Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07488 on 11 April 2022. 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-07491 on 25 April 2022. 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-07560 on 19 April 2021. 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-07911 on 26 April 2022. 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 Scottish Government is aware of the cited report and its recommendation that the BS 8414 test must be reviewed. We are also aware of the ongoing research sponsored by the UK Government on BS 8414 testing and the work by the European Commission in the development of a large scale façade fire test.

Following consultation last year, The Building Scotland (Amendment) Regulations 2022 were laid in the Scottish Parliament on 22 April. From 1 June 2022, these regulations introduce a ban on combustible cladding systems on residential and other high risk buildings over 11 metres. For such buildings, BS 8414 can no longer be used as an alternative means of compliance with building regulations.

Our Detect Cancer Early (DCE) Programme aims to provide greater public awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer to improve earlier diagnosis rates. A symptom-checker tool is included on the getcheckedearly.org website, to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of cancer, including sarcoma cancers, and research is currently being undertaken to better understand the possible barriers and levers to early diagnosis that any new DCE campaigns should focus on.

A new Early Diagnosis Vision is planned as part of the new Scottish Government Cancer Strategy (due to launch in April 2023), and will look at awareness raising.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07510 on 19 April 2022. 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 Scottish Government are aware of ongoing criticisms of the BS 8414 test. Opinion on the test within the sector remains divided. The test standard has not been withdrawn by the British Standards Institution and its purpose is to provide data to enable evaluation of the fire performance of components when combined to form a complete cladding system.

Following consultation last year, the Building Scotland (Amendment) Regulations 2022 were laid in the Scottish Parliament on 22 April. From 1 June 2022, these regulations introduce a ban on combustible cladding systems on residential and other high risk buildings over 11m. For such buildings, BS 8414 can no longer be used as an alternative means of compliance with building regulations.

The Fire Protection Association is represented on the Building Standards (Fire Safety) Review Panel 2020-22. BS 8414 was one of many topics covered at Review panel meetings which have taken place in December 2020, March and May 2021 and January 2022.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05799 on 26 January 2022. 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