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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: S3O-07978

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can provide an update on the state of negotiations with regard to the forthcoming round of EU fisheries talks.

Question reference: S3W-27234

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 14 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Jim Mather on 24 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the UK Government following the publication of an advert by defence contractor QinetiQ for a post to “undertake Range modernisation, integration of Command and Control functions for the Aberporth and Hebrides Ranges, and implement remote control and monitoring of much of the Hebrides Range T&E equipment” given that it has not yet announced the outcome of the consultation into the downgrading of the Hebrides Range.

Question reference: S3W-27235

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 14 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Jim Mather on 24 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of an advert by defence contractor QinetiQ for a post to “undertake Range modernisation, integration of Command and Control functions for the Aberporth and Hebrides Ranges, and implement remote control and monitoring of much of the Hebrides Range T&E equipment”, whether it considers such a job advertisement to be consistent with the UK Government’s stated position that no decision has been taken on whether to accept QuinetiQ’s proposals for 125 job losses in Uist.

Question reference: S3O-07619

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Kenny MacAskill on 3 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on the provision of adequate tied police houses in rural areas as a means of ensuring that police cover is maintained in these areas.

The Scottish Government places great importance in ensuring all of Scotland''s communities receive effective policing. The government recognises that many police forces in Scotland therefore retain tied housing stock to help support operational policing in areas where housing would otherwise be difficult to obtain. The on-going management of police housing stock is a matter currently being discussed with police authorities.

Question reference: S3W-26331

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 06 August 2009
Current Status: Answered by Jim Mather on 7 August 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General will publish his annual report for 2008.

Scotland''s Population 2008: the Registrar General''s Annual Review of Demographic Trends is published today. The report contains information about births, deaths and marriages during the year, together with other demographic information. A copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament''s Information Centre (Bib. number 48487), or from the Registrar General''s website at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.

Question reference: S3O-07462

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 June 2009
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 18 June 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the provision of education for adult learners of Gaelic.

The Scottish Government recognises the vital role which Gaelic adult education has to play in creating a secure future for the language in Scotland. The Scottish Government also recognises the importance of increasing the opportunities for and the effectiveness of Gaelic adult education. There are a number of Gaelic adult education options in place and it is the Government''s intention that this provision should increase.

Question reference: S3W-24057

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 18 May 2009
Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 19 May 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its consultation paper on a draft crofting reform Bill.

Question reference: S3W-23411

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 30 April 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 May 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it is providing to NHS Western Isles in terms of its cumulative deficit of £3.1 million.

The Scottish Government is providing resources of £3.1 million to NHS Western Isles to clear a deficit built up in previous years. NHS Western Isles has balanced its books over the past two years (2007‘08 and 2008‘09) and the Scottish Government has now agreed a forward financial plan.

The Scottish Government will continue its work to assist the board, which is now also supported by its partner board, NHS Highland, in areas including human resources, governance and planning. Additional annual funding of £0.25 million has also been provided by the Scottish Government to support this collaborative working partnership.

This brokerage agreement is testimony to the Scottish Government''s commitment to patients in the Western Isles. NHS Western Isles has already come a long way to turn around its financial situation and we want to give the board a fresh start so that it can lay strong foundations for the future. This support is recognition of the progress that has been made to date. The repayment of brokerage means the board takes responsibility for the past, but in a manageable way, ensuring patient services will not be affected. The board is expected to make repayments over a period of six financial years commencing 2012‘13.

Question reference: S3O-06231

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 March 2009
Current Status: Answered by Jim Mather on 12 March 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is considering to support the Harris Tweed industry in light of recent job losses.

We were very concerned to hear that Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd. planned to close the mill in Stornoway for 12 months.

Scottish ministers are committed to supporting a strong and vibrant Harris Tweed sector and will work jointly with the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group to assist its sustainable development and growth. I met key stakeholders in Stornoway last August, my officials have been in continuing contact with the sector and I plan to hold a follow-up meeting as soon as possible.

In addition, our enterprise agencies are dedicating significant resources and assistance to help the industry compete. This includes capital investment, a skills audit, consumer research, an economic impact assessment, and assistance with promotion, marketing and communications strategies.

Question reference: S3W-21166

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 19 February 2009
Current Status: Answered by Stewart Stevenson on 2 March 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the public service obligation air route between Stornoway and Benbecula, commencing in April 2009, to be awarded.