Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has not estimated the specific impact of the introduction of tariffs on raw construction materials following the Brexit vote. As the UK Government has not yet set out its approach to trade post Brexit, it is not possible to make any meaningful estimate. However, whilst there may be some import substitution, it is clear that any increase in tariffs on raw materials from the EU or the rest of the world will push up costs for public infrastructure projects, including housing.

The construction sector and associated supply chains are a vital part of the Scottish economy and partly depend on labour from across the EU. It is estimated that in 2015 some seven thousand employees in the construction sector were from EU member states (non UK). Our priority is to protect all of Scotland’s interests and we are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland’s continuing relationship with the EU. The UK Government has yet to set out its preferred model to underpin the UK’s future relationship with the EU and, indeed, appears to be all at sea amidst internal wrangling over what, if any, strategy to take.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-04281 on 16 November 2016. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The Scottish Government has not outsourced legal advice relating to Scotland’s place in Europe under the Legal Services Framework. If it considers that it is necessary to do so it will consider how best to source that requirement, including which, if any, lot it falls under.

It is for individual public bodies to determine their approaches to consideration of the implications ofthe EU referendum result, in the context of wider business planning and risk management. The Scottish Government has discussed this issue with Chief Executives of these bodies.

I and other Scottish Ministers have given regular updates to the Scottish Parliament on the work the Scottish Government is undertaking in response to the result of the EU referendum.

The Scottish Government began preparing its proposals for protecting Scotland’s interest and to stay in the single market immediately after the EU Referendum vote. This is being informed by the Standing Council on Europe, which was established by the First Minister to provide the Scottish Government with independent, expert advice on how Scotland’s interests can best be protected following the EU referendum.

The Scottish Government 2015 Sea Fisheries Employment Report estimates that:

• 73 per cent of employees working in the Scottish fleet are UK citizens;

• 8 per cent are citizens of European Economic Area countries; and,

• 19 per cent are citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area.

The Scottish Government will publish proposals over the coming weeks that would allow Scotland to stay in the single market and to preserve aspects of our relationship with the EU, even if the rest of the UK is intending to leave the single market. The Scottish Government has met with the UK Government to discuss negotiations and will update the Scottish Parliaments as negotiations unfold.

The Scottish Government research published on 28 October 2016 contains a breakdown of Scotland's population by sector of employment. This includes a breakdown of recent EEA migrants and established EEA migrants. This research is cited in answer to question S5W-04192 on 16 November 2016.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx