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.

If an important matter arises, which an MSP thinks requires an immediate response, they can request that a question is answered on the same day.  This is called an Urgent Question.

If the Presiding Officer agrees that the question is urgent and of public importance, it will be asked in the Debating Chamber that day.

The question will be answered by either the First Minister, the relevant government minister, or one of the Law Officers. They will then usually take follow-up questions on the subject from other MSPs.

Urgent Questions are not included in the Questions and Answers search.  However, there is a SPICe fact sheet that lists all selected urgent questions.