Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government takes the welfare of all farmed animals very seriously and has recently introduced measures to monitor fish welfare at slaughter. The UK Animal Welfare Committee is currently considering the welfare of farmed fish at slaughter and we will explore the need for any changes to current practice or legislation once the committee publishes its findings.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07510 on 19 April 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07911 on 26 April 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

We recognise that the high-level ambitions we have to tackle the twin nature and climate crises need to be supported with adequate funding. This is why we have already committed to invest an additional £500 million in the natural economy over the course of this Parliament. This includes £250 million on peatland restoration over the current decade, £65 Million on the new Nature Restoration Fund over the course of this Parliament, and £100 million to increase forestry planting,

‎ £30 million to expand Scotland's national forests, and £20 million to increase nursery stocks. The Resource Spending Review will reflect these priorities.

Court operational matters, including the system for jury service, fall within the remit of the independent Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).

I understand SCTS is setting up a working group to consider the remaining recommendations from the 2018 Enabling Jury Service report, available at https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/reports-data/enabling-jury-service . This matter will be included and the Scottish Government will work with SCTS and justice partners to consider any legislative requirements flowing from that consideration.

Building regulations do not apply retrospectively to existing buildings. The regulations apply to new buildings, conversions and to existing buildings where building work is proposed. From 1 June 2022, if remediation is required following a Single Building Assessment, a building warrant will be required for replacement cladding systems (other than minor repairs) and require to meet the amended regulations.

Scottish Ministers are considering how the ScotWind revenues should be invested to maximise the benefits for the people of Scotland. As part of these considerations, Scottish Ministers will evaluate whether these revenues should fall within the scope of the existing 9% agreement with Crown Estate Scotland.

The Scottish Government regularly reviews its plans for public awareness campaigns. We do not intend to run a public awareness campaign for deep vein thrombosis at this time.

In line with the Test and Protect Transition Plan, testing changed on Scotland on 18 April.

Thanks to vaccination coverage and new Covid treatments, most people no longer need to test when they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Lateral flow device (LFD) tests are now being used in a targeted way to support clinical care and protect high risk settings.

Up until the end of April 2022, LFD tests can be ordered online or by phoning 119 for:

• anyone eligible for Covid treatments,
• an unpaid carer,
• anyone visiting a hospital or care home,
• a contact of a positive case and are fully vaccinated, or,
• a positive case who is self-isolating and are eligible to end self-isolation early (take an LFD test from day 6 as advised in guidance for ending self-isolation early).

From the 1 May LFD tests can be ordered online or by phoning 119 for:

• anyone eligible for Covid treatments,
• an unpaid carer, or
• anyone visiting a hospital or care home,

PCR testing for those with symptoms remains available until the Test and Protect transition period ends on 30 April.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07507 on 21 April 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .