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The Teckal exemption requires a challenging series of conditions to be met to avoid European procurement regulations. Notwithstanding the applicability, or otherwise, of the Teckal exemption, the European Commission’s Maritime Cabotage Regulations still require the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles ferry services, given the provision of state aid to support these services. Consequently, the Scottish Government has not discussed the Teckal exemption with the European Commission.

The Scottish Government notes that research commissioned by the Department for Transport concludes there are significant challenges in assessing the likely implications of a rise in HGV speed limits. What is clear is that the department forecasts the increase in HGV speed limits south of the border will lead to an increase in deaths and serious injuries.

With this in mind, the Scottish Government feels it is more appropriate to understand the outcomes of the trial currently underway on the A9, where the rise has been implemented in conjunction with an average speed camera system, than engage in further research which may be equally limited by the practical challenges of assessing such a change. We will also ensure that evidence emerging from the change in England and Wales is taken into account in future considerations of HGV speed limits.

CalMac Ferries Limited and Serco Caledonian Ferries Limited were given access to copies of the draft invitation to tender on 10 June 2015. It is planned to issue the formal invitation to tender to these companies on the 10 July 2015.

To meet the requirements of a complex procurement exercise and ensure the continued provision of the Clyde and Hebrides lifeline ferry services from 1 October 2016, the procurement timeline currently anticipates the award of contract to be announced at the end of May 2016.

The Scottish Government is not paying KPMG for their work on the CalMac pension fund.

The Scottish Government did not draw up the proposed changes to the CalMac pension fund; this was done by the employers in accordance with their responsibilities.

This government’s view is that public sector pension schemes must be fair, sustainable and affordable. In that way, pension schemes can continue to offer a fair deal to active and retired members, to employees, and to the public purse which directly or indirectly provides much of the current and future funding.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) do not routinely publish their inspection reports. CMAL are not responsible for the ports and vessels used by the Northern Isles ferry service.

This is an interesting proposal, which we will of course be mindful of, as we seek to improve our rail network in the north of the country. However, future consideration of any new rail enhancements on the Far North Line will be within the context of our investment hierarchy of maintaining and safely operating the network, then making best use of our existing network and finally targeted infrastructure improvements subject to funds becoming available.

The Scottish Government’s position is that public sector pension schemes must be fair, sustainable and affordable. Pension benefits are one part of the overall package of terms and conditions of employment with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. The current CalMac pension scheme is relatively generous and the changes proposed by the employer would retain an attractive, defined benefit scheme. Benefits accrued under the existing pension scheme would not be affected.

Transport Scotland and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd met on 9 April 2015 as part of routine coordination meetings to manage the joint tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services and the Harbour Operating Services. Transport Scotland does not intend on publishing minutes of these meetings.