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-02588

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 14 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government on what dates it has met the UK Government to discuss the establishment of an inquiry on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic; whether it will publish the minutes of these meetings, and on what dates future discussions or meetings are planned.

Question reference: S6F-00255

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 13 September 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 16 September 2021

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will support the Scottish Ambulance Service in coping with reports of unprecedented pressure that is resulting in significant increases to waiting times.

Question reference: S6W-02104

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government by what means hospital patients in receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine can expect to obtain the batch number for the vaccine they have received.

Previously, individuals had to access the batch number of the vaccine they received in Scotland by requesting access to their medical records. Batch numbers are now available on vaccination status certificates which can be downloaded or obtained at: Get a record of your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot) or from the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565 (open every day from 10:00am to 6:00pm).

2D QR barcodes have now been added to all records of vaccination for additional security.

Question reference: S6O-00114

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 September 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing a commission to prevent violence against women, in all its forms.

Question reference: S6W-02103

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 09 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a means by which neurodiverse school pupils could be exempted from the requirement to have a negative PCR test before returning to school, after being identified as a close contact of a pupil or teacher who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As outlined in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools guidance, published 16 August 2021, from 9 August our approach to contact tracing and self-isolation for close contacts aged under 18, including those attending schools, has changed. Close contacts aged under 18 who are identified by Test and Protect as requiring to do so will be asked to self-isolate and book a PCR test. If this is negative they can end self-isolation provided they remain asymptomatic.

Exemptions from PCR testing apply to close contacts who are aged under 5, or who for medical reasons are unable to be tested or are exempt. Parents or carers should seek advice from their GP or the local Health Protection team to obtain this exemption if their child is unable to get tested. For these groups, a PCR test will not be required to end self-isolation.

The approach to children aged under 5 reflects the lower risks of infection and transmission in this age group, and the fact that younger children may find it harder to tolerate testing. However, children under 5 who are close contacts remain encouraged to take a PCR test where possible.

Question reference: S6W-02209

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government by what date community and amateur choirs will be able to resume in-person practice and gatherings.

Since 9 August, Scotland has moved beyond Level 0 restrictions and therefore beyond the Protection Levels system. This means that all venues are now allowed to open and most legal restrictions have been removed.

The Scottish Government has published summary guidance to support the reopening of cultural performances events, setting out in one place the remaining legal requirements and good practice precautionary measures most relevant to the sector, as well as a statement about long-term recovery.

The guidance is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening of cultural performances and events guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

Question reference: S6F-00196

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 30 August 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 September 2021

To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet.

Question reference: S6W-01809

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 30 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what recent communication it has had with the UK Government regarding Hong Kong residents moving to Scotland.

Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who decide to come to Scotland from Hong Kong and elsewhere will be welcomed for the positive contribution they will bring to our communities, economy and society. The British National (Overseas)visa scheme was launched on 31 st January and as of the end of March 2021 a total of 34,300 have applied for the visa.

Scottish Government has been engaging with UK Government to clarify the numbers of individuals coming to Scotland. through this visa route. This information will be key in ensuring the availability of relevant information and advice. Scottish Government has prepared an online welcome pack for individuals arriving in Scotland via the British National (Overseas) visa scheme which will be linked to our Moving to Scotland resource.

We will continue to press the UK Government for further information on numbers.

Question reference: S6W-02039

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by George Adam on 26 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent reports regarding Queens consent, whether it will provide details of (a) the procedure for this and (b) its impact.

Question reference: S6O-00094

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 25 August 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its programme for mental health within the NHS Recovery Plan.