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We work closely with the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) to support enforcement of existing legislation, including on illicit tobacco. SCOTSS manages the Enhanced Tobacco Sales Enforcement Programme (ETSEP) in Scotland, which is a key component in the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vaping Framework.

In 2025-2026, Scottish Government provided funding of £46k to SCOTSS support a National Coordinator post and specific enforcement projects that vary year on year.

In 2024-2025 SCOTSS received an additional £75k to support the UK-wide Operation CeCe, which is a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HMRC to remove illicit tobacco product from sale. SCOTSS plays a key role in this operation, coordinating local authority activity in Scotland. From 2025-2026 Operation CeCe is being funded directly by UKG.

In 2024-2025 19 local authorities in Scotland engaged in a joint operation with HMRC and Police Scotland as part of Operation CeCe. This resulted in the seizure of 1.4 million cigarettes and 800 kg of hand-rolling tobacco. Scottish referrals accounted for over 40% of successful HMRC sanctions across GB.

Scottish Government Officials also meet regularly with HMRC, who work with Border Force to take action to tackle the import of illicit tobacco and vaping products at the border.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-41059 on 4 November 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are 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-41059 on 4 November 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are 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-41059 on 4 November 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are 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-39996 on 3 September 2025, that the assessment process for seabed leasing for offshore wind and other marine renewable developments and the criteria that underpins that process, is a matter for Crown Estate Scotland.

Specific assessment criteria are developed in the run-up to the launch of leasing rounds.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are 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.

The reasons are set out below.

Dedicated administrative support unit within the Scottish Government to support all commissioned reviews (recommendations 3 and 40)

From both logistical and governance perspectives, the Directorate responsible for the subject matter of the inquiry or review is best placed to provide the sponsor team. There are insufficient numbers of inquiries and reviews to justify the creation of a dedicated administrative unit with no other function. Establishing such a unit would likely lead to duplication of costs and effort, as it would still need to rely heavily on the expertise of policy officials within the relevant Directorates.

The chair should draft the remit and terms of reference (recommendation 6)

Although inquiries and reviews are independent of Government, they exist to investigate matters set out by Ministers in the terms of reference. The terms of reference of an inquiry are one of the principal means by which Ministers can control the costs of an inquiry. Although they are always discussed with the proposed chair of an inquiry, Ministers must have the final say in order that the terms of reference are not inappropriately wide, leading to a prolonged and more expensive inquiry – potentially attracting further criticism.

Appointment of chair to be open and transparent (recommendation 18)

The appointment of a chair involves careful discussions with potential candidates to assess their suitability and willingness to undertake the role. These discussions take into account factors such as the anticipated duration and complexity of the inquiry, and other relevant considerations, including the potential for adverse personal publicity.

While transparency is important, experience shows that open public appointment processes are not typically suited to the timescales and expectations associated with inquiries and reviews. These processes can be lengthy and may not align with the need for timely commencement and delivery of such work.

Template which standardises what is presented at the end of a review (recommendation 42)

The presentation of an inquiry’s report is a matter for the chair. Given the wide range of subjects that inquiries and reviews may address, a standard template could not accommodate the diversity of issues and contexts involved. Flexibility allows chairs to structure their reports in a way that best serves the purpose and clarity of their findings and recommendations.

Artificial grass pitches play an important role in the delivery of sport and physical activity across Scotland, helping the nation to lead more active, healthy lives.

The Scottish Government works with Welsh and UK Governments under the preliminary Common Framework on Chemicals and Pesticides, to identify and address chemical issues across Great Britain under relevant regulations, including UK REACH.

Microplastics was identified as a priority issue for consideration under the UK REACH restriction process in 2021. We agreed with UK Government and Welsh Government that an evidence project would be undertaken, led by Defra, on the risks and possible mitigation measures for the use of intentionally added microplastics in Great Britain.

Following the publication of the report earlier this year, we are still in discussions with Welsh Government and UK Government on next steps.

The Scottish Minsters meet regularly with Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum to ensure that the views of infected and affected people are heard. The Scottish Ministers remain open to meeting individual Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme beneficiaries and their families in order to discuss particular concerns.

Scottish Government officials meet regularly with HMRC, who work with Border Force to take action to tackle the import of illicit tobacco and vaping products at the border, alongside the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS). The issue of lost revenue has not been discussed at these meetings.

At the UK Spending Review the Scottish Government received a Barnett share of the net changes to UK departmental budget allocations, which ultimately fed into the total settlement. This is not broken down by programme, with any new of additional spending allocations in 2025-26 forming part of the overall allocation to the Scottish Government.

The 2025-26 budget delivered record funding of over £15.1 billion for Local Government, a real terms increase of 5.5 per cent compared to 2024-2025. Local Government have responsibility for ensuring local budget decisions deliver local and national priorities, including the enforcement of existing legislation, such as tackling underage sales and illicit tobacco and vapes.