Parliamentary questions
John Finnie
1,255 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what Caledonian MacBrayne’s annual budget for training modern apprentice (a) deck, (b) engine and (c) hospitality ratings (i) is in 2016-17 and (ii) will be in each of the next seven years.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: Under the new 8 year Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract, CalMac Ferries Ltd have made a commitment to take on 10 deck and engine ratings apprentices per year and 10 catering ratings trainees/apprentices from contract year 2. The average cost to CalMa…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland’s decision to withdraw funding for apprentice subsistence costs from further education colleges will impact on Caledonian MacBrayne’s ratings apprenticeship programme over the remainder of the current Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-06665 on 7 February 2017. 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/parliamentarybusiness…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what role Skills Development Scotland has in implementing the policy to respond to the skills needs of employers, as set out in the Draft Budget 2017-18, and what action it can take to ensure that this applies to employers in the ferries sector.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will play a key role in the delivery of the Scottish Government's commitment to meeting the skills needs of employers with the expansion of the Modern Apprenticeship programme as we move towards delivering 30,000 Modern Appre…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed reduction in Skills Development Scotland’s budget will have on Caledonian MacBrayne’s modern apprentice programme for seafarer ratings.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The proposed Skills Development Scotland budget for 2017-18 includes an allocation for the delivery of the 2017-18 Modern Apprenticeship Programme in line with the Scottish Government's commitment to increase the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts to 30,0…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland’s decision to withdraw funding for apprentice subsistence costs will impact on (a) the maritime skills base and (b) maritime colleges.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: SDS has not withdrawn funding for subsistence costs from all providers, including further education colleges. Travel and Subsistence funding is incorporated into increased funding contribution rates for Modern Apprenticeships.
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what role Skills Development Scotland has in implementing (a) the policy to increase the number of modern apprenticeship starts in each year to 2020, (b) the Modern Apprenticeships Equality Action Plan and (c) Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce Programme, as set out in the Draft Budge…
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: Skills Development Scotland plays the lead role in the expansion of Modern Apprenticeships by contracting with training providers, monitoring delivery and promoting the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships to employers and young people. Skills Development Sco…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what submissions it has received from the Modern Apprenticeship Group regarding the funding proposals for Skills Development Scotland that were set out in the Draft Budget 2017-18.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The level of funding available for the delivery of each Modern Apprenticeship framework is not within the remit of the Modern Apprenticeship Group and as such they have made no representations about the funding proposals.
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland's decision to withdraw subsistence-cost funding for employers in the maritime sector will impact on (a) employers and (b) young people in that sector, and what discussions it has had or plans with the Modern Apprenticeship Group regarding this.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: As answered in S5W-06675 on 8 February 2017, SDS has not withdrawn funding for subsistence costs from all providers. Travel and Subsistence funding is incorporated into increased funding contribution rates for MAs. The level of funding available for the deli…
27 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how Skills Development Scotland’s decision to withdraw subsistence-cost funding for modern apprenticeships in the maritime sector will impact financially on (a) maritime colleges and (b) the ferries industry.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: As answered in S5W-06664 on 8 February 2017, SDS has not withdrawn funding for subsistence costs from all providers, including further education colleges. Travel and Subsistence funding is now incorporated into increased funding contribution rates for MAs. …
11 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking alongside Transport Scotland to ensure that the dualling of the A9, and particularly its crossing of the River Spey, enhances the nature conservation value and ecological connectivity of the Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve, River Spey Special Area of Conserv…
Answer · Keith Brown: Transport Scotland is currently undertaking an options assessment of the dualling over the River Spey. Options are being assessed across a range of engineering and environmental criteria to determine the best overall solution for this section of the dualling.…
11 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with Scottish Natural Heritage or The Highland Council regarding the proposed golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: An official from the Scottish Government made contact with The Highland Council, in September 2016, following submission of your previous Parliamentary Questions to ascertain the status of the proposal at that particular time. As it is, primarily, a matter fo…
11 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S5W-02282 by Kevin Stewart on 20 September 2016, whether it would consider that an adverse effect on the natural features, for which the Coul Links in Sutherland are protected under national law and international law and treaty, would constitute an issue…
Answer · Kevin Stewart: It is not for Ministers to offer comment or pre-empt decisions to be taken by a planning authority. The Highland Council will be required to consult with the appropriate key agencies, in line with existing planning legislation, and to consider those consultee…
11 Jan 2017 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what involvement it would anticipate having in the planning application should the proposed golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland be likely to have an adverse effect on the natural features for which the site is legally protected.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: Where Scottish Natural Heritage has indicated that the proposed development may adversely affect a site of Special Scientific Interest or a Special Protection Area and has advised against granting planning permission, or has recommended conditions which the p…
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish Minister last met the UK Border Force and what was discussed.
Answer · Michael Matheson: I met with UK Border Force on 9 March 2016 to discuss the Force's work, including its footprint in Scotland, its operational priorities and the role of the border as a unique point of intervention.
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish Minister last met the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and what was discussed.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform met the Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on 25 October 2016. The discussion covered NDA’s corporate plans and activities, especially in relation to its sites in Scotland.
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last assessed the model of managing trunk road maintenance and what the outcome was.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: The model for managing the Scottish Trunk Road Network was assessed as part of the procurement strategy in 2012 for the current 4th Generation (4G) Trunk Road Maintenance Contracts. The strategy resulted in the current 5 unit model, with the contracts commenc…
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish Minister last met the UK Visas and Immigration and what was discussed.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: I met the UK Minister of State for Immigration, Mr Robert Goodwill, on 7 December 2016 to discuss immigration issues. We discussed the potential impact of exiting the EU, post study work visas, the Tier 4 student visa pilot, and the upcoming UK Government con…
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish Minister last met the Ministry of Defence and what was discussed.
Answer · Keith Brown: On 18 August 2016, the Deputy First Minister met in Edinburgh with the Rt Hon Mike Penning, MP, Minister for the Armed Forces, to discuss responsibilities for resilience. This was an introductory meeting following Mr Penning’s appointment in July 2016. The …
22 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when a Scottish Minister last met the National Crime Agency and what was discussed.
Answer · Michael Matheson: I met with Lynne Owens, Director General of the National Crime Agency, on 8 February 2016, shortly after she took up post. We discussed a range of issues including the relationship between the NCA and Scottish Government and the collaborative work on tackling…
21 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many of its decisions to invoke its unacceptable actions policy in each of the last five years resulted in appeals to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, and what the outcome of each appeal was.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government are not aware of any complaints arising from application of the Unacceptable Actions Policy being escalated to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
21 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review its unacceptable actions policy.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government Unacceptable Actions Policy is in line with current guidance made available by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, however, a review is currently in progress as part of a process of continuous improvement.
21 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions in each of the last five years its unacceptable actions policy has been used and for what reasons, also broken down by directorate.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Unacceptable Actions Policy was introduced by the Scottish Government in 2013 and is in line with guidance available from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. The Policy is used to address three main areas, aggressive or threatening behaviour, unreason…
20 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-05382 by Humza Yousaf on 20 December 2016, in light of the minister’s comment that he would “shortly announce the way forward”, what its definition is of the term “shortly” and whether it will confirm by what date the announcement will be made.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the Statement I made in Parliament on 2 February 2017. Full details of my Statement are available on the Scottish Parliament website http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10768
20 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-05382 by Humza Yousaf on 20 December 2016, for what reason it did not provide the information that was requested, and whether it will now do so.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: I refer the member to the Statement I made in Parliament on 2 February 2017. Full details of my Statement are available on the Scottish Parliament website http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10768
20 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the guidance that it provides to Ministers to ensure that written answers to parliamentary questions fully address the issues they raise and provide the information requested.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that members receive prompt, accurate response to their questions. The guidance on answering Scottish Parliamentary Questions has recently been updated and a copy has been placed in SPICe (Bib. number 58488).
19 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what additional costs Police Scotland will incur as a result of the transportation of highly enriched uranium from Dounreay to the US.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Police Scotland policy for commercial organisations requesting policing services is one of full cost recovery in line with section 86 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
19 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the person or organisation that has responsibility for the transportation of highly enriched uranium from Dounreay to the US.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The UK Government owns the nuclear materials currently stored at Dounreay and is responsible for any movements of that material. There is regular official contact between the Scottish Government and the UK Government, and Ministerial correspondence on signifi…
19 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that the runway at Wick Airport is unsuitable for use by C-17 US Aircraft, whether Highlands and Islands Airports Limited has discussed its license to operate with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The safe operation of Wick Airport is the responsibility of the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) board, and fulfilling this responsibility is an operational matter for HIAL.
19 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the Wick Airport site in each of the last five years, and how the money was spent.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government provides funding to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) to meet the operating costs and to fund the capital investment programme at its 11 airports. Funding is not broken down by individual airport. The total funding provided…
19 Dec 2016 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government who was consulted regarding the use of Wick Airport for the transportation of highly enriched uranium from Dounreay to the US.
Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: Prior to any movements of nuclear materials from the Dounreay site, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority consults widely with stakeholders and local authorities.