the UK or internationally. Are there Scotland-specific aspects that we should be interested in? I appreciate everything that you have said about the data, and that there might be gaps there, but I am interested in hearing some views on that issue. Perhaps Dr Hannah Randolph, of the Fraser of Allander Institute, can start with some thoughts.

To follow that up, is it possible to draw any comparisons internationally, or do we not have the data that would allow us to do that?

Good morning, Professor Morris. Thank you for joining us. I have a question on recommendation 3 in your interim report, which is the need to develop stronger

“linkages to Scottish, UK, and international scientific advisory structures, networks, and agencies”.

At times during the two years of the Covid pandemic, we saw politicians in the various parts of the United Kingdom taking different decisions. However, in essence, they based those on scientific advice, which one would assume was largely the same in those different parts. Does that point to a need for more co-operation when it comes to taking decisions—for example, about bringing in restrictions? Alternatively, is it just inevitable that politicians will go their own way, or does it point to a need for scientists to work together more closely?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. I will follow up on the convener’s first question, which was about the strategic framework.

Over the past few weeks, we have taken a lot of evidence about the continuing costs of Covid-19 and preparedness across the public sector for potential future variants or a rise in cases. For example, the NHS must maintain investment in vaccination, surveillance and personal protective equipment. You mentioned the figure of £485 million in the current year. I do not expect you to come up with any numbers, but projecting ahead, do you expect a similar figure or a lower one to be required in next year’s budget? What is your thinking about the level of public sector investment that will be required against the risk of a future outbreak?