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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: S5W-25514

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 4 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-20486 by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 December 2018, when the branded tick removers will be distributed, and where these will be made available.

A number of branded tick removers were purchased by Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to aid promotion of the 'avoiding bugs and germs outdoors' webpage on NHS Inform. These have been distributed throughout the summer to organisers of and/or exhibitors at various events including the World Orienteering event in Perthshire, agricultural shows including the Royal Highland Show, science festivals including Glasgow Science Festival, and to those organising educational programmes on outdoor activity in schools.

A quantity were supplied to the National Trust for Scotland for distribution via their Countryside Teams and through their explorer backpack project. A quantity were also supplied to Ramblers Scotland for distribution as part of their Out There Award Scheme.

Question reference: S5W-25286

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 3 October 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on establishing a Scottish Energy Networks Group, as outlined in its 2030 vision for Scotland’s electricity and gas networks.

The Scottish Government continues to engage closely with senior representatives from industry, Government and consumer groups to help achieve our goals as set out in the recently published Networks vision to 2030.

An important part of that engagement will take place through the Energy Networks Group which we aim to have first meeting before the end of the year as part of the revised structure providing support to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board.

We believe that Scotland’s experience makes us well placed to lead on the networks’ role in the energy transition to a net zero economy.

Question reference: S5W-25285

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 26 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the proposed benefits of the expansion of pumped storage hydro at Cruachan in relation to securing flexibility and storage capacity for Scotland's energy mix.

The Scottish Government co-authored a report, in partnership with Scottish Renewables, that details the benefits of pumped storage hydro. This report can be found here: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/publications/benefits-pumped-storage-hydro-uk/ .

The report aims to push the need for a route to market, especially to UK Government, so far, without success.

While we cannot comment on the specifics of the proposed expansion of Cruachan, pumped storage hydro is one of the best proven technologies available at scale to provide the required flexibility our electricity system requires.

Pumped storage hydro can provide a wide range of benefits, including, reliable energy storage, alleviating congestion cost and economical security of supply. The Scottish Government supports its continued development as we transition into a low-carbon energy future.

Question reference: S5W-25024

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 29 August 2019
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 20 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what support it can offer or is offering to former consumers of Our Power, who are reportedly facing ongoing issues regarding their energy supply.

Our Power went into administration in January 2019 with their customers transferred to Utilita Energy. When an energy supplier goes out of business, the GB energy regulator Ofgem uses a competitive process called the Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR) to select a new supplier that it thinks can provide the best deal for consumers. While responsibility for SOLR rests with Ofgem, the Scottish Government would be happy to raise any consumer concerns with them.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all energy consumers, including the most vulnerable, can access the advice and support they need. Any consumer who is facing difficulty with their energy supply can get help and support from Citizens Advice who can refer case to the Extra Help Unit if needed. The consumer helpline can be contacted on 03454 04 05 06.

Question reference: S5W-25023

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 29 August 2019
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 20 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking or can take to increase the number of suppliers available to homes that are electric only.

Question reference: S5W-25022

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 29 August 2019
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 20 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what efforts it is making or can make to ensure that electric-only supplied houses are provided a broad choice of suppliers.

Consumer fairness is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We continue to call on the UK Government for an equitable energy market that serves all consumers fairly regardless of location, circumstance or meter type.

I recently responded to Ofgem’s consultation on effective competition in the domestic retail market, highlighting that the CMA’s package of remedies has not delivered consistently for consumers in Scotland. We continue to work with Ofgem to ensure full consideration is given to how distinct characteristics of the Scottish market can impact on consumer’s ability to engage in the energy market.

In particular, Scotland has a comparatively high number of consumers using electric heating. We are committed to providing targeted support for these consumers, which is we fund Home Energy Scotland who are rolling out an enhanced advice service for electric heating consumers. This service will help users to make informed choices about which supplier is best for them.

The regulation of energy markets for electricity and gas are matters that remain reserved under the Scotland Act (1998). We are, however, committed to using our devolved consumer advocacy powers to best effect and are developing new ways to ensure Scottish consumer interests are effectively heard and acted on at the UK level. The Scottish Government’s recently published Energy Consumer Action Plan will make sure that needs and expectations of Scottish energy consumers drive change in the evolving energy market as we transition to a net zero economy.

Question reference: S5W-25073

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 September 2019
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 18 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-05394 by Roseanna Cunningham on 20 December 2016, for what reason statutory protection of the freshwater pearl mussel population in the unnamed water, river X, has still not been implemented.

Question reference: S5W-25200

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 05 September 2019
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 17 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings.

The Scottish Government remains committed to achieving the vision of our Energy Efficient Scotland (EES) Programme that by 2040 our homes and buildings are warmer, greener and more efficient.

The EES Route Map, published in May 2018, outlines our objectives for all Scotland’s buildings including traditional and listed buildings. It specifies that all properties should achieve certain energy efficiency standards by sector specific deadlines where cost effective and technically feasible (see EES Route Map ).

The Scottish Government continues to fund free and impartial advice through Home Energy Scotland. Advisors have received specialist training from Historic Environment Scotland to provide appropriate advice. Historic Environment Scotland also provide advice on saving energy in traditional buildings on their own website .

As we develop and deliver the EES Programme, we will continue to work with our partners, including Historic Environment Scotland and local authorities, to ensure that the Programme helps to maintain or improve the energy efficiency of our traditional buildings without diminishing their contribution to our sense of place and cultural identity.

Question reference: S5F-03530

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 09 September 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 12 September 2019

To ask the First Minister when an action plan for delivery of residential services for drug and alcohol rehabilitation across the country will be provided, in line with its Drug and Alcohol Strategy.

Question reference: S5O-03510

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 04 September 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 11 September 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its anticipated timescale is for the progress of the Scottish Elections (Reform) Bill.