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Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP who is not a member of the government. They provide a means for MSPs to get information from the Scottish Government. They are a critical part of the work of the Parliament. 

There are two types of parliamentary question:

• Written questions, which receive a written response
• Oral questions, such as Topical Questions, which are answered in the Debating Chamber

This introduction is intended for a general user.  More detailed information about parliamentary questions can be found in the Parliament rules and guidance section.

Portfolio Questions seek answers from particular government departments on particular subject areas.

The portfolios reflect the responsibilities of different Cabinet Secretaries. These are the current portfolios (January 2024):

• Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
• Finance and Parliamentary Business
• Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition
• Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
• NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
• Social Justice
• Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
• Justice and Home Affairs
• Education and Skills

The Portfolio Questions sessions usually take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The Presiding Officer may invite other MSPs to ask supplementary/follow-on questions to the questions which have been lodged and published in advance.

Portfolio Questions have the format S6O-12345.

You can see which questions are being asked in the What’s On section.