Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-17994

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 5 June 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent reports of a potential takeover of the FTSE 250-listed company, John Wood Group, by the United Sates' private equity fund, Apollo Global Management, what its position is on whether takeovers of Scottish companies that are of strategic importance to the economy should be subject to a public interest test, and whether it will outline the scope of any intervention action it can take to safeguard such companies.

The powers required to legislate in respect of company acquisition and ownership are reserved to the UK Parliament and, as such, the Scottish Government does not have the power to take action in this area. In addition the legislative change in the UK via the National Security and Investment Act enables an increased screening of acquisitions on grounds, for example, of national security. This reflects similar change in EU legislation.

These legislative mechanisms notwithstanding, company acquisition remains a commercial decision to be undertaken by two private entities. The Scottish Government and Enterprise Agencies therefore aim to work with businesses in Scotland, domestic and overseas owned, to ensure Scottish operations are not only secured here but opportunities for growth are pursued.

Scottish Enterprise research suggests acquisition can be an important route for companies with growth potential to achieve their ambitions; either Scottish companies who acquire other businesses or Scottish companies acquired by businesses from other parts of the UK and internationally. This is not unique to Scotland and is a feature of similar economies.

In addition both our Inward Investment and Global Capital Investment Plans place maximum emphasis in supporting good quality investment into Scotland aligning with our values as a nation and delivering our net zero economy supported by good green jobs. We will therefore continue to work closely with those Scottish and overseas-owned businesses and organisations with whom those values most closely align.

Question reference: S6W-17877

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 5 June 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17210 by Angela Constance on 4 May 2023, and in light of the fourth National Planning Framework, whether it will encourage the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) to consider marketing the air rights above the car park to the south of Glasgow Sheriff Court, which would potentially return a capital receipt to SCTS and promote local townscape regeneration objectives while retaining its essential use as a car park at a ground floor or basement level.

As stated in the answer to question S6W-17210, the management of the court estate is an operational matter for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).

Further to that answer, the SCTS is a non-ministerial office established by the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008. The SCTS core purpose is supporting justice and can only consider proposals that enhance the delivery of justice. The SCTS Corporate Plan for 2023-26 and Business Plan for 2023-24 have recently been published. The SCTS is fully committed to the next zero agenda and the SCTS Board has commissioned a revised sustainability strategy and associated action plans that will be developed during 2023.

Question reference: S6W-17983

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 31 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) developments in Scotland make any contribution to public revenues through (a) council tax and (b) non-domestic rates.

Question reference: S6W-17993

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 30 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17458 by Kevin Stewart on 9 May 2023, what its position is on whether the extension of the current operating hours of the Glasgow Subway is an opportunity to improve public transport services in the city, and whether it is a consideration in the planning of the wider Clyde Metro by Transport Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-17995

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 30 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether (a) retaining Glasgow Prestwick Airport in public ownership and control under Prestwick Aviation Holdings Limited is (i) in the public interest and (ii) the best way to realise the long-term economic and industrial development potential of the site and (b) the site is strategically important for the Scottish economy.

The Scottish Government intervened to secure the future of Glasgow Prestwick Airport when the business was under threat of closure. It was in the public interest to secure the continued operation of Glasgow Prestwick Airport as an asset of strategic importance to Scotland.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has performed well in a highly competitive aviation market and is now a profitable business, however we remain committed to returning the airport to private ownership at the appropriate time. Any decision to sell Prestwick Airport must be informed by what is right for the long-term success of the business and it's contribution to the local and Scottish economy.

There is considerable potential for Glasgow Prestwick Airport to drive economic development as the anchor of an aerospace cluster in South Ayrshire. The Scottish Government will work with all relevant parties to make the most of this opportunity.

Question reference: S6W-17996

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 30 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what discussions it has had with the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) management team regarding financing for its proposed expansion, which secured planning permission in principle from Glasgow City Council in June 2021, and what its position is on whether the proposed investment in expanded facilities (a) would offer a positive return on investment and (b) is critical to maintaining the international competitiveness of Glasgow as a global conference and events destination.

There have been no discussions with the SEC management team specifically on the financing of the proposed expansion since it was raised with the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture in April 2022. Due to budgetary pressures, we are unable to provide a capital finance package to fund the planned expansion. However, we continue to engage with the SEC, which has an excellent track record and reputation for hosting conferences and events, to build on their success.

Question reference: S6W-17876

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 25 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17169 by Neil Gray on 4 May 2023, whether it will engage directly with Liberty Steel on the potential development of an Electric Arc Furnace at (a) Dalzell and (b) Clydebridge steel works as the basis for a strategic, national, green steel-making capability.

Question reference: S6W-17997

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 25 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) Glasgow Life regarding the long-term future of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Question reference: S6O-02296

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 31 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding its cross-government co-ordination on island connectivity, what discussions the rural affairs secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding any impact of the continued delay of vessels 801 and 802 on island communities.

Question reference: S6W-17681

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 04 May 2023
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 17 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government when a final decision will be taken regarding funding allocation for student mental health counsellors for the next academic year.