About questions and answers
Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP who is not a member of the government. They provide a means for MSPs to get information from the Scottish Government. They are a critical part of the work of the Parliament.
There are two types of parliamentary question:
- Written questions, which receive a written response
- Oral questions, such as Topical Questions, which are answered in the Debating Chamber
This introduction is intended for a general user. More detailed information about parliamentary questions can be found in the Parliament rules and guidance section.
First Minister's Questions (FMQs)
The First Minister usually answers questions from MSPs in the Debating Chamber each Thursday from midday to 12.45pm.
First Minister's Questions starts with questions from the leader of the largest opposition party. There are then questions from the leaders of other political parties. The number of MSPs a party has determines whether a party leader is entitled to ask questions each week.
After questions from party leaders, the First Minister then takes questions from other MSPs that have been selected by the Presiding Officer earlier in the week. MSPs may be invited by the Presiding Officer to ask supplementary questions following each of these questions.
The Presiding Officer then usually calls several MSPs who have indicated that they wish to ask questions of a local or general nature. These supplementary questions are not selected by the Presiding Officer in advance of FMQs taking place or published prior to them being asked.
The questions selected by the Presiding Officer prior to FMQs taking place are published in the What’s On section but questions from opposition leaders are not. They are listed instead as “Question to be taken in Chamber”. This means the First Minister cannot see those questions in advance.
Questions for FMQs have the format S6F-12345.
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Topical Questions