Parliamentary questions
Michael Russell
1,207 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
15 Jul 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possible increase in the use of static gear because of the restrictions on mobile gear that are likely to be imposed by changes to the current designation of marine protected areas.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government announced 11 June 2015 management measures to be applied to the 16 sites in the first tranche of Scotland’s network of Marine Protected Areas. The intention is to create a coherent network of protected sites that will both protect vuln…
15 Jul 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the work of inshore fisheries groups (IFG) and what action the IFG for the Argyll and Clyde waters is taking to help the industry in that area.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The inshore fisheries groups (IFGs) are continuing to consider local inshore fisheries management issues while also engaging with national bodies and initiatives including inshore fisheries management and conservation group (IFMAC). The process of establishin…
15 Jul 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) investment it is making and (b) encouragement it is giving toward innovation in the (i) growing of scallops through farming or ranching, (ii) collection of scallops by remote operated vehicles and (iii) new methods of fishing for scallops, including from deep waters.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: The aquaculture industry supports employment and the economic wellbeing of many fragile rural communities across Scotland. The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2014 shows that there has been a decrease in queen scallop production (45%) but an increas…
2 Jul 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects the pupil-teacher ratio in Gaelic medium units to be higher or lower than in mainstream English language primary education and what the reason is for its position on this matter.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: Pupil teacher ratios are not stipulated either in legislation or in teachers' terms and conditions of service. Class size limits for P1 to P3 are set in statute and all other class size limits are set in teachers' terms and conditions of service. Neither the …
2 Jul 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the pupil-teacher ratio is in (a) Gaelic medium education and (b) each Gaelic medium unit.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: It is not possible to calculate a pupil teacher ratio for Gaelic medium education or Gaelic medium units with the information the Scottish Government holds.
24 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25688 by Marco Biagi on 5 June 2015, what its position is on the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman's response to Cllr Michael Breslin of Argyll and Bute Council regarding the withholding of budget information that "the SPSO would not be able to con…
Answer · Marco Biagi: The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman was established by the Scottish Parliament to provide an independent and impartial service for handling complaints about public services in Scotland. It would therefore not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to e…
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25870 by Derek MacKay on 10 June 2015, what deeper water ports the proposed new vessels being procured by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd will serve; what emerging technologies will feature on those vessels, and what steps are being taken to ensure t…
Answer · Derek Mackay: CalMac Ferries Ltd has requested that the new vessels operate initially on Uig Triangle (Uig to Tarbert to Lochmaddy) and to Arran (Ardrossan to Brodick). Tenderers were required in preparing their bids to consider the reliability required of a lifeline vess…
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25867 by Derek MacKay on 10 June 2015, whether, prior to the procurement of these vessels, it will publish an estimate of the cost of the work required to upgrade existing piers and harbours to allow the vessels to serve the (a) 15 piers and harbour…
Answer · Derek Mackay: The objective of the specification for the new vessels was to meet forecast carrying capacities for passengers, vehicles and freight without the need for major harbour works. It was therefore anticipated that shoreside costs linked directly to the introductio…
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25869 by Derek MacKay on 10 June 2015, whether it will list the 15 piers and harbours that the planned new vessels can serve without, or with only minimal, modification.
Answer · Derek Mackay: The 15 ports under consideration are as follows: Ardrossan Brodick* Castlebay Coll Craignure Gourock Lochboisdale Lochmaddy Oban Number 1 berth* Oban Number 2 berth Stornoway Tarbert Tiree Uig Ullapool *After planned works
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what work (a) Transport Scotland or (b) Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd has undertaken to balance carrying capacity with length in plans for new vessels for the CalMac routes in order to avoid substantial new expenditure on modifications to piers and harbours as a result of the introducti…
Answer · Derek Mackay: The targeted carrying capacity of the proposed vessels was outlined by CalMac Ferries Limited on the basis of an analysis of forecast demand. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s invitation to tender requires a vessel design that can accommodate these capacities …
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25968 by Derek MacKay on 11 June 2015, what communications it has had with (a) Caledonian MacBrayne and (b) the Lismore community about the issue of small-scale petrol supplies to the island and when.
Answer · Derek Mackay: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26188 on 6 July 2015. 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/parliamentarybu…
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25968 by Derek MacKay on 11 June 2015, when it was made aware that the Loch Striven would be fitted with a cage to allow the safe carriage of petrol cans to Lismore and for what reason that information was not included in the answer.
Answer · Derek Mackay: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26188 on 6 July 2015. 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/parliamentarybu…
18 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25968 by Derek MacKay on 11 June 2015, whether it is aware (a) that the population of Lismore is below 200, (b) of the number of vehicles on the island and that the majority of those vehicles run on diesel, (c) that there is a lack of secure storage…
Answer · Derek Mackay: The Scottish Government is aware of the unique challenges facing those who live, work and do business in Scotland’s remote and island communities. That is why we continue to support and improve ferry services to those communities. Transport Scotland meets reg…
17 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25965 by Michael Matheson on 17 June 2015, for each (a) island and (b) remote rural area without a resident notary public, what the distance is to the nearest notary public; what the type, frequency and availability is of public transport; what the …
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26180 on 15 July 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which c…
17 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will commission portraits of Presiding Officers Alex Fergusson and Tricia Marwick by the photographer, Harry Benson, to add to his portraits of Sir David Steel and Sir George Reid, which are already in the Parliament's collection, or whether it will consider …
Answer · Linda Fabiani: The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has already commissioned photographic portraits of Presiding Officers Alex Fergusson and Tricia Marwick by Harry Benson, for the Scottish Parliament Art Collection. The portraits will go on display when the Members ha…
17 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25965 by Michael Matheson on 17 June 2015, on which islands and in which remote rural areas (a) it considers that there is a problem of availability of JPs to undertake affidavit administration and (b) there is a resident notary public.
Answer · Michael Matheson: A current list of the JP Courts can be found at: https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/the-courts/jp-court/about-jp-courts. Members of the public are asked to make an appointment through the administration office for a JP court where signing can be arranged. It is…
9 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of complaints and objections from the local community and forest operators, including Forestry Commission Scotland, regarding the designation of Core Path C223 in the Cowal area, what its response is to the statement by the chief executive of Argyll and Bute Council in a letter…
Answer · Aileen McLeod: All objections to the Argyll and Bute Council Core Paths Plan were considered by reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, who investigated the circumstances surrounding the objections and made recommendations to Scottish Minister…
8 Jun 2015 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the National Museum of Scotland regarding the request to repatriate to Canada the remains of the last two members of the Beothuk tribe.
4 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to ensure that Transport Scotland and Caledonian MacBrayne have arrangements in place to ensure that petrol supplies can be conveyed by scheduled ferry to Lismore.
Answer · Derek Mackay: The transportation of petrol by CalMac on the Lismore ferry service is subject to the requirements of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods legislation. Roadtankers carrying up to 12000 litres of petrol are able to travel on the MV Loch Striven which operates the s…
4 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that affidavit administration services are available in all (a) rural areas and (b) islands.
Answer · Michael Matheson: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-25965 on 17 June 2015 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/parliamentaryb…
4 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government (a) on which islands and (b) in which rural areas affidavit administration services are not available because of an absence of JPs, and what arrangements it is putting in place to resolve this.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government recognises the difficulties on some islands and remote rural areas if there is not a local Justice of the Peace available to sign affidavits. Affidavits can also be signed by notary publics, although there may be a charge for this.
1 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to develop a standard specification for the procurement of two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services that could permit the building of further ferries for use on all existing services and capable of using all pier and…
Answer · Derek Mackay: Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has developed a ferry design specification that is capable of utilising a number of existing pier and harbour facilities. Restricting the ferry design to fit with all existing pier and harbour facilities would limit the c…
1 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to ensure that the final specification for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services will allow their operation on all routes without modifications to piers or harbours.
Answer · Derek Mackay: Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd aim to have two vessels that can operate at a number of identified ports without modifications or with only minimal modifications. There are potentially 15 piers and harbours on the Clyde and Hebrides network that these vessels …
1 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to reconsider the length specification for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, as this would restrict their usage on a number routes, including those to Islay and Mull.
Answer · Derek Mackay: The length of a vessel directly affects its capacity to carry vehicles. Following a detailed demand led analysis, carrying capacity is seen as the primary constraint on a large number of routes, and has thus informed the proposed specification for the new ves…
1 Jun 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd does not proceed to final tender decision for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services without agreement from the communities served by these routes that the specifications are (a) suitable for existing piers and…
Answer · Derek Mackay: Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) will ensure that prior to any contract award it will ascertain that the new vessels will be suitable for the existing piers and harbours on the routes identified for the initial deployment of these vessels. If this prove…
21 May 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the establishment of a local authority committee that (a) met in private and excluded the public at all times, (b) took no minutes, (c) refused councillors who are not members of the committee access to its papers, (d) refused councillors who are not members of …
Answer · Marco Biagi: The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 provides the legal framework within which councils have to operate, and it makes provision for the arrangements for formal committees or sub-committees of a council. This includes arrangements for admission to meetings…
21 May 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the power of general competence available to a local authority allows it to establish committees that (a) take no minutes, (b) do not permit their papers to be distributed to councillors who are not members of the committee, (c) forbid councillors who are not members of the commi…
Answer · Marco Biagi: Local authorities in Scotland do not have a power of general competence, instead they have a power to advance well-being. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 provides the legal framework within which councils have to operate, and it makes provision for t…
21 May 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what redress is available to a councillor who is refused access to papers regarding the local authority's budget and the development of financial plans.
Answer · Marco Biagi: Reports submitted to meetings of a council, its committees and subcommittees are covered by the provisions of Part IIIA of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. This requires them to be available for public inspection, unless they are to be considered in …
19 May 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent scientific evidence that suggests that the method does not cause environmental damage, whether it has discussed with Clyde fishermen reconsidering the ban on the catching of razor clams by electro-fishing.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: Marine Scotland hosted an open workshop in Glasgow on 30 March 2015 to fully discuss the findings of the Marine Scotland Science report Electrofishing for Razor Clams with industry and relevant national and local public bodies. The Clyde Fishermen’s Associati…
19 May 2015 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent scientific evidence that suggests that the method does not cause environmental damage, whether it will consider a pilot licensing system for the catching of razor clams by electro-fishing.
Answer · Richard Lochhead: Electrofishing is prohibited under EU law and could only be licensed in Scotland were the relevant EU regulations repealed or if a specific derogation was applied for and granted. Accordingly the Scottish Government has no power at present to license commerci…