Questions and answers

Question reference: S5W-27707

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 March 2020
Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 17 March 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the evidence given by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform to the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee on 29 October 2019 (Official Report, c. 19), whether it will provide an update on the status of the six live Scottish environment cases that the cabinet secretary said were before the European Commission, and what arrangements are being made to continue to investigate these following the end of the EU transition period.

Following the end of the EU implementation period, any ongoing infringement cases will remain within the jurisdiction of the EU. Infringement proceedings can be brought against the UK with respect to actions before the end of the transition period, for up to 4 years, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement. The number of cases indicated by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment Climate Change and Land Reform are subject to change and can be searched for on the following database of EU infringements: https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/ .

Question reference: S5W-27712

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 March 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 16 March 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of thermolicers on salmon farms and, in light of recent scientific evidence, including from the Director of Bioveterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, which suggests that welfare problems can arise from their operation, whether it will consider banning these devices.

The Scottish Government takes animal welfare very seriously, including that of farmed salmon. We are supporting a research project to explore the impact of the use of thermal treatments for sea lice which is being undertaken by the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre. Once we have the findings from that research, we will consider what more, if anything, should be done in relation to thermal treatments to ensure the welfare of farmed salmon.

Question reference: S5W-27708

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 March 2020
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 12 March 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its commitment to remain aligned to EU environmental regulations at the end of the EU transition period, whether it plans to continue to play a role in the Natura 2000 network for protected areas.

The question of continued alignment with the Natura 2000 network (and any other European Union policy mechanisms) has yet to be determined, pending the outcome of negotiations between the EU and the UK Government. The Scottish Government’s position remains that we would prefer to stay as closely aligned with EU environmental policy as possible.

Whilst EU exit was not Scotland’s choice, the Scottish Government has committed to maintain or exceed EU environmental standards and to carry forward the EU environmental principles.

We have taken steps to ensure that the current level of legal protection afforded to Scotland’s Natura sites will be maintained as part of a UK site network even if, in legal terms, these sites can no longer be considered a part of the EU-wide Natura 2000 network.

Question reference: S5O-04277

Current Status: Withdrawn

Question reference: S5W-27411

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 6 March 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what impact the establishment of free ports could have on alignment with the EU.

The Scottish Government wants to align with EU standards given our shared values and the socio-economic benefits that membership brings. This approach protects environmental standards and working conditions, and it also makes it easier for Scottish businesses to export to the EU. We are considering the UK Government’s Freeport consultation but there is a lack of clarity on what the UK hopes to achieve with Freeports. We need more clarity on how they will operate and the rules that will apply.

While we are interested in any proposal that can stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth, the consultation lacks detail and underpinning analysis in key areas. From the information set out, it is difficult to assess the potential benefits that freeports could bring to Scotland’s economy. We are seeking further clarity from the UK Government on its proposition, including detailed insight into envisaged economic and social impact, and the impact on climate change and inclusive growth. Key to our consideration of the efficacy of freeports in the Scottish context will be whether they complement our aim to enable a high productivity, high wage and technology-based economy.

We are clear that freeports should not become deregulatory zones in which protections for the environment, workers and consumers can be weakened. To boost trade, rather than only focussing on Freeports the UK should look to the benefits the EU’s single market and customs union provide. The Scottish Government believes that returning to EU membership is the best outcome for Scotland. The Scottish Government will use its devolved powers to maintain, as far as it is able, the closest possible ties with the EU. Despite repeated calls from the Scottish Government, the UK Government continues to pursue trade agreements with other countries at the expense of a close relationship with the EU. This approach poses significant risk to food and environmental standards that will have a negative impact on Scottish consumers, producers and businesses.

The Scottish Government has recently announced that a new Continuity Bill will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament which will make it easier to align with future EU standards. We will press for continued participation in EU research and student programmes and seek replacements for security initiatives including the EU arrest warrant.

Question reference: S5W-27176

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 January 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 19 February 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, excluding the Gleneagles junction, when it will upgrade each of the junctions on the A9 between Dunblane and Perth.

As you are aware, we are committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness, which was a recommendation of the first Strategic Transport Review, published in 2008. Work to dual the A9 north of Perth is now moving forward, however, there are currently no committed schemes to upgrade the A9 junctions between Dunblane and Perth.

The second Strategic Transport Projects Review is now well underway and this will allow us to reassess any previously recommended interventions that have not been progressed, including the upgrades to the A9 between Keir and Broxden roundabouts . This will ensure that our transport investment plans remain relevant to delivering the vision and outcomes of the new National Transport Strategy and continue to be the correct decisions for the public purse.

Question reference: S5T-02006

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 17 February 2020
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 18 February 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what lessons have been learned from the recent closure of the Queensferry Crossing.

Question reference: S5W-27145

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 27 January 2020
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 11 February 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many Scotland-based oil and gas sector companies have received support from UK Export Finance.

Question reference: S5W-27146

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 27 January 2020
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 11 February 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what role its agencies play in working with UK Export Finance.

Question reference: S5W-27140

Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Friday, 24 January 2020
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 February 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what steps have been taken to reduce the volume of traffic on the A85 through Crieff.

From the data we have available traffic levels on the A85 to and from Crieff have been reasonably stable over the last three years.

Our second National Transport Strategy (NTS2) sets out a compelling vision for the kind of transport system we want for Scotland over the next 20 years, one that protects our climate and improves lives. At the national level, future transport investment decisions will be made as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). To ensure that we create successful places in future we recognise that we need to manage the demand for transport and STPR2 is being developed in line with the Sustainable Travel and Investment Hierarchies as set out in NTS2.

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