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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.

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Question reference: S5W-15274

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 27 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the pilot scheme of increasing HGV speed limits from 40mph to 50mph on sections of the A9, and what plans it has to expand this trial to include (a) the A77, (b) the A75 and (c) other routes.

Question reference: S5W-15599

Current Status: Withdrawn

Question reference: S5O-01961

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that, in instances of bullying, schools act to protect both parties and ensure that the school environment remains a safe place.

Question reference: S5W-15277

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 21 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12701 by Humza Yousaf on 23 November 2017, in light of the objection period for the proposed return to a 70mph speed limit being closed more than two years ago, whether it is possible to provide an estimate of when Transport Scotland’s review will deliver a recommendation, and what its position is on the time taken by this review.

There were a number of objections to the proposal to return to a national speed limit on this section of the A77. Addressing the issues raised by these requires that the we assess the evidence available diligently and make a decision that best reflects the need to maintain a safe and efficient Trunk Road network. As I have previously indicated, we expect to be able to make a decision in spring of this year and remain on track to do so.

Question reference: S5W-15057

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 05 March 2018
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 21 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendation in the Healthcare Improvement Scotland review of the NHS Ayrshire and Arran maternity unit in June 2017, and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport's commitment to making cardiotocography (CTG) training compulsory for all midwives at least twice a year, whether this recommendation has been fully implemented.

NHS Education for Scotland convened a working group to make recommendations for a programme of core mandatory update training for midwives and obstetricians in Scotland including cardiotocography (CTG) training. The group submitted its report to Government in late January. Scottish Government are considering the proposals within the report, assessing the implications for Boards and the maternity workforce, and identifying actions that would be required to implement the recommendations and a timetable for that action. It is expected that this work will conclude shortly and that Boards will begin working towards implementation in summer 2018.

Question reference: S5W-15124

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 07 March 2018
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 16 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government when the independent assessor to review the transport infrastructure needs for the South Scotland region will be appointed, and when that work will commence.

Question reference: S5W-15030

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 02 March 2018
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to installing average speed cameras on the A77 between the Holmston and Whitletts roundabouts, in light of a recent fatal car crash and reports of regular car racing on this section of road.

Safety cameras are deployed through the Scottish Safety Camera Programme primarily where they have the greatest potential to reduce injury collisions and where there is evidence of both collisions and speeding. Site selection requirements are set out in the programme handbook which is available at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/4798/scottish-safety-camera-programme-handbook2.pdf

Transport Scotland have held discussions with key stakeholders following reports of anti-social driver behaviour on the A77 between Holmston and Whitletts roundabouts. In response, Police Scotland have directed resource into this area to encourage improved driver behaviour and speed limit compliance.

Question reference: S5W-14951

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 February 2018
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to repair the A77/M77, in light of the potential damage or accidents that could occur as a result of a reported increase in the number of large potholes.

Winter 2017-2018 has seen a return to more standard Scottish winter conditions, following previous milder winters. Consequently, the recent prolonged period of difficult winter weather conditions, with a recurring pattern of snow, rain, freeze and thaw, has been such that significant deterioration has occurred widely throughout the network

A considerable programme of work is being delivered to improve the condition of the road surface on the A77/M77. This includes ongoing safety inspections and patching of isolated potholes, alongside the delivery of larger resurfacing schemes. An additional £500,000 (over and above the existing investment programme) has been secured and is being used to deliver major resurfacing schemes on the route. These schemes are programmed to be delivered during March at Doonholm Road, Kennedys Pass and Straids Pass. Further resurfacing schemes have also been accelerated for delivery during the same period at Kilphin to Auchairne, Kirkoswald, South of Holmston Roundabout and Auchencrosh.

Connect, the DBFO company which maintains the M77 between junctions 5 and 8, undertook emergency repairs on 26 January and further patch repairs overnight on 29 January and 30 January. Connect will also be undertaking a further programme of carriageway resurfacing in April when 28,000 square metres of surfacing will be replaced.

Question reference: S5O-01863

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 February 2018
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 7 March 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gives to the provision of teaching life skills as part of the school curriculum.

Question reference: S5W-14416

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 05 February 2018
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 22 February 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the introduction of a national standard for fracture liaison services.

The Scottish Government’s National Falls lead is about to start work with a wide range of stakeholders on the development of a Falls and Fracture Prevention Consensus Statement and Commitment. The value of and evidence for Fracture Liaison Services will be taken in to consideration in the development of the statement, along with other evidence-based approaches to falls and fracture prevention.