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I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

The following table shows the number of prisoners who were released during the last 5 years under early release arrangements. The numbers provided relate to the 2020 COVID 19 Early Release Scheme and the 2024 Emergency Early Release Regulations:

The Scottish Government has no powers over the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).

Ofgem and Energy UK are leading a cross-industry response to the RTS switch-off, which includes a public awareness campaign, which we welcome. However, with under five months till the switch-off on 30 June 2025, and no clear Plan B, the UK Government must use its powers to direct urgent and proportionate action.

In January, I wrote to the UK Minister for Energy Consumers to request that Ofgem include RTS related obligations in licence conditions for both suppliers and the Data Communications Company (DCC) who run the smart meter network. This change would compel both to use every tool available to ensure that households and businesses in Scotland and across Britain do not suffer detriment as a result of the RTS switch off.

However, the Scottish Government remains concerned at the rate of progress. We will continue to engage with the UK Government on a frequent and sustained basis to ensure that Scottish communities are not caused any detriment as a result of poor smart-meter accessibility and the RTS switch-off. This includes offering to convene a jointly-chaired roundtable on energy consumer issues and participation in the Ofgem-led RTS communications working group, which brings together consumer organisations, government and industry.

Any consumers experiencing difficulties with their supplier can contact Advice Direct Scotland (ADS). Funded by the Scottish Government, ADS runs the free national energy advice service and can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 or at energyadvice.scot.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the report of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s ‘Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland’ which was published on 17 January 2025, and which included a recommendation for welfare guidance for farmed salmon to be introduced. A response will be provided to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in due course.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

The management of the Police Scotland Estate is an operational matter, and is the responsibility of the Chief Constable under the scrutiny of the Scottish Police Authority.

In line with its Estates Masterplan which will continue to have a community focus, Police Scotland will undertake public consultation on its plans for public facing properties, including for disposal, in advance of any decisions being made.

We recognise that financial certainty into the medium term would help the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland and other public bodies to develop plans and make better-informed decisions across a longer time-frame, rather than being limited by the single-year budget settlements we have delivered in recent years. However, the majority of our funding is controlled by UK Government decisions, and this continues to impact on the certainty we can provide to public bodies in relation to future year funding.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government has initiated planning for the next Scottish Spending Review, which will consider a multi-year funding position for public bodies. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government will update the Finance and Public Administration Committee on this work in due course.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

The management of the Police Scotland Estate is an operational matter, and is the responsibility of the Chief Constable under the scrutiny of the Scottish Police Authority.

It is for Police Scotland to determine its estate requirements on a local and divisional basis. This will be a key consideration in relation to the delivery of their Estates Masterplan.

a. Food Standards Scotland liaises extensively with the Food Standards Agency, who are responsible for food safety in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, before advising Scottish Ministers of the need to amend any food safety legislation in Scotland. This is undertaken in line with the provisionally agreed Common Framework for Food Safety and Hygiene.

b. The UK is an active member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the body responsible for developing international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice. Codex standards aim to harmonise national food safety regulations to ensure safety, quality and fairness in international food trade and to protect consumers. Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency liaise with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the lead UK Government Department for Codex, to represent the UK position in Codex on food safety matters within our remit, such as food hygiene, food additives, methods analysis and sampling, food contaminants and imports import and export certification systems.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) uses a data-driven approach to measure the effectiveness of its public awareness campaigns, ensuring they drive meaningful change in consumer behaviour and food safety awareness. The evaluation methods include:

Consumer Tracking & Surveys FSS Consumer Tracker: Regular surveys assess consumer awareness, understanding, and trust in FSS. Recent results show 8 in 10 adults in Scotland have heard of FSS.

Pre- and Post-Campaign Research: Evaluates shifts in public perception and behaviour before and after key campaigns.

Social Media Metrics: Engagement rates (likes, shares, comments) and reach help measure the impact of online campaigns.

Website Analytics: Tracking page views, dwell time, and downloads of guidance materials indicates audience interest and information retention.

Media Coverage Analysis: Volume, sentiment, and audience reach of press and broadcast coverage provide insights into campaign effectiveness.

Food Safety & Fraud Reporting: Changes in public reporting of food safety concerns and food crime cases following awareness efforts.

Public Sentiment Analysis: Social listening tools help gauge real-time reactions to food safety incidents and misinformation.

Quarterly Reporting to the Executive Management Board & Finance and Business Committee (FBC): Key performance indicators (KPIs) track campaign success.

Lessons Learned Assessments: Inform future improvements to communications strategy.

Food made from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is classed as a regulated product. Therefore, it must undergo rigorous pre-market safety and risk analysis before sale in Scotland. This analysis will inform Food Standards Scotland (FSS) risk management recommendations to Scottish Ministers who decide whether to authorise a product. The FSS Regulated Products Service monitors all GMO products, and all businesses are legally required to report any new/emerging information that may affect the safety of an authorised product. The FSS Website contains guidelines for GMO’s including labelling and traceability and links to the register of authorised GMO’s.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) plays a role in supporting food safety education in schools, providing accessible, science-based resources to help young people develop essential food hygiene and nutrition skills. FSS continues to engage with educators, public health partners, and digital platforms to promote food safety awareness among young people albeit on a more reactive basis currently.

FSS also provides free teaching materials and support materials for lesson planning aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence, helping schools integrate food safety into learning. The FSS website hosts interactive educational content and games, offering guidance on foodborne illnesses, allergens, and safe food handling. A supply of physical teaching resources including food flashcards and large printed versions of the Eatwell Guide are available upon request to support classroom learning. FSS has a dedicated Facebook group for teachers, providing direct support, lesson ideas, and food safety resources tailored for school use.