Parliamentary questions
Katy Clark
746 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
10 May 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will undertake research into the impacts of Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compound (NMVOC) emissions from Scotch whisky maturation, as indicated by the Environment and Forestry Directorate.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government intends to commission research into the impacts of Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compound emissions from Scotch whisky maturation later in 2022. Updates on progress will be made available as the work is taken forward.
9 May 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the contract for the design of Ro-Pax vessels that was issued for tender by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd on 3 May 2022 commissions designs for (a) large and (b) small ferries that are primarily for service on the (i) Clyde and Hebrides, (ii) Northern Isles and (iii) inter-islan…
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The contract notice ‘Consultancy Services for the Concept Design of a Ro-Pax Vessel’ is for the design of a ‘Ro-Pax’ vessel to serve the Mallaig to Lochboisdale route as part of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service. More information on this procurement is av…
9 May 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the anticipated value is of the contract for Consultancy Services for the Concept Design of a Ro-Pax Vessel, issued for tender by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd on 3 May 2022.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: No anticipated contract value has been provided in the tender information. It would not be appropriate to disclose this information during a live procurement. More information on this procurement is available at - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/…
9 May 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that (a) CalMac Ferries, (b) passengers and (b) the recognised trade unions will be consulted on the design of (i) accommodation berths, (ii) catering facilities, (iii) engine and (iv) other operational aspects of the Ro-Pax vessels that Caledonian Marit…
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The engagement processes for the project are already well established, ensuring all interested parties and stakeholders are able to contribute throughout the project’s development. They will follow the recent example of the successful engagement carried out a…
3 May 2022 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the effectiveness of fatal accident inquiries into deaths in custody.
24 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) adherence to Fair Work First criteria and (b) commitments to supporting domestic supply chains are set out as conditions for applicants for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy licences.
Answer · Michael Matheson: In determining an application for a marine licence (under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) the Scottish Ministers must have regard to protection of the environment and human health, prevention of interference with legitim…
24 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Cerulean Winds and (b) NOV Inc regarding fair work and supporting domestic supply chains, in light of the reported Memorandum of Understanding signed with Lamprell to provide fabrication, assembly and outfitting for three 1GW floating windfarms off th…
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government has not held discussions with Cerulean Winds nor NOV Inc as they do not have consented developments under construction. It is therefore premature to discuss contracts for projects which do not yet exist. Developers will be required to …
24 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that offshore renewables jobs are created in Scotland.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government is determined to maximise the economic opportunity for the Scottish supply chain from our offshore wind potential. We will drive forward offshore wind skills development – working with stakeholders to focus on the opportunities for di…
24 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether there are any roundtable forums for self-employed inventors to meet relevant stakeholders in Scotland.
Answer · Ivan McKee: The Scottish Government does not facilitate any forums or roundtables for self-employed inventors. We are working with industry and key stakeholders to develop a new innovation strategy to ensure businesses, people and institutions are ready to meet the chall…
13 Apr 2022 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with COSLA and Police Scotland to discuss safe access for all women to clinics and hospitals.
5 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Social Security Scotland and (b) the Department for Work and Pensions regarding redeployment of staff affected by the reported planned office cuts at (i) Ebury House, Aberdeen and (ii) Victoria Road, Kirkcaldy.
Answer · Ivan McKee: On 17 March Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) announced their plan to close a number of back-office sites across the UK and collocate others. The Scottish Government was not consulted prior to the announcement, however, have subsequently contacted DWP to …
5 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Social Security Scotland and (b) the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the relocation of staff affected by the reported planned office cuts at (i) Whitburn Road, Bathgate, (ii) Lindsay House, Dundee, (iii) Callendar Gate, Falkirk, (iv) Radnor…
Answer · Ivan McKee: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-07984 on 29 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-committe…
5 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to hold any discussions with (a) Social Security Scotland and (b) the Department for Work and Pensions regarding redundancies, redeployment or relocation of staff affected by the reported planned office cuts at eight sites across Scotland.
Answer · Ivan McKee: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-07984 on 29 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-committee…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether Community Health and Social Care Boards, as proposed in its National Care Service draft proposals, will be required to only award contracts to providers that recognise trade unions.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07905 on 27 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-committee…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) local authorities and (b) other public sector organisations will have preferred bidder status where Community Health and Social Care Boards procure services, as set out in its National Care Service draft proposals.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation. In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Pro…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether any companies that currently deliver social care in Scotland will be permitted to bid under its National Care Service draft proposals.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation. In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Pro…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) local authorities and (b) other public sector organisations will be required to bid for services such as providing care or social services under its National Care Service draft proposals.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation. In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Pr…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on offshore ownership of care homes.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: The Scottish Government has committed to introducing a National Care Service before the end of the current Parliament. We have consulted on proposals for the National Care Service to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Procurement Structure of Sta…
1 Apr 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to legislate to ensure that no contracts will be awarded to companies that do not apply union-negotiated rates of pay, as part of its National Care Service proposals.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: We are engaging with trade unions on the future operation of the National Care Service (NCS). The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and supporting statutory guidance, already establishes an approach for fair work practices to be considered in public proc…
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish any findings of Strathesk Resolutions as a result of its mediation processes between employers and trade unions in Scotland’s colleges.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government has not commissioned Strathesk Resolutions to undertake a mediation process between employers and trade unions. The organisation has undertaken a Lessons Learned exercise to identify factors that have led to dispute in the college sec…
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) value and (b) duration has been of each contract that it has signed with Strathesk Resolutions, in relation to mediation services between trade unions and employers in the public sector, since 2007.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government has not contracted Strathesk Resolutions to offer mediation services between trade unions and employers in the public sector.
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendation in the report of the Independent Review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues in Relation to Policing that there should be an explicit duty of candour on Police Scotland to co-operate fully with all investigations into all…
Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Government is committed to accepting the majority of recommendations in the Dame Elish Angiolini review, many as specifically set out, but with scope to explore options where other routes or mechanisms may achieve the desired outcome. We will con…
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government on which date it anticipates the full public consultation will launch on a statutory duty of candour for police officers in the operation of their duty.
Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Government will continue to support Police Scotland and wider partners as they respond to Dame Elish Angiolini’s review. We will launch a public consultation this year on those recommendations which require legislative change including creating a…
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether BS 8414 testing for external cladding systems on buildings is robust.
Answer · Patrick Harvie: The Scottish Government are aware of ongoing criticisms of the BS 8414 test. Opinion on the test within the sector remains divided. The test standard has not been withdrawn by the British Standards Institution and its purpose is to provide data to enable eval…
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Fire Protection Association to discuss the use of BS 8414 testing on buildings of any height.
Answer · Patrick Harvie: The Fire Protection Association is represented on the Building Standards (Fire Safety) Review Panel 2020-22. BS 8414 was one of many topics covered at Review panel meetings which have taken place in December 2020, March and May 2021 and January 2022.
31 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is, regarding any impact on its policies and action in this area, to the recommendation in the University of Central Lancashire report, A Critical Appraisal of the UK’s Regulatory Regime for Combustible Façades, that BS 8414 testing must be reviewed further.
Answer · Patrick Harvie: The Scottish Government is aware of the cited report and its recommendation that the BS 8414 test must be reviewed. We are also aware of the ongoing research sponsored by the UK Government on BS 8414 testing and the work by the European Commission in the deve…
29 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met COSLA to discuss progressing the introduction of a national minimum allowance for foster carers, and when it next plans to meet COSLA to discuss this.
Answer · Clare Haughey: Scottish Government officials last met with COSLA on 4 March 2022 to discuss the introduction of a national recommended allowance for foster and kinship carers. They are next due to meet following the Easter holiday period.
24 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether all apprenticeships in the public sector pay the Living Wage.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government is fully committed to promoting Fair Work practices throughout Scotland and will continue to press the UK Government for the full set of powers around employment law in order to allow us to fully deliver our Fair Work ambitions, includ…
24 Mar 2022 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has done to review the impacts of Road Equivalent Tariff on the Islands of the Clyde.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-36024 on 15 March 2021. 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-committee…
21 Mar 2022 · Topical Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with DP World and P&O Ferries regarding the loss of jobs for ferry staff working out of Cairnryan.