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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: S5W-25875

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 October 2019
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 25 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects the proposals set out in the recently passed Transport (Scotland) Bill regarding bus services to come into effect.

The Transport (Scotland) Bill was passed on 10 October and is anticipated to receive Royal Assent before the end of this year.

A good deal of preparatory work will be undertaken on the significant volume of regulations and guidance required in relation to the new provisions on bus services. My officials will be engaging with local transport authorities and operators over the coming months in taking this work forward with a view to beginning commencement of the provisions during 2020.

Question reference: S5O-03692

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 31 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government how many carer and disability benefit recipients in the South Scotland region participate in the social security experience panels.

Question reference: S5W-25518

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what impact the introduction of workplace parking levies might have on business support for the establishment or renewal of business improvement districts.

The amendments introduced at Stage 2 of the Transport (Scotland) Bill provide the discretionary power for a local authority to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL). It is for a local authority proposing a WPL to set out the scope of the scheme it proposes for implementation. Given there is the potential for variation in how schemes are established it is for the local authority to assess the impact of their proposal.

Question reference: S5W-25519

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on introducing a sunset provision for the duration of workplace parking levies, as is the case for business improvement districts.

The amendments introduced at Stage 2 of the Transport (Scotland) Bill provide the discretionary power for a local authority to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL). It is for a local authority proposing a WPL to set out the duration of any scheme and arrangements for review, in the light of local circumstances. Before commencement of any scheme, local authorities are required to consult on any proposed workplace parking scheme including the proposed duration.

Question reference: S5W-25517

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its plan to introduce workplace parking levies, whether it is updating or reviewing the advice and support that it offers to firms regarding developing workplace travel plans.

Transport Scotland funds existing schemes which remain valid, offering employer the opportunity to develop workplace travel plans relevant to local circumstances. The Way to Work website signposts directly to all available support tools and funding streams which encourage active and sustainable travel within the workplace. The Travelknowhow Scotland online resource provides tailored advice and resources which employers can use to support their workforce to travel sustainably. Local Authorities are able to use their allocation of the annual £5m Smarter Choices Smarter Places Fund behaviour change programme to support local employers with workplace travel planning ideas.

Question reference: S5W-25520

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government how it will encourage local authorities to take a consistent approach toward the implementation and application of workplace parking levies.

The amendments introduced at Stage 2 of the Transport (Scotland) Bill provide the discretionary power for a local authority to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL). The provisions enable local authorities to work together to introduce a joint WPL. It is for a local authority proposing a WPL to set out the scope of the scheme it proposes within the context of its local transport strategy. This allows local authorities to develop a scheme to reflect local circumstances. The provisions require that a local authority publish this information in advance, carry out an assessment of impact and consult on any proposal.

Question reference: S5W-25411

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 19 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 3 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether it is able to issue an extension to the existing contract with Serco NorthLink Ferries Ltd for Northern Isles Ferry Services by direct award to the incumbent for a period commencing from 31 October 2019.

Question reference: S5O-03623

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 3 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported 11% increase in crime in Dumfries and Galloway in 2018-19.

The biggest contributor to the increase in police recorded crime in Dumfries & Galloway was growth in drug possession – which could to some extent be due to operational decisions in prioritising enforcement. Nevertheless, the harmful impact problem drug use has on our communities is clear, and we have convened a Drug Deaths Taskforce to advise on what further changes, in practice or in law, could help save lives and reduce harm.

More broadly we will continue to bear down on crime through protecting police budgets and substantial investment in preventative programs. Through this we’ve seen the percentage of adults who are victims of crime in Dumfries & Galloway fall from 14.6% in 2008-09 to 6.2% over 2016 to 2018, one of the lowest levels in Scotland.

Question reference: S5O-03642

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 02 October 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the impact on Scotland of Northern Ireland having a different economic relationship with the EU than the rest of the UK.

Question reference: S5W-25381

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 26 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government how its respiratory care action plan will ensure that there is an interstitial lung disease specialist in each hospital.