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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.

MSPs can submit written questions to the Scottish Government, which will be answered by government ministers or the Law Officers. Written questions can be  used by MSPs to get detailed information about the activities of government departments.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days when the Parliament is sitting. Questions lodged within 10 counting days before, or during, a recess must be answered within 20 working days. 

Each written question has a unique reference number.  For example, S6W-12345. The first number refers to the parliamentary session, and the W indicates that it is a written question.

Government Initiated Questions (GIQs)

Written questions can be initiated by the Scottish Government to provide information to the Parliament. These are called Government Initiated Questions, or GIQs.  An MSP will be asked by the Scottish Government to lodge a GIQ in order to give a Minister the opportunity to answer it and put information in the public domain.