Parliamentary questions
Liam Kerr
2,171 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
21 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-00962 by Michael Matheson on 20 July 2021, whether it will provide the information that was requested regarding what analysis it has carried out concerning at which stage of their journey oil and gas workers who fly to and return directly from an ov…
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government has not carried out specific analysis on this issue. There are complexities and a variety of international travel possibilities within the global international oil and gas industry. Risk of Covid infection for workers travelling to an…
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government from where, and by what mechanism, it will source the quantity of non-variable, firm, reliable electricity, that is currently generated by Hunterston power station, following its closure, which is due to take place within the next 12 months.
Answer · Michael Matheson: This is a reserved policy area. Responsibility for security of supply sits with National Grid ESO (the GB electricity system operator), which works closely with generators and network operators across Scotland to ensure that there is always enough electricity…
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made an assessment of the impact that nuclear energy generation has on (a) jobs, (b) skills and (c) the economy, and if it has not made such an assessment, whether it will do so.
Answer · Michael Matheson: We have not made an assessment of this kind. However, our work to refresh Scotland’s Energy Strategy, due to begin later this year, will include consideration of such aspects across the energy sector as a whole.
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on small modular reactors.
Answer · Michael Matheson: Our Energy Strategy, published in 2017, reiterated the Scottish Government’s continued opposition to new nuclear stations based on current technologies, and our determination instead to continue developing Scotland’s huge renewable resource while also promoti…
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will build new nuclear power stations, following the closure of Hunterston within the next 12 months, and of Torness in 2030.
Answer · Michael Matheson: It is for developers and the market to decide whether or not to bring forward proposals for new electricity generating stations in Scotland. Our 2017 Energy Strategy set out our priority for a whole system approach that promotes renewables and other low carb…
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government from where it will source the quantity of non-variable, firm, reliable electricity that is currently generated at Torness following its closure, which is due to take place in 2030.
Answer · Michael Matheson: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-01690 on ? 16 August 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-commit…
20 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects to have electrified the East Coast Mainline between Edinburgh Haymarket and Aberdeen in full.
Answer · Graeme Dey: Network Rail is due to undertake ground investigation and survey works of the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route during autumn 2021. The outputs from this will inform the next stage of development and planning to determine the appropriate electrification programme.
19 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many members of its staff are working specifically on COP26.
Answer · Michael Matheson: There are currently 49 members of Scottish government staff in specific COP26 posts, with 11 further specific posts under recruitment. A wide range of other staff members across the Scottish Government contribute a percentage of their time to working on COP26.
19 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, as of 20 July 2021, how many meetings Scottish Ministers have arranged, specifically relating to COP26, to take place (a) in the lead up to and (b) during the course of COP26.
Answer · Michael Matheson: As of 20 July 2021, the First Minister had 3 meetings arranged in the run up to COP26 (31 October 2021), and the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport had 15 meetings planned. It is not currently possible to specify the exact number of meetings…
19 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on preparations for COP26.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government and relevant agencies have, to date, spent £885,000 on transport planning, venue, communications and marketing in preparations for COP26. Scottish Ministers have made clear their expectation that all additional operational costs, such …
19 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings in relation to COP26 the First Minister has attended.
Answer · Michael Matheson: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-01623 on ? 16 August 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-commit…
19 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, as of 20 July 2021, how many meetings in relation to COP26 Scottish Ministers have (a) organised and (b) attended.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government looks forward to a successful COP26 in November that delivers increased global ambition to net zero in a way that is fair and just. Scottish Ministers have engaged widely on COP26, and will continue to do so in the run up to, during an…
15 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice has been issued to live-music performers regarding the resumption of live performances, and by what date updated advice will be provided.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Live music performers should follow the performing arts guidance, available here . This was developed with a wide range of performing arts practitioners and looked ahead to outline details for the eventual resumption of live public performances. This guidan…
15 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with live-music performers regarding COVID-19 guidance for venues, particularly smaller venues, such as pubs.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government continues to recognise the importance of engaging the performing arts sector, including live-music performers, in the development of guidance, to allow the safe re-opening of venues during the coronavirus pandemic. The Scottish Govern…
15 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects live performances to be able to return to (a) pubs and (b) clubs.
Answer · Ivan McKee: Live entertainment can take place in general hospitality from Level 0 where physical distancing in indoor public spaces is standardised at 1 metre. If live entertainment is provided in dedicated events spaces in hospitality, such as a function hall or confere…
15 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact assessments it has carried out regarding the impact of the COVID-19 guidance for the performing arts and venues sector, which was issued on the 10 November 2020, particularly on smaller venues and performers.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government recognises the severe impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on performing arts and venues, with the necessary restrictions meaning that many activities have had to be suspended. The effects of these restrictions on the performing arts s…
15 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) planning, or (b) preparation it has undertaken to prevent air pollution levels rising (i) to, or (ii) above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: Green recovery must form a central part of Scotland's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic. In relation to air quality, the key challenges will be to understand how the air pollution reductions seen during lockdown periods can be maintained long-term and sust…
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out an open tender process for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract and, if so, when it is scheduled to begin.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The current Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract is due to expire in September 2024. Work is underway to consider the appropriate approach to future contracts and tendering. No decisions on the form of tender or timescales have been taken as yet.
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the scope of Project Neptune is, and whether there are limits on the recommendations that it can make.
Answer · Graeme Dey: We responded to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on 11 March 2021 outlining the scope and advising there is nothing ‘off limits’ to the appointed consultants when addressing the issues within the scope of the review. This reflects the desire that …
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the future structure of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract will be.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-01514 on 6 August 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…
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the British Columbia model of ferry contracting.
Answer · Graeme Dey: Transport Scotland is aware of the ferry services model in British Columbia, Canada. This will be included as part of international benchmarking element of the ongoing review of tripartite arrangements in place in Scotland.
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has carried out on emissions from ferries, and how it will reduce carbon emissions in line with climate obligations.
Answer · Graeme Dey: Transport Scotland has undertaken analysis of the emissions produced by the Scottish Government's ferries fleet which identified areas where progress can be made quickly to reduce emissions using the technology commercially available at this time. This includ…
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects Project Neptune to report, and by what date it anticipates it will respond to the report.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The provisional findings of an independent review of governance arrangements for Scottish Government lifeline ferry services are scheduled to be delivered around the end of the year. We will take time to fully consider the output of the report including furth…
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a long-term strategic plan for the provision of ferry services; what the plan is, or, should a plan not currently exist, by what date it will be produced.
Answer · Graeme Dey: Yes, the Scottish Ferry Services Plan (2013-2022) which will be replaced by the Islands Connectivity Plan at the end of 2022. Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013-2022) (transport.gov.scot)
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide extra funding to support the chartering of vessels, in order to provide immediate, additional resilience on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) network.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The Scottish Government has and will provide funding to support the chartering of suitable vessels to assist resilience on our ferry networks, as demonstrated by the current charter of MV Arrow by CalMac Ferries Ltd. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and…
14 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) how much of the reported £200 million for rail improvement works as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal to reduce journey times between Aberdeen and the central belt has been spent, (b) what it has been spent on, (c) how much of any remaining fu…
Answer · Graeme Dey: By way of an update against the progress of the Aberdeen to Central belt rail project:- (a) £1.68 million has been spent on this project to date. (b) This funding has been used i) to identify the signalling and infrastructure interventions that enable the r…
13 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what water conservation measures it has (a) introduced in the last five years or (b) plans to introduce.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government is working with key business sectors, Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and other stakeholders to make sure water is used efficiently through conservation measures. We continue to invest in the public …
13 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to protect the natural environment and wildlife from water shortages.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government works with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), NatureScot, fisheries boards and trusts, and other stakeholders to protect the natural environment and wildlife from water shortages. Our River Basin Management Plans ident…
13 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to mitigate the risk of drought.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government is working with key business sectors, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water, local authorities, and other stakeholders to make sure water is used efficiently; the first line of defence against the risks of droug…
12 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of heat demand, for hot water and space heat, was met by heat networks in (a) 2019 (b) 2020.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The data currently held on heat networks comes from data collected by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) under the Heat Metering and Billing Regulations. Heat network operators are required to notify every 4 years. The latest data held is for …