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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Find out more about parliamentary questions

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Question reference: S6W-16520

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 30 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 21 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what work it is undertaking to develop a national cervical cancer elimination strategy.

The Scottish Government is continuing to take steps towards achieving the World Health Organisation’s targets to eliminate cervical cancer. As part of this, we have recently provided funding to Strathclyde University to conduct research into modelling that will estimate when we might expect to reach the point of elimination.

83.9% of S4 pupils in 2021/22 completed the two dose schedule for the HPV vaccine in Scotland. From January this year, a one dose schedule will be introduced for all those eligible in the programme up to their 25th birthday. It is expected this simplified schedule will increase uptake further. One-dose HPV vaccine coverage is currently 91.5% for girls in S4. The Scottish Government will continue to work with Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Health Boards to maintain high vaccination uptake.

Data regarding cervical screening uptake in Scotland is due to be published by Public Health Scotland later this year, and efforts are on-going to improve uptake. We have awarded £456,000 to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to support campaign work on screening benefits. Additionally, in preparation for a potential UK National Screening Committee recommendation, the screening programme continues to consider the steps necessary for introducing cervical self-sampling, which has the potential to remove some of the barriers which deter people from attending screening appointments.

We are developing a new 10 year cancer strategy which will launch in spring this year and take a comprehensive approach to improving patient pathways from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care.

Question reference: S6W-16451

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 21 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding restrictions on gaming, including mechanisms to reduce time spent playing games online.

Question reference: S6W-16450

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 21 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a strategy for tackling gaming addiction in children.

In Scotland gaming addiction in children and young people is treated as a compulsive disorder and not as a standalone condition. The Scottish Government understands that compulsive disorders such as gaming addiction can be both debilitating and distressing. We expect children and young people in Scotland with any compulsive disorders to receive the appropriate help and support that they need when they need it.

Since 2020 we have invested over £300,000 to provide a range of resources for children, young people and parents on healthy use of screen time, social media, online gaming and their known impacts on sleep and emotional and mental wellbeing. This includes the ‘Mind yer time’ web resource, created in partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament and Children’s Parliament, and advice hosted on ParentClub.Scot .‎

In common with other issues classed as addiction or compulsive behaviours we would direct children, young people and their families who have concerns around gaming addiction to seek support from their GP in the first instance.

Treatment for compulsive disorders or addiction is delivered by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and ongoing support for those children and young people facing these issues is provided through local NHS boards.

Question reference: S6O-02159

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scotrail regarding improving Sunday train services in west central Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-16924

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 06 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 19 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many train stations currently impose toilet charges.

Question reference: S6W-16923

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 06 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 19 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether there are any plans to abolish toilet charges at train stations.

Question reference: S6W-16519

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 30 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 18 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the mental health of women who are reportedly experiencing long waits for referrals for colposcopy.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16518 on 27 April 2023. This answer set out action being taken to enhance capacity and facilitate increased activity within colposcopy services.

We recognise that uncertainty while waiting can have an impact on health and wellbeing. That is why we are undertaking a new programme of work, ‘Waiting Well’, which aims to support an active waiting well period by providing access to good information, signposting to local services and community assets, and to professional support and services as required.

In addition, we have launched a Women’s Health Platform on NHS Inform to help women find the information they need on a range of issues relating to their health. The platform hosts information and advice on mental health as well as a series of self-help guides. These offer practical help and support with mental health symptoms and sign post to further support from NHS24 mental health services, Breathing Space and NHS psychology services as required.

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

Question reference: S6W-16518

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 30 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to NHS boards to address colposcopy waiting times.

To support scope based diagnostics we have published an Endoscopy and Urology Diagnostic Recovery and Renewal Plan which is backed by a £70m investment. The plan focuses on key areas such as: Balancing Demand and Capacity; Workforce Training and Development; Infrastructure; and Innovation and Redesign.

In recognition of the pressures on Colposcopy services specifically, we have provided over £660,000 additional funding to NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside to support capacity.

This funding was used to enhance capacity through recruitment and additional clinics, including at weekends, to allow increased activity and reduce demand on consultant time.

Question reference: S6O-02124

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 20 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to support the development and expansion of Glasgow's International Financial Services District in the past year.

Question reference: S6W-15814

Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 10 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Elena Whitham on 20 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government, as it relates to Scotland, regarding the appointment of an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, in light of the post having been vacant since April 2022.

The Scottish Government has regular communication with the UK Government on a range of issues relating to human trafficking and exploitation, including the vacant role of Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

Section 40 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 sets out that the Secretary of State must appoint an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

While we understand that a second appointment round is now underway, the delay in replacing the former Commissioner is unacceptable at a time of UK Government legislation which seeks to prohibit access to vital support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland.