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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.

Find out more about parliamentary questions

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Question reference: S6O-00114

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 September 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing a commission to prevent violence against women, in all its forms.

Question reference: S6W-02209

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government by what date community and amateur choirs will be able to resume in-person practice and gatherings.

Since 9 August, Scotland has moved beyond Level 0 restrictions and therefore beyond the Protection Levels system. This means that all venues are now allowed to open and most legal restrictions have been removed.

The Scottish Government has published summary guidance to support the reopening of cultural performances events, setting out in one place the remaining legal requirements and good practice precautionary measures most relevant to the sector, as well as a statement about long-term recovery.

The guidance is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening of cultural performances and events guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

Question reference: S6W-02103

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 09 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a means by which neurodiverse school pupils could be exempted from the requirement to have a negative PCR test before returning to school, after being identified as a close contact of a pupil or teacher who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As outlined in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools guidance, published 16 August 2021, from 9 August our approach to contact tracing and self-isolation for close contacts aged under 18, including those attending schools, has changed. Close contacts aged under 18 who are identified by Test and Protect as requiring to do so will be asked to self-isolate and book a PCR test. If this is negative they can end self-isolation provided they remain asymptomatic.

Exemptions from PCR testing apply to close contacts who are aged under 5, or who for medical reasons are unable to be tested or are exempt. Parents or carers should seek advice from their GP or the local Health Protection team to obtain this exemption if their child is unable to get tested. For these groups, a PCR test will not be required to end self-isolation.

The approach to children aged under 5 reflects the lower risks of infection and transmission in this age group, and the fact that younger children may find it harder to tolerate testing. However, children under 5 who are close contacts remain encouraged to take a PCR test where possible.

Question reference: S6F-00196

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 30 August 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 September 2021

To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet.

Question reference: S6W-01809

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 30 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what recent communication it has had with the UK Government regarding Hong Kong residents moving to Scotland.

Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who decide to come to Scotland from Hong Kong and elsewhere will be welcomed for the positive contribution they will bring to our communities, economy and society. The British National (Overseas)visa scheme was launched on 31 st January and as of the end of March 2021 a total of 34,300 have applied for the visa.

Scottish Government has been engaging with UK Government to clarify the numbers of individuals coming to Scotland. through this visa route. This information will be key in ensuring the availability of relevant information and advice. Scottish Government has prepared an online welcome pack for individuals arriving in Scotland via the British National (Overseas) visa scheme which will be linked to our Moving to Scotland resource.

We will continue to press the UK Government for further information on numbers.

Question reference: S6W-02039

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by George Adam on 26 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent reports regarding Queens consent, whether it will provide details of (a) the procedure for this and (b) its impact.

Question reference: S6O-00094

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 25 August 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its programme for mental health within the NHS Recovery Plan.

Question reference: S6W-01448

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 13 July 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 24 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to introduce COVID-19 vaccine passports in domestic settings.

Question reference: S6W-01810

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 22 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support Hong Kong residents who are moving to Scotland.

Scotland has a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities, including those from Hong Kong. We recognise the positive contribution that they make to society. They are assets to our communities: sharing their culture, building businesses, working in our public services, volunteering their skills and making friendships. We are committed to supporting their integration into our communities and are confident that Scotland will benefit from their presence.

The Chinese Government’s decision to implement the National Security Law in Hong Kong is of deep concern to the Scottish Government. This action seriously undermines the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, which guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, and will irreversibly diminish the rights and freedoms of its people.

We support the UK Government’s commitment to providing a bespoke pathway to citizenship for British National (Overseas) citizens from Hong Kong and their dependants and we welcome those who have chosen to move to Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-02052

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the amount of plastic waste exported to other countries.

It is vital that waste is managed responsibly and sustainably, and we want to be able to manage more of our own waste within Scotland. A large majority of Scotland’s waste is managed within Scotland, but around 14% is currently processed elsewhere, representing a lost economic opportunity. Our Deposit Return Scheme will significantly increase the quantity and quality of in-scope materials recycled and reduce litter. It would also create economic opportunities, such as attracting investment into reprocessing capacity in Scotland, on which we are actively working with potential investors on.

While waste export legislation is a matter for the UK Government, we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that all waste is managed responsibly and sustainably. We are working with the other governments of the UK on reform of the packaging producer responsibility system to provide greater incentives for domestic reprocessing.

SEPA routinely carry out proactive inspections at Scottish ports and loading sites to ensure compliance with the strict Waste Shipment Regulations. SEPA will continue to prioritise the regulation of plastic waste exports from Scotland.