Parliamentary questions
Lewis Macdonald
2,224 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government who will have responsibility for managing and updating the mapping system in the planned emergency services gazetteer.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-18608 on 18 September 2018. 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/parliamentarybusin…
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Emergency Services Collaboration Group has had with the Improvement Service regarding the updating and management of the mapping system for an emergency services gazetteer.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-18608 on 18 September 2018. 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/parliamentarybusin…
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects the emergency services gazetteer, as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland report in 2015 on police call handling, to go live.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-18608 on 18 September 2018. 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/parliamentarybusin…
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government which organisations are involved in the project to create an emergency services gazetteer, as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland report in 2015 on police call handling.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: On 22 May the then Cabinet Secretary for Justice outlined to Parliament the work underway by the emergency services to develop a Scottish Emergency Services National Collaboration Strategy. That Strategy was endorsed on 19 July by the Reform Collaboration Gro…
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the role of the Improvement Service in managing and updating the current mapping system used by Police Scotland and others, whether the service will have any involvement in the creation of an emergency services gazetteer.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-18608 on 18 September 2018. 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/parliamentarybusin…
5 Sep 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to local authorities regarding what constitutes affordable housing.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: The Scottish Government provides advice to local authorities on this matter in Planning Advice Note 2/2010 “Affordable Housing and Housing Land Audits” available at the following link. https://beta.gov.scot/publications/planning-advice-note-2-2010-affordable…
5 Sep 2018 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it expects its new Biodiversity Challenge Fund to support the protection of curlews.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Biodiversity Challenge Fund will focus on species and habitats that need action on the ground to ensure the Scottish Government meets its national and international conservation targets. Work for waders, including curlew, is a high priority, and the fund …
15 Jun 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-13847 by Paul Wheelhouse on 24 January 2018, whether SEPA has completed its investigations and, if so, whether it will publish the findings.
Answer · Paul Wheelhouse: With reference to your original question S5W-13847, and also your previous follow up S5W-14382 on 28 February 2018. This is an on-going and complex regulatory matter for SEPA. It is not possible for Scottish Ministers to specify a completion date for SEPA'S o…
14 May 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-04450 by Humza Yousaf on 14 November 2016, how much in public grants (a) was paid in Contract Year 5 and (b) has been paid in Contract Year 6 to Serco NorthLink Ferries for the Northern Isles Ferry Service contract, and by what date the final inform…
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-16302 on 15 May 2018 which confirms how much was paid to Serco NorthLink Ferries in Contract Year 5. The total amount paid for Contract Year 6, which ended on 25 April 2018, has not yet been finalised. All answ…
14 May 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recently reported findings of the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland regarding Allen Transport Ltd, when it first became aware of these issues, and what steps it plans to take to prevent any recurrence.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: Transport Scotland and Aberdeen Roads Limited (ARL), the contractor for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route /Balmedie -Tipperty project were first made aware of the findings of the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland regarding Allen Transport Limited on 9 May…
14 May 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update regarding the operation of heavy goods vehicles working on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Answer · Keith Brown: I understand that, following a recent public local inquiry undertaken by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland , a haulage firm, which was employed on the AWPR/B-T project, will lose its HGV operating licence on May 30 and will also be disqualified from apply…
4 May 2018 · First Minister's Question
To ask the First Minister what impact the EDF Energy announcement on the acquisition of the Neart na Gaoithe project will have on renewables jobs and the supply chain in Scotland.
2 May 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the release of the quarterly figures for Police Scotland officer numbers on 31 March 2018, how many of the officers identified as (a) National and (b) Regional Resources are based at locations in the A Division area.
Answer · Michael Matheson: Deployment of police officers is a matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Police Scotland publish sub-national police officer numbers on a quarterly basis in parallel with the Scottish Government’s Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics. A …
25 Apr 2018 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will remove any legal impediments to council-run bus services.
17 Apr 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the ministerial statement on NHS Tayside by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport on 17 April 2018 (Official Report, c.12), whether Malcolm Wright remains in post as chief executive of NHS Grampian.
Answer · Shona Robison: Malcolm Wright remains as Chief Executive and Accountable Officer for NHS Grampian.
17 Apr 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the board of NHS Grampian regarding the future provision of services in the Grampian area.
Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government meets regularly with NHS Grampian to discuss matters of interest to the people of Grampian. The Health Board is responsible for the planning and provision of services and for proposals on major service change. Scottish Ministers consi…
11 Apr 2018 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether plans for major trauma centres in Aberdeen and Dundee to commence in October 2018 have been affected by recent events at NHS Tayside.
15 Mar 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what the planned completion date is for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) and, if this has changed, when it did so.
Answer · Keith Brown: In my statement to Parliament on 22 March 2018 I advised that there is effectively a range of dates when the road is likely to be open. The earliest date is likely to be towards the end of the summer period, however it may be more prudent to anticipate a late…
15 Mar 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the planned completion date of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is later than Spring 2018 and, if so, whether it advised Balfour Beatty that it could release that information to shareholders before ministers informed the Parliament.
Answer · Keith Brown: In my statement to Parliament on 22 March 2018 I advised that there is effectively a range of dates when the road is likely to be open. The earliest date is likely to be towards the end of the summer period, however it may be more prudent to anticipate a late…
14 Mar 2018 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is regarding empty homes in the private sector.
28 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-09685 by Humza Yousaf on 15 June 2017, and the recent meeting of the Aberdeen to Central Belt Reference Group on 27 February 2018, whether it will now set out the options that the group is assessing and prioritising regarding the Usan Junction and S…
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to S5W-09685 on 27 June 2017 and to S5W-12393 on 15 November 2017. The comprehensive assessment from Consultants OVE ARUP, expected later in 2018, will be considered by the Reference Group and is expected to identify the optim…
20 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Aberdeen International Airport regarding the support that it can provide to develop and maintain new routes.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14654 on ? 21 February 2018. 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/parliam…
20 Feb 2018 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Government in which month it anticipates the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be fully open.
Answer · Keith Brown: We have always been clear about the timescale for this project. I have previously stated the intention to open the AWPR this Spring and indeed, on a recent site visit, I saw for myself that work has been progressing in recent months and the new road is now cl…
15 Feb 2018 · Inspired Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will implement the Agent of Change principle in the Scottish planning system to ensure that new development does not threaten the viability of live music venues.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: Live music venues are crucial to supporting emerging and established talent and maintaining the vibrancy of our town centres. I recognise the campaign that has been led by the Musicians Union, Music Venues Trust and the owners of some of our leading music ven…
14 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Galliford Try to discuss the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) project, and whether its reported plans to raise £150 million of investment were discussed.
Answer · Keith Brown: On Friday 16 February I visited the construction site to see for myself the rate of works progression given this situation, and to take the opportunity to speak with the contractors staff involved with the project. Investment decisions of this nature are an …
14 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what contingency plans it has in place to ensure that the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) project is completed on time in the event that Galliford Try is unable to meet its contractual commitments.
Answer · Keith Brown: Aberdeen Roads Limited (ARL) has continued to provide assurance that it remains fully committed to completing the AWPR/B-T safely and in the shortest timescale possible. Construction work has progressed across the site despite the Carillion announcement and t…
14 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the exceptional charge of £25 million that Galliford Try faces on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) project relates to work that is still to be completed.
Answer · Keith Brown: We do not recognise the costs announced by Galliford Try as it relates to its own internal financial matters and not to Scottish Government payments. It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the financial matters of Galliford Try or any other private co…
14 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that Galliford Try faces an exceptional charge of £25 million on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) project, when it expects the project will be completed.
Answer · Keith Brown: It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the financial status of Galliford Try or any other private company. The liquidation of Carillion has been a massive blow to the UK construction industry. In line with the initial timescale announced by Ministers…
7 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how the £150 million in funding for mental health services that it announced in January 2016 has been spent each year by each NHS board.
Answer · Maureen Watt: The £150 million to support mental health innovation and improvement first began in calendar year 2016, running to the end of 2020. This was subsequently built upon in the latest Programme for Government to ensure that at least £150 million would be delivered…
7 Feb 2018 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-13401 by Jamie Hepburn on 9 January 2018, how many apprenticeships began in each sector in each quarter since quarter 1 in 2016-17.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: Further to the answer provided to question S5W-13401 on 9 January 2018, the following table details how many apprentices started their apprenticeships in each sector and quarter since April 2016. Breakdown of Modern Apprenticeship Starts by sector 1st Apr…