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We are greatly concerned by reports of children and under-age young people obtaining nicotine vaping products (NVPs). NVPs are an age restricted product and should not be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Laws are also in place which ban the purchase of vaping products for under-18s (proxy purchase), and stores need to have an age verification policy for the sale of tobacco and NVPs.

In October 2022, we wrote to all registered retailers of these products to remind them of their duty of sale and we regularly meet with Trading Standards on enforcement activity.

There are already regulations in place which restrict the marketing and promotion of vaping products to under 18s. Our recent consultation proposed additional restrictions and we are considering next steps. Any action we seek to take will build on the regulations already in place.

We will also publish our refreshed Tobacco Action Plan this year, which will include actions to reduce vaping among young people. We are reviewing vaping education for young people in schools and have also funded ASH Scotland to work with a range of youth organisations on the risks associated with vaping.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly made the case, to all relevant departments of the UK Government (in correspondence and in a range of established forums) for a guaranteed role in all stages of the negotiation and implementation of UK Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to protect and promote Scottish agricultural priorities. This is because, while the negotiation of FTAs is reserved to the UK Government, trade deals cover many devolved issues which have significant implications for Scottish agri-food producers and for our economy.

The Scottish Government had previously not been given full sight of relevant FTA chapter texts or supporting data from the Department of Business and Trade in the negotiation of the recent agreements such as UK-Australia and New Zealand deals. Through a recent information sharing agreement with the Devolved Administrations, the UK Government has now accepted the benefits of sharing greater information on trade negotiations, such as the agri-food elements of the agreement in principle on CPTPP accession.

We welcome this progress, and the Scottish Government will continue to work regularly and collaboratively with the UK Government in the interests of the Scottish agri-food sector, including by seeking further assurances from the UK Government about the agri-food elements of the UK-CPTPP agreement at the recent 17 April meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

61 Slurry Storage applications will be considered for funding through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme for 2023.

The Scottish Government have used evidence, data and advice from a range of sources to inform the decision to bring forward legislation to licence grouse shooting in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.

The Policy Memorandum which accompanies the Bill sets out in detail the evidence that was taken into account when developing the provisions for the Bill.

We have been observing the European Commission’s consideration of new genomic techniques with interest, and look forward to further information on their legislative proposals. We note that the Commission has stated these will be published in the second quarter of 2023.

Should the EU move to change its regulatory framework, as in other matters, we will consider the implications for Scotland as details become available. The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining alignment with the EU where appropriate and in Scotland’s interest, including the protection and advancement of the high environmental standards that both Scotland and the EU enjoy. As our biggest international trade partner, any changes in the EU may have implications for Scottish businesses. In addition to monitoring EU developments, other relevant regulatory changes around the world provide further important context.

Overall, it is of fundamental importance that Scotland’s regulatory approach to gene editing reflects the views and priorities of people in Scotland, and recognises the wider context in terms of impacts on international trade and consumer rights.

Covid-19 support for contractors through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme was a discretionary award dependent on the circumstances of the of individual organisations, developments and contractual arrangements.

Cunninghame Housing Association submitted 2 applications for assessment in March 2021 and both were assessed in line with published guidance. One claim was successful and the housing association was informed of the outcome in September 2021. A revised offer of grant was issued and all additional funding has been claimed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6O-02058 on‎ 17 April 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the Official Report can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-23-03-2023?meeting=15218

The cost crisis created an unprecedented challenge with the Scottish Government exploring all financial options to support the emergency response to help people and businesses through its Emergency Budget Review (EBR) in 2022.

The then DFM and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney MSP, publicly confirmed to Parliament in his EBR statement that the deferred budget of £33 million would be returned to the sector in future years, ensuring this money is ultimately used to deliver on Scotland's rural priorities.

Future budgets are set through the annual parliamentary Budget Bill process and the appropriate profile for returning this funding will be considered as part of the 2024-25 process.

I have written to the Defra Secretary of State twice regarding the designation of HPMAs in Scottish offshore waters. A meeting between Scottish Ministers and the Defra Minister of State for Biodiversity, Marine and Rural Affairs is currently being arranged to discuss the issue.

Scottish Ministers have not met with the Defra Secretary of State to discuss marine protection. I have written to consecutive Defra Secretaries of State on two occasions (June 2022 and October 2022) regarding powers for Scottish Ministers to designate HPMAs in Scottish offshore waters and suggesting a meeting to discuss respective priorities regarding the delivery of HPMAs. This meeting has been postponed twice but is currently being arranged.