Jeremy Balfour

16 Nov 2016 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government which sites have been identified as possible locations for a national film studio.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: There are a number of facilities which Creative Scotland actively promote for film production in Scotland – the current list of available premises is set out in the following table: Studio Space Location BBC Studios Dumbarton BBC Studios Pacific Quay 1…

9 Nov 2016 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on how the proposal by Edinburgh City Council to introduce a tourist tax could impact on the number of visitors to the city.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a tourist tax. The Scottish tourism industry currently subject to UK Government VAT rates which are the seconds largest in the EU. However we are open to discussions with any local authorities that are interes…

1 Nov 2016 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage school pupils to study medicine at university.

18 Oct 2016 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to tackle claimants' abuse of the welfare powers that are being devolved.

4 Aug 2016 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the amount owed in unpaid council tax and rent by local authority employees, broken down by local authority area.

Answer · Kevin Stewart: This information is not held centrally. Information on the amount owed by individual council tax payers, and by individual local authority tenants, is a matter for local authorities.

4 Aug 2016 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what guidance has been provided to local authorities to ensure consistent reporting of the number of pupils with additional support needs.

Answer · John Swinney: The ScotXed Unit within the Scottish Government provide guidance notes to schools in Scotland responsible for reporting on the school/pupil census. This includes the reporting of pupils with additional support needs.The Scottish Government is committed, throu…

15 Jul 2016 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government which of its departments will be responsible for the operation of the Baby Box scheme; what items will be included in the boxes; who will be responsible for their distribution, and how much the scheme will cost each year to run.

Answer · Aileen Campbell: The Directorate of Children and Families, Creating Positive Futures Division will be responsible for the operation of the Baby Box Scheme in close partnership with other policy areas across the organisation. The Scottish Government are working with a variety …

7 Jun 2016 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its education directorate’s role is in addressing the number of 16 to 19-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government is determined to do everything it can, working with our national and local partners, to ensure that all young people get the best possible educational opportunities. Our education directorates are focused on delivering key education p…

26 May 2016 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Agency regarding the implementation of the curriculum for excellence.