Chamber and committees

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP who is not a member of the government. They provide a means for MSPs to get information from the Scottish Government. They are a critical part of the work of the Parliament. 

There are two types of parliamentary question:

• Written questions, which receive a written response
• Oral questions, such as Topical Questions, which are answered in the Debating Chamber

This introduction is intended for a general user.  More detailed information about parliamentary questions can be found in the Parliament rules and guidance section.

Rather than asking questions of the Scottish Government, SPCB Questions sessions periodically take place in the Chamber to allow MSPs to ask the members of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) about the issues for which it is responsible. (Questions on the rules and procedures of the Parliament are not allowed.)

The SPCB is the body that runs the Scottish Parliament.  It makes sure that the Parliament has the property, staff and services that it needs.

SPCB Questions take place three or four times a year.

The oral SPCB Questions that are taken in the Chamber have the format S6O-12345. 

MSPs can also lodge written SPCB Questions at any time, which have the format S6W-12345.