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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-31398

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 18 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to improve waiting times for endometriosis diagnosis.

We are committed to ensuring those living with endometriosis are able to access the best possible care and support and that they benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care.

Through the Women’s Health Plan we are taking steps to support both women and health professionals to learn more about endometriosis, the symptoms and treatment options to improve the diagnostic process. Our Women’s Health Plan Final Report on progress provides further details of our work to date.

When developing the next phase of the Plan we will build on this progress and seek to ensure that all women receive a timely diagnosis for endometriosis together with access to the care and support that they need.

Question reference: S6W-31401

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 18 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many children are currently estimated to live in a household in which at least one parent or parental figure exhibited hazardous drinking behaviour, following the findings of the 2019 Public Health Survey.

Prevalence of children living with a parent with hazardous or harmful drinking levels was published in the 2019 Scottish Health Survey Report, available here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/pages/7/. Scottish Government is working to update this analysis based on the latest published data from the Scottish Health Survey and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 65497).

Question reference: S6W-31402

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 18 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to increase breast health awareness.

NHS Inform provides information regarding breast health, such as on the possible signs of breast cancer with recommendations to contact a GP with any concerns. All women aged 50-70 in Scotland are invited for breast screening every three years.

Evidence shows that the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over. Women aged 71 and over can self-refer for breast screening, should they choose to. Information regarding the benefits of attending screening appointments is included in the invitation to screening appointments, as well as on NHS Inform.

Question reference: S6W-31400

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 18 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 2 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to test for the use of any newer illicit substances by prisoners, such as psychoactive drugs, that are currently undetectable by urine tests.

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

Following the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, SPS took the decision to not seek to amend its mandatory drug testing policy to include testing for psychoactive substances. This was due to the continual changing compounds used within psychoactive substances and remains the position to date.

By working closely with partners such as Police Scotland, SPS must and does remain vigilant to the continuously evolving nature of drug use to ensure our use of technology and tactical measures remain current, adaptable, and capable of detecting and preventing drugs from entering our prisons; and we continue to consider what testing options may be most effective for the SPS to use.

SPS will continue to work with partners to prevent the introduction of contraband and seek convictions where appropriate.

Question reference: S6W-31524

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 28 November 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support individuals who are affected by the physical and mental side effects of prolonged methadone use or misuse.

The Scottish Government recognises the work being done by local services, including community and grass roots organisations, in supporting individuals affected by the physical and mental side effects of methadone use as an evidence-based first line treatment option.

To ensure local services are focused on the needs of people the Scottish Government continues to provide record levels of funding, particularly through our National Mission and through the implementation of our Cross-Government Plan which includes the implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment standards and the launch in December of the Charter of Rights for people affected by substance use.

Question reference: S6W-31516

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 28 November 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that prescribed methadone is not misused.

In accordance with codes of practice and clinical guidelines, administration of methadone is usually supervised to ensure it is not misused. Supervised administration is in place for community pharmacies, justice settings and in third sector services, including homelessness settings.

NRS statistics on Drug Related Deaths published in 2024 show an increasing number of cases where Methadone is implicated. The statistics also show that poly-drug use is one of the most significant challenges faced by Scotland, with methadone included in poly-drug use.

However, through the implementation of the MAT standards, significant numbers of people on OST treatment are choosing to move onto long-acting injectable buprenorphine (brand name Buvidal). The Scottish Government continues to support the availability of Buvidal as a choice for people where its use is more clinically appropriate than methadone or other alternatives.

Question reference: S6W-31517

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 28 November 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether the Medication Assisted Treatment standards have been fully implemented.

The Scottish Government has committed to full implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards 1-10 in community and justice settings by April 2025, and for this implementation to be sustained by April 2026.

The implementation of the MAT standards is being supported and monitored by Public Health Scotland, who publish an annual benchmarking report each June. And the requirement for quarterly progress update reports to SG from local areas, against their Implementation Plan, is continuing.

Question reference: S6O-04068

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 4 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in advance of the winter months.

Question reference: S6W-31519

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 27 November 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to mitigate any significant side effects and risks associated with prolonged methadone use.

The Scottish Government recognises that the prescribing of methadone, and all forms of OST, is a matter for clinicians in consultation with individuals and that the risks of prolonged use and any possible side effects are a matter for clinicians who are bound by professional codes and evidence-based UK-wide clinical guidance on this.

The Scottish Government agreed with recommendations made by the Drug Deaths Taskforce who recommended that more choice should be available on the types of OST offered where appropriate and notes that a significant proportion of people have chosen to move from methadone and oral buprenorphine to long acting injectable buprenorphine since the introduction of the medication Assisted Treatment standards in May 2021.

However, methadone remains a recommended, evidence-based first line option for clinicians and individuals according to independent codes and clinical guidance.

Question reference: S6W-31523

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 27 November 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what investment it is making in preventative measures in relation to heroin addiction.

The Scottish Government remains committed to funding local services who make decisions on commissioning and planning services for people impacted by drugs, including heroine. Funding to local areas where decisions on preventative measures are taken remains at an all-time high, supplemented by additional funding over the life of the current Parliament through our National Mission. It is important that decisions are taken and plans are made locally to take account of local need.