Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12089 on‎ 21 November 2022 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12089 on‎ 21 November 2022 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12089 on‎ 21 November 2022 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who will reply in writing within 20 days.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who will reply in writing within 20 days.

Any proposals around its future operational estate are a matter for Scottish Enterprise. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise to respond to you directly. However, I do understand that the current consultation on office requirements - which includes consideration of co-location with other public sector bodies and industry partners, to enhance collaborative working – will include completion of an Equality Impact Assessment as a key component.

We do not hold this information centrally. Waiting time statistics on the waits experienced by patients for first appointments with chronic pain services can be found on the Public Health Scotland (PHS) website at the following link: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/chronic-pain-waiting-times/

However, PHS does not hold data that would capture the total number of patients with chronic pain who are being treated by NHS Scotland at a particular point in time, either under the care of specialist chronic pain services or otherwise.

Data is available by Board from the quarter ending 31 December 2015 to the quarter ending 30 June 2022.

A set of data tables for the most recent publication, which was released on 13th September 2022, can be found at the link above underneath the sub-heading of ‘Data files’:

• Table 4 shows the number of patients seen (adjusted) by NHS Board and quarter. A drop-down menu can be used to switch between data for pain clinics and pain psychology services.
• Table 6 shows the number of patients who were waiting for a first appointment (adjusted) by NHS Board and quarter. A drop-down menu can be used to view data for pain clinics and pain psychology services.

Data for the quarter ending 30th September 2022 is due to be published on 13th December 2022.

The statistics published in the data tables are based on aggregate data submissions obtained from the 14 NHS Boards.

Providing the information requested prior to April 2017 could only be answered at disproportionate cost. Following a change to the way we record shared equity sales from 2017-18 we are able to provide the information requested.

Since 2017-18 there have been 7 partial tranche-ups where the Scottish Government still hold an investment. This includes 3 properties purchased through the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, 2 through the Help to Buy scheme and 2 through the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme.

The Scottish Government is very much aware of the pressures high fuel costs are placing on inshore scallop fishers and the fishing industry in general. Although the fishing industry benefits from red diesel relief, fuel remains a major part of fishing business costs, no more so than in the scallop sector.

The Scottish Government has a strong track record of supporting the scallop sector, including targeted action through the impacts of Covid. Through our Modernisation of the Inshore Fishing Fleet Programme we are also funding installation of remote electronic monitoring (REM) equipment for all scallop dredge vessels. Supported by the industry, this will help enhance the inshore fisheries evidence base, improve compliance, and enable better interaction between the fishing industry and other marine users. Consumers and retailers seek confidence and accountability in our seafood products, and REM helps to satisfy this demand and deliver associated market benefits. In addition, looking to the longer term we continue to work with the industry and support research into reducing fishing vessel reliance on diesel.

The powers to offer financial support to the fishing industry on the scale required to deal with the high cost of fuel rests with Westminster. We have regularly urged the UK Government to use all the levers at its disposal to tackle the cost crisis for business and provide the necessary support, including to the seafood sector. We are doing all we can to support business and the economy at this time. However, with a fixed budget, and little scope to borrow to deal with such short term challenges, our hands are tied. We are however continuing to actively engage with the UK Government, and press for further support for all industries.

There will be no impact to homeowners as the overall budget remains unchanged.