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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.

General Questions can cover any area for which the Scottish Government is responsible.

However, MSPs cannot lodge General Questions on issues within the portfolios that are covered by the Portfolio Questions sessions that week.

The General Questions session usually takes place on Thursday mornings. The Presiding Officer may invite other MSPs to ask supplementary/follow-on questions to the questions which have been lodged and published in advance.

General Questions have the format S6O-12345.