Parliamentary questions
Alex Cole-Hamilton
2,700 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
21 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish guidance on when community choirs can resume rehearsing.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Scottish Government guidance for the safe re-opening of performing arts was published on 21 August and is available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-performing-arts-and-venues-sector/pages/overview/. Non-profession…
21 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether baby and toddler classes that adults have to attend are included in the indoor activities that can resume on 31 August 2020 and, if so, whether it will provide guidance regarding (a) restrictions on numbers and (b) the use of PPE.
Answer · Maree Todd: As set out in the Route Map, provisional guidance was published on 1 September, for indoor activities and services for children and young people under 18 that are not regulated. Subject to final HPS review, it will be updated within the next week. This includ…
21 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS workers are being routinely tested for COVID-19 in the same way that professional footballers are.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: We are routinely testing healthcare workers where the evidence tells us it is appropriate to do so. We test all asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in suspected nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks. This decision was made based upon independent expert advice f…
20 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when Pilates instructors will be allowed to recommence 1:1 rehabilitative therapy sessions.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: As of Monday 31 August, indoor leisure facilities can open with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place. Instructors will therefore be able to meet with clients providing they are adhering to the relevant guidance.
20 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it is providing to hospitality venues regarding collecting contact details for COVID-19 testing, including those whose patrons do not have a smartphone with which to scan a QR code.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Guidance has been updated for the tourism and hospitality sector which sets out how premises covered by regulations can keep a record of customer and visitor contact details safely and securely, ensuring data protection principles are upheld. That guidance is…
20 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether its current COVID-19 guidelines preclude all professional football teams below the SPFL Premiership-level, including full-time clubs such as Heart of Midlothian, from participating in training and playing and, if so, (a) for what reason, (b) what discussions it has had with the (…
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: From 24 August 2020, organised full contact outdoor sport for all ages was permitted in Scotland. We have discussed the resumption of this activity with the Scottish FA and the SPFL on a number of occasions. This will – subject to Scottish FA guidance – all…
20 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when (a) youth clubs, (b) drama groups and (c) other similar organisation will be permitted to hire out venues such as church halls.
Answer · Aileen Campbell: I recognise the breadth of different activities that take place within church halls and community centres, and understand they are significant assets to faith groups and local communities alike. In many instances, these halls have played a significant role in…
19 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether, under current COVID-19 guidance, indoor facilities such as changing rooms and toilets are accessible to people undertaking outdoor activities.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The use of changing rooms and showering facilities should be avoided where possible, although from the 31 August 2020 they may be made available for participants with disabilities or special needs or where required after an activity such as swimming. Sports …
18 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide a timescale for when UCAS will be updated with the new grades for students in Scotland who have had them changed.
Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Qualifications Authority has supplied UCAS with the results and these were disseminated to universities and colleges on 20 August.
18 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when appropriate COVID-19 guidance regarding children's soft play centres will be published.
Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government will aim to publish guidance for the soft play industry in advance of the indicative date for reopening of 14 September. We will involve the soft play industry and relevant stakeholders in developing this guidance.
18 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when guidance on safe practice in relation to home economics lessons in schools will be published.
Answer · John Swinney: The guidelines are in production and will be presented to members of the Education Recovery Group within the next few weeks, subject to stakeholder consultation. As with all guidelines at the moment, there is a need to look at the overall scientific advice wh…
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-30952 by Christina McKelvie on 13 August 2020, whether it will provide further details of when the further guidance regarding mobile beauty salons will be published.
Answer · Christina McKelvie: Guidelines for mobile close contact services are currently being developed in partnership with sectoral trade bodies, after which it will be analysed by health experts and specialists. While we are not yet able to provide a date for when this guidance will be…
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether school and college exam candidates who were given estimated grades for the 2020 exam diet will have a note on their exam certificate explaining that these results were an estimate as a result of the exam diet not going ahead due to COVID-19.
Answer · John Swinney: Revised certificates will be issued to be with candidates on 8 September. The certificates will not include a note about estimates but will show the revised grades awarded under the direction to reissue awards based on teacher or lecturer judgement this year.…
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) staff and (b) children of key workers tested positive for COVID-19 as a result of time spent in key worker childcare hubs during the lockdown.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: This information is not held centrally.
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider permitting extended household bubbles as part of local lockdown measures in situations where cities and towns experience an outbreak of COVID-19.
Answer · John Swinney: If local restrictions are required in response to an outbreak of COVID-19 these will be implemented with regard to the nature and extent of the public health risk. The circumstances for each outbreak will be different and the response will be tailored accordi…
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being taken to promote and ensure infection control among school pupils with learning difficulties as part of the return to full-time schooling.
Answer · John Swinney: The Education Recovery Group has worked with key partners to develop guidance to help ensure a safe and welcoming return to school for children, young people and staff. This guidance is available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-g…
17 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to move the 2021 school exam diet back by a month in light of students missing out on a month of tuition in their new subjects as a result of the lockdown.
Answer · John Swinney: We are taking action to prepare arrangements for national qualifications in 2021. The Scottish Qualifications Authority is consulting on the 2021 timetable and we will also look to ensure that any lessons learned identified in the review by Professor Priestle…
14 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review legislation around dog behaviour in public places.
Answer · Ash Denham: Between September 2019 and January 2020, the Scottish Government held a consultation on steps to improve the operational effectiveness of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010. This consultation asked for views on a range of measures designed to help local …
14 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason dyslexia assessments were reportedly determined to be non-essential during the COVID-19 lockdown, and what action it is taking to resume these services as soon as possible.
Answer · Clare Haughey: Scottish Government have never determined Dyslexia assessments as non-essential. For children, Scottish Governments reopening of schools guidance advises that movement between schools should be kept to a minimum until further notice. This includes attendanc…
14 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason indoor karting centres are categorised as indoor sports courts, in light of provisions for social distancing and ventilation being met.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government define Karting both indoor and outdoor as a sporting activity which is recognised by the home nation sport’s councils. It is a recognised discipline within Motor Sports UK, who are the UK national governing body for motor sports. As su…
14 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what financial assistance is in place for the coach industry, and whether it plans to (a) review and (b) increase this.
Answer · Fergus Ewing: Coach operators have been able to apply for financial assistance from a range of schemes including the 100% Retail Hospitality and Leisure rates relief & RHL grant support, and the small Business Grant Fund. Non-domestic rates relief also applies to eligible …
14 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether deeds on retirement homes that require confirmation that the resident is capable of independent living includes people who require intensive social care packages.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: The Scottish Government believes that older and disabled people should be supported to live independently in their own home or a homely setting for as long as possible. Prior to purchasing a retirement home, any potential buyer should seek appropriate legal …
11 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it will apply test and protect contact tracing for people who have unwittingly come into contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19 while "wild camping".
Answer · Jeane Freeman: VisitScotland has advice on wild camping in Scotland on their website. They advise people to “avoid overcrowding by moving on to another location, if it’s already a busy spot”, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. If this advice is followed the ris…
11 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when organised children's parties in public venues, including sport centres and church halls, will be allowed to resume.
Answer · Maree Todd: Indoor activities for children and young people which are not overseen by a regulator should not start again until agreed guidance is in place. Further information will be provided as part of the route map which sets out the proposed phased approach to easing…
10 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review and update guidance and legislation regarding insolvency, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic the Scottish Government introduced provisions through the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 which were aimed at protecting those members of society with unsustainable debt. These …
6 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the COVID-19 restrictions, what plans it has to review the guidance regarding how long into pregnancy a woman can keep working in a health care setting.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government has created the risk assessment guidance and a supporting tool for staff across all industries. This remains under constant review and should be used by employers to support staff and by line managers to understand and carry out effe…
5 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when driving tests will be allowed to (a) be booked and (b) resume.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The First Minister announced that driving lessons would resume on 24 August. Driving tests are the responsibility of the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency. We understand that car driving tests will resume in mid-September, with priority given to those who …
5 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when day care services for adults with learning disabilities, such as Garvald Edinburgh, will be allowed to reopen.
Answer · Clare Haughey: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-30816 on 6 August 2020. 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/…
5 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when adult respite residential services will be allowed to reopen.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Minister for Children and Young People and I wrote to Health and Social Care Partnerships, Chief Social Work Officers, care providers and others on 3 August 2020 advising that, pending more specific guidance, residential respite services can reopen subjec…
4 Aug 2020 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to people who have been harmed by sodium valproate.
Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government remain committed to patient safety, and this remains key to delivering healthcare in Scotland. We are grateful to Baroness Cumberlege for producing the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review report and, while the Revi…