Parliamentary questions
Elaine Murray
2,411 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
30 May 2012 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether consultation with owner-occupiers is mandatory prior to a registered social landlord introducing factoring arrangements in blocks of flats in mixed tenure.
29 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to ensure that the national minimum wage is paid to all seafarers working on one-port voyages in Scotland and whether it will discuss this matter with the UK Government.
Answer · Fergus Ewing: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusi…
29 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to prevent the recruitment of seafarers from countries outside the European economic area to work on one-port voyages in Scotland for pay rates below the national minimum wage.
Answer · Fergus Ewing: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusi…
29 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to (a) employment agencies and (b) shipping companies in Scotland on the recruitment of seafarers from countries outside the European economic area to work on one-port voyages in Scotland for pay rates below…
Answer · Fergus Ewing: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusi…
29 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of a one-port voyage is in relation to the (a) maritime and (b) offshore energy sector and whether it has requested legal advice on this matter since May 2011.
Answer · Fergus Ewing: Although the definition of a “one port voyage” is not statutorily defined, it is a voyage where the departure and scheduled or intended arrival ports, which may be different, are in the UK. It also means a voyage between places in the British Islands (includ…
29 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, given the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to the UK Government on the application of immigration law to non-European economic area seafarers working on one-port voyages in the (a) ferries, (b) maritime and (c) offshore energy sectors in Scotland.
Answer · Fergus Ewing: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusi…
21 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what charities and voluntary organisations it funds.
Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Government is maintaining levels of investment in the third sector to ensure that the sector is supported to play a full role in meeting the Scottish Government’s purpose and also to make an important contribution to public service reform. That i…
17 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consult (a) bus operators and (b) passengers on any proposed changes to the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.
Answer · Keith Brown: We will discuss any relevant results and consequent proposals for change that may emerge from the MVA Consultancy research with stakeholders, including the Confederation of Passenger Transport and user representatives, as appropriate.
17 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to employ external consultants to model the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.
Answer · Keith Brown: We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to further improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Schem…
17 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has contracted external consultants to model and assess the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with a view to making changes and, if so, what consultants.
Answer · Keith Brown: We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to further improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Schem…
17 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive when it last discussed the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with bus operators.
Answer · Keith Brown: We have regular dialogue with bus operators in Scotland about the concessionary bus travel scheme and other bus related issues through the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). Transport Scotland officials last met representatives of CPT on 29 March 201…
17 May 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making changes to the payments to bus operators in relation to passengers travelling with free bus passes.
Answer · Keith Brown: We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Ol…
30 Apr 2012 · First Minister's Question
To ask the First Minister what information the Scottish Government was given following the abduction of Khalil Dale.
27 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06469 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 April 2012, on what date it responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform; what concerns were raised in its response, and whether it has received correspondence from the UK Government regarding any con…
Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: We responded to the UK Government’s consultation on Welfare Reform on 28 September 2010. Our concerns regarding the cumulative impact of these reforms and additional cuts to benefits on some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Scotland are a matter o…
25 Apr 2012 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to reform the legal aid system.
23 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason householders do not receive a discount from Scottish Water when roof water is discharged into a private pond rather than the public drainage system.
Answer · Alex Neil: Householders are charged for their water and sewerage services by reference to Council Tax Band rather than usage. This system ensures that charges are broadly progressive and are affordable for all households in Scotland with households in Council Tax Band A…
23 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on the (a) future investment priorities for Scottish Water and (b) principles behind charging for (i) water and (ii) waste services.
Answer · Alex Neil: I intend to engage on the future investment priorities for Scottish Water and the Principles of Charging in the next regulatory period over the summer months.
18 Apr 2012 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about the financial implications of the proposals in the Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill on the public sector.
16 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes it expects to be constructed annually as a result of the additional £87 million allocated to the affordable housing budget in February 2012.
Answer · Keith Brown: The additional £87 million announced on 8 February will be invested in affordable and energy efficient homes and will also support jobs in the construction industry. It will enable the Government to exceed the target of 30,000 affordable homes by accelerating…
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been started in each of the last 10 years and what the estimated cost of each was at the time of commencement.
Answer · Keith Brown: The following table shows A75 trunk road improvement schemes which have been started in the last ten years and the estimated cost at commencement. A75 Trunk Road Improvement Schemes Started (2002–12) Scheme Construction Cost Started A75 Overtaking Opport…
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been completed in each of the last 10 years and at what cost.
Answer · Keith Brown: The following table shows the A75 trunk road improvement schemes which have been completed in the last ten years and their construction cost. A75 Trunk Road Improvement Schemes Completed (2002-12) Scheme Construction Cost Completed A75 Overtaking Opportu…
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for the reopening of Thornhill railway station in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.
Answer · Keith Brown: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06649 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusine…
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for a rail halt at Eastriggs in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.
Answer · Keith Brown: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06649 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusine…
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how bids for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund should be submitted.
Answer · Keith Brown: The fund criteria, governance and application processes will be discussed with industry, communities and stakeholders over the coming months.
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.
Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Stations Investment Fund announcement on 3 April 2012 was attended by a Clackmannanshire Council official and members of the press.
5 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) organisations and (b) individuals were invited to the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.
Answer · Keith Brown: A general press release was issued to notify interested parties of the Scottish Stations Investment Fund announcement on 3 April 2012. No invitations were issued to any organisation or individual.
2 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a mechanism for the enforcement of a fair rent in the private rented sector.
Answer · Keith Brown: The mechanism for the enforcement of a “fair rent” i.e. regulated tenancy, set by either the Rent Service Scotland or the Private Rented Housing Panel, lies solely with the Courts.
2 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action a private tenant can take if they consider that their rent is higher than justified.
Answer · Keith Brown: A private rented sector tenant on a “regulated tenancy” can have their rent assessed by the Rent Service Scotland (RSS), a part of the Scottish Government. In certain circumstances, if they are dissatisfied with the rent fixed by the RSS Rent Officer, they ca…
2 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive how fair rents in the private sector are assessed.
Answer · Keith Brown: The term “fair rent” has a specific meaning under the terms of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984. The Rent Service Scotland (RSS), a part of the Scottish Government, can undertake “fair rent” assessments for private rented properties let before 2 January 1989 as “…
2 Apr 2012 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a mid-market rent.
Answer · Keith Brown: A mid-market or intermediate rent is one that is set between a typical social rent and a typical market rent. It represents a subsidy on market rent levels but at a lower level than subsidies associated with social rents.