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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: S6W-11218

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 03 October 2022
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what work has been conducted to assess the potential of rail freight facilities serving docks in the Levenmouth area.

Recognising the important part that rail plays in facilitating longer distance journeys, the draft STPR2 recommendations published for consultation in January 2022 included one concerning investment in rail freight terminals and facilities. This recommendation (#44) recommends Transport Scotland supports industry partners in carrying out an updated market study for rail freight growth in Scotland (linked to the 2019 industry growth plan) including a review of rail freight terminals/hubs to confirm how to meet long-term mode shift requirements.

The potential for rail freight facilities to serve the dock area (at Methil Port) within Levenmouth would be considered as part of the aforementioned study. The STPR2 recommendations are currently being finalised and will be published later this year, informed by consideration of the consultation feedback received.

The STPR2 recommendation will build on the Scottish Government’s policy approach to supporting rail freight as outlined in our rail freight strategy of 2016 . This is strengthened by industry targets to grow rail freight and backed by the Scottish Government through past and current investment via our mode shift grant schemes.

In addition, SEStran are currently undertaking the “Go Forth Freight Study” funded by Transport Scotland’s Local Rail Development Fund, in conjunction with Forth Ports, to determine the potential cargo flows in/out/within the River Forth region and its associated ports and hubs which could be transferred onto more sustainable transport modes.

Moreover, Scottish Government Officials working with rail industry partners have engaged with potential rail freight customers to highlight the potential for the Levenmouth Rail Link. This has stimulated positive interest and discussions between potential customers and potential rail freight operators are known to be under way.

Question reference: S6O-01501

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to displaced people from Ukraine who are moving from temporary accommodation into permanent housing.

Question reference: S6W-11219

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 03 October 2022
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 13 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of how third sector organisations could benefit from accessing its electricity framework agreement.

The national framework for the Supply of Electricity wholesale volumes are bought up to 2½ years in advance in tranches, following a proven ‘hedging’ purchasing strategy overseen by a cross-sectoral Risk Management Committee. The Committee comprises senior managers representing procurement, finance and energy management interests.

Whilst energy prices have risen to unprecedented levels because of global influences, the Scottish Government purchasing strategy has mitigated some of the increases for customers on the framework. However, given the substantially increased risk that this market volatility has brought, the Risk Management Committee has temporarily suspended the on-boarding of all new customers with immediate effect in order protect the risk strategy and the organisations currently using the framework. Organisations that are currently customers (including some third sector bodies) will remain on the framework.

The Risk Management Committee will keep that decision under regular review and when market conditions and risk profile allow, will permit new customers to join.

Question reference: S6W-10993

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress with its consideration on joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance.

In line with the Scottish Government’s evidence based approach to policy development, we have committed to undertaking a programme of work and analysis to better understand Scotland’s energy requirements as we transition to net zero and how this aligns with our climate change targets. We continue to engage with BOGA and as part of a wider programme of analysis and engagement with a range of organisations and stakeholders.

Question reference: S6W-11050

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the 1,000 Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) that Scottish Water announced it will be monitoring as part of its Improving Urban Waters Route Map, and where monitoring data from these CSOs will be published.

Scottish Water is currently prioritising the CSOs which it intends to monitor as part of its Improving Urban Waters Route Map. Scottish Water will consider proximity to designated water bodies (for example Bathing Waters), high amenity areas, predicted spill frequency and where environmental problems have already been identified. Scottish Water expects to complete this activity before the end of this year and will publish these locations on its website.

Scottish Water has made commitments in its route map to publishing CSO monitoring data over the next two years. By the end of this year, Scottish Water will look to publish data already reported to SEPA on its website. Additional monitoring data will be made available as new monitors are installed.

Question reference: S6W-10992

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its Programme for Government 2021-22 commitment to publish a programme of work and analysis to better understand Scotland’s energy requirements as it transitions to net zero.

In the 2021-22 Programme for Government and as part of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Green Party, the Scottish Government committed to undertake an in-depth analysis to better understand our energy requirements as we transition to net zero. Work is underway and analysis will include a detailed assessment of oil and gas production in Scotland; a study of energy demand; and assessment of the just transition implications of the energy transition. This work will enhance the evidence base for policy making and is expected to report by the end of 2022.

Question reference: S6W-10718

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 28 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government when spill data for monitored combined sewer overflows controlled by Scottish Water will be published.

Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters Route Map published in December 2021 sets out clear timescales for the publication of spill data from monitored combined sewer overflows. The route map is published on Scottish Water’s website at https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2021/12/211221-Urban-Waters-Routemap

Specific commitments in terms of increasing reporting of spill data from monitored CSOs are:

by December 2022, for monitored CSOs where data is already currently reported to SEPA, publish spill data annually, identifying the main reason for the spills where possible (e.g. heavy rain, blockages or a flow issue at the treatment works). [153 monitoring locations]
by December 2023, publish spill data annually for all other monitored CSOs. [circa 200 additional monitoring locations but will increase in line with new monitors delivered through a commitment made in this same route map]
by December 2024, publish near real-time spill data for all monitored CSOs.

Question reference: S6W-10617

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Friday, 26 August 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what incentives exist to encourage solar farm developers to offer forms of community financial benefit.

Community benefits from renewable energy developments can help generate lasting social and economic benefit for communities across Scotland.

Our longstanding Good Practice Principles for Community Benefit from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments (2019) set national standards, which we encourage all renewable energy developers and communities to utilise, regardless of technology type.

We are keen to see the number of solar installations offering community benefit increase and, as we work with the solar sector towards solutions for its future in our forthcoming draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Strategy, will continue to encourage the sector to consider what packages of community benefit it can offer.

Question reference: S6W-10670

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 23 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the introduction of noise cameras on certain roads.

Transport Scotland is aware of the DfT Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement trials and will continue to monitor their progress and effectiveness. There is an established Transport Scotland remote sensing programme for vehicle emissions and how these relate to air quality. My officials are preparing to include noise monitoring in the next round of this programme later this year.

Setting of legal limits for noise levels from new vehicles is reserved to UK Government via the Construction and Use Regulations and enforced by Police Scotland. Any noise monitoring and enforcement trials tackling excessively noisy car exhausts within Scottish towns or cities would be the collective responsibility of Police Scotland and the relevant road authority, which we would be happy to support as appropriate.

Question reference: S6O-01387

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 28 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to consult further on electoral reform in Scotland.