Scottish Government

Monday 21 December 2020

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Constitution and External Affairs

George Adam (Paisley) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the COVID-19 legislation in place. (S5W-34193) John Swinney: Amending Regulations were made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 on 20 December 2020. These Regulations implement the changes that the First Minister announced on 19 December 2020.

The Regulations make adjustments to the provisions on festive gatherings and levels to which local authorities are allocated. These Regulations limit the exemptions which allow festive gatherings to apply to 25 December 2020, and removes the ability to form a festive gathering in other parts of the UK and Common Travel Area.

This action has been taken urgently given a new strain of coronavirus is circulating widely in some parts of the UK and is already circulating at a lower level in Scotland. Firm and decisive action has been taken now to prevent the new strain from taking hold in Scotland and to avoid our NHS being potentially overwhelmed in the coming weeks.

The Regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2020/452/contents/made .

Economy

Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the publication of its Hydrogen Policy Statement and Scottish Hydrogen Assessment report. (S5W-34163) Paul Wheelhouse: Today the Scottish Government will publish its Hydrogen Policy Statement and the report of the Scottish Hydrogen Assessment. The Policy Statement can be accessed at https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781800045033

The Hydrogen Policy Statement sets out our support for the strategic growth of a strong hydrogen economy in Scotland. In the Statement, we commit to making hydrogen a key element of Scotland’s decarbonisation plans, setting out the potential roles for hydrogen in our energy transition and our ambitions and strategic priorities regarding the various applications of hydrogen in our energy system in light of our net zero commitments.

In the statement we commit to providing the supportive policy and regulatory environment required to enable Scotland to take a pioneering role in a growing global industry and support our vision for Scotland to become a leading Hydrogen Nation in the production of reliable, competitive, sustainable hydrogen.

We will describe our next steps in our hydrogen journey and set out how we will implement our hydrogen policies when we publish our Hydrogen Action Plan in 2021 which will be supported by £100 million investment to support its delivery over the next five years.

The Hydrogen Policy Statement is accompanied by the publication of three supporting research studies, the Scottish Hydrogen Assessment , Scottish Offshore Wind to Green Hydrogen Opportunity Assessment and a Deep Decarbonisation Pathways for Scottish Industries study , which form a robust evidence base on Hydrogen that informed the development of the Policy Statement.

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on work to develop a new benchmark standard for new public buildings to ensure that heating systems are renewable or zero carbon, and from which date this benchmark will be set. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33885) Paul Wheelhouse: A holding answer was provided.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-33328 by Roseanna Cunningham on 2 December 2020, whether it considers its decision to take no action regarding the unregulated release of non-native gamebirds is consistent with the precautionary principle and the principle that preventative action should be taken to avert environmental damage, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. (S5W-33920) Roseanna Cunningham: As set out in the response to S5W-33328, there is little evidence to show that released gamebirds are causing damage to European sites in Scotland. However we will consider, with NatureScot, whether any additional monitoring or research into the impact of gamebird releases around protected sites may be required in the future. Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-33328 by Roseanna Cunningham on 2 December 2020, how many Habitats Regulations Appraisals have been completed regarding applications for the release of non-native gamebirds in each of the last 10 years; whether Scottish Natural Heritage will publish the environmental reports that informed these appraisals, and how many consents have been (a) issued and (b) denied in response to these. (S5W-33921) Roseanna Cunningham: NatureScot have carried out two Habitats Regulations Appraisals in the last ten years in relation to applications for the release of non-native gamebirds. The appraisals were undertaken using expert advice from NatureScot ornithologists. Both Appraisals concluded that there would be no adverse impact on the integrity of the sites in question and consents were issued in both cases.

NatureScot does not routinely publish Habitats Regulations Appraisals.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-33328 by Roseanna Cunningham on 2 December 2020, whether NatureScot will publish its monitoring programme that led it to conclude that “there is little evidence to show that gamebirds are causing damage to European sites in Scotland”. (S5W-33922) Roseanna Cunningham: NatureScot’s Site Condition Monitoring Programme measures the health of the notified features across all of Scotland’s protected areas, including European sites. The Programme also identifies underlying causes for unfavourable condition of features in order to inform management actions. Gamebirds are mentioned in around 0.2% of these assessments and gamebird releases have not been identified as the cause of any features on protected sites being in unfavourable condition.

Details of the monitoring programme are available on the NatureScot website: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and- species/protected-areas/site-condition-monitoring .

Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to figures suggesting that, in the first two years of the Fair Start Scotland programme, only 6,621 of the 34,785 people who were referred to it started in employment. (S5W-33945) Jamie Hepburn: Fair Start Scotland aims to support those further from the labour market towards employment, and provides 12 – 18 months of pre- employment support. As participants join each month, not enough time will have passed to present a complete picture of employment outcomes for many of them. Time must then also be taken into account to allow participants to reach 3, 6 and 12 months employment. Each quarterly release of statistics presents a developing picture of employment outcomes for year two of the service, which will increase as more participants move through the service into work, and sustain that work over time.

The most recent statistics published on 25 November 2020 show that, of the 27,076 people who started on Fair Start Scotland, 8,329 participants (33%) went on to start work.

The statistics also show that the majority of participants who started a job went on to sustain them for at least 6-12 months:

- 71% of people starting work went on to sustain employment for 3 months;

- 78% of those who sustained employment for 3 months reached at least 6 months; and

- 77% of those who sustained employment for 6 months went on to reach at least 12 months.

Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to figures suggesting that 51% of the people who joined the Fair Start Scotland Scheme in Year 2 left it early. (S5W-33946) Jamie Hepburn: Fair Start Scotland is an entirely voluntary service where people are not driven to take part by the fear of benefit sanctions. Participants retain the right to leave at any time as they can face a range of challenges and barriers, due to changes in their circumstances, health or for personal reasons. We know from previous research on the transitional employment services (Work First and Work Able Scotland) that participants often leave as a result of a temporary deterioration in their physical or mental health.

As part of our continuous improvement activities over the coming year, we will continue to explore ways to reduce the volume of participants leaving the service early, including improvements to specialist support for those who need it and the introduction of a “right to re-referral” for participants who left early or completed their support without moving into work. Our next FSS evaluation report, due to be published in Autumn 2021 will also include an in depth focus on early leavers and we will ensure that any learning from the results is promptly put into practice throughout the contract extension period. In line with the values of dignity and respect inherent to Fair Start Scotland, participants continue to be positive about their experience of the service. Of those surveyed for the Year 2 evaluation report:

- 91% of people who have used the service feel they were treated with dignity and respect;

- 80% of people felt the service took account of their individual needs and circumstances; and

- 81% of people felt the service offered support to improve their general quality of life and wellbeing.

Education, Communities and Justice

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-32307 by Richard Lochhead on 19 October 2020, whether it can now confirm whether this information will be shared with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). (S5W-33862) Richard Lochhead: This information will be placed shortly with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre under Bib No. 62045.

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-32308 by Richard Lochhead on 20 October 2020, whether it will confirm when the 2019-20 data will be published. (S5W-33863) Richard Lochhead: The vast majority of universities and colleges have now provided full year audited returns data to Student Awards Agency Scotland on their 2019-20 Higher Education Discretionary Funds spending.

SAAS officials are collating the data. This would normally be published as part of the annual 'SAAS Higher Education Student Support Statistics' in August next year. However, officials are now planning to publish this information on the SAAS website (www.saas.gov.uk ) in the early part of 2021.

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government, under which schemes it provides interest-free loans to improve the energy efficiency of public sector buildings, and how many of these loans have been (a) approved and (b) rejected for projects in (i) schools and (ii) nurseries in the financial year (A) 2019-20 and (B) 2020-21. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33888) Paul Wheelhouse: A holding answer was provided.

Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when the legislation that guarantees an extra year’s childcare funding for all parents who defer their child’s school start will be implemented across all of Scotland. (S5W-33917) Maree Todd: On the 2 October 2019, I confirmed that the Scottish Government would introduce legislation in this parliamentary session to entitle all children whose school start is deferred to access funded early learning and childcare in their deferred year.

The legislation required, an affirmative Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, was laid on 7 December 2020. The SSI is called The Provision of Early Learning and Childcare (Specified Children) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020, and will come into force on 1 August 2023.

Our overriding objective is to ensure that we roll out 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare to all eligible children as soon as possible, and therefore we have set a realistic timetable for full implementation of extended eligibility for children who defer.

To progress the implementation of this policy ahead of August 2023, the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have agreed a Joint Implementation Plan under which five local authorities will pilot early implementation of this obligation in 2021-22. The Scottish Government has committed £3 million to support this early implementation.

The Joint Implementation Plan has been published at https://www.gov.scot/publications/funded-early-learning-and-childcare-places- joint-implementation-plan/ .I informed Parliament of this approach in the answer to question S5W-34053 on 16 December 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/28877.aspx

Health and Social Care

Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its response to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Independent Review, and when the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Oversight Board will be reporting. (S5W-34170) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), co-chaired by Dr Andrew Fraser and Dr Brian Montgomery, has been published today (see: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781800045101 ).

The Scottish Government welcomes the report and accepts its recommendations. The recommendations are wide-ranging, covering what future improvements can be made to the processes of planning and delivering new healthcare facilities. While they will require further detailed consideration by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland before we can fully implement them, a number of policy developments and initiatives have already been taken or are underway which will assist in meeting the Review’s recommendations. The most important of these is the development of the National Centre for Reducing Risk in the Healthcare Built Environment. NHS National Services Scotland has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to support the creation of this new National Centre.

The QEUH Oversight Board (QEUH OB) is also publishing its Interim Report today (see https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781800045026). The QEUH OB was set up on‎ 22 November 2019 as a result of continuing problems arising from infection incidents on the QEUH campus and the decision to escalate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to "Stage 4" of the NHS Scotland performance ladder. Under the leadership of the Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Fiona McQueen, the OB was set up to address the specific issues of: infection prevention and control, associated governance with respect to the QEUH, and communications and engagement with the affected patients and families.

The QEUH OB Interim Report contains findings and recommendations on the communications and engagement issues arising from the infection outbreaks, and a review of key infection prevention and control processes within the Health Board. It also provides an update on the continuing work on the other issues, which will be set out in the Final Report. The QEUH OB Final Report will also carry findings from the independent Case Note Review. The Final Report is expected to be published in early 2021.

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it is reportedly not following the World Health Organization (WHO) advice to test, trace and isolate every case of COVID-19. (S5W-32462) Jeane Freeman: Test and Protect has now been operating for more than six months and is performing well – since its launch on 28 May, Test and Protect has offered testing to all symptomatic individuals to identify positive cases and traced close contacts of positive cases via a contract tracing service based in local health protection teams, with support provided at a national level in the form of the National Contact Tracing Centre. Test and Protect attempts to phone all positive cases, and close contacts are informed by phone or SMS. The most recent data, published by Public Health Scotland on 09 December, shows that we have successfully contacted 95% of positive cases, and 97% of identified close contacts, since Test and Protect’s Case Management System went live on 22 June.

The Scottish Government, in partnership with Local Authorities, has offered a support package to enable people to self-isolate and limit the spread of the virus. The Self-Isolation Support Grant of £500 is also available for people on low incomes who are in receipt of low income benefits and would lose income through self-isolation, if they are asked to self-isolate by contact tracers. Since 07 December this has been extended to be available to parents of a child who is required to self-isolate, if the parent fulfils the other eligibility criteria, and to people who may be eligible for Universal Credit, but have not yet applied.

Mark Griffin (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what information it collects regarding the occupations of people who request COVID-19 tests. (S5W-32564) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government does not collect this information.

The UK Government’s Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) holds occupation information where individuals provide it. This applies to individuals who take COVID tests through UK test centres or home test kits. The occupation information is aligned to Office for National Statistics occupation codes.

Public Health Scotland sends the Scottish Government information from Test and Protect interviews with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. This contains data about the sector of individuals’ occupations. The Scottish Government uses this information alongside a range of other scientific and clinical advice to inform our approach to testing.

Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that existing health inequalities in cancer outcomes do not widen a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (S5W-33138) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government recognises the continued need to address health inequalities in relation to cancer outcomes. We have recently completed an equality impact assessment, which alongside our Cancer Recovery Plan published on 09 December 2020, will be published shortly. This assessment has highlighted various actions in which we can take forward:

• The Scottish Government’s Digital Transformation Team and local clinical team will explore reasons why key groups have difficulty accessing services, and we will continue to raise awareness of the potential signs and symptoms of most prevalent cancers. • Over the next 2 ½ years we will invest up to £2.45 million to tackle inequalities in the national population screening programmes. This funding will be used to identify and address the impact of COVID-19 on inequalities. • We will deliver a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach. The approach will continue to look at available equalities data in order to minimise existing inequalities and ensure that every patient has equitable access to care across Scotland. • Some of the biggest cancer inequalities exist around lung cancer, which is also Scotland’s most common cancer, and this is a focus in our National Cancer recovery Plan. We are working with the Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group and NHS Health Boards to tackle lung cancer presentations. • Public messaging is being developed to support those with persistent symptoms suspicious of lung cancer to contact their GP. Recognising the potential to prevent many lung cancers, we will also support initiatives to deter young people from smoking.

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on what appears to be a contradiction between the level 3 COVID-19 guidance under the heading "meeting others indoors (socialising)", which states that “children under the age of 12…do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering” and under the heading "hospitality", which states that “children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people meeting outdoors only.” (S5W-33141) Jeane Freeman: We can confirm that children under 12 count towards the maximum of two households permitted to meet indoors in a public place. However they do not count towards the total number people permitted to gather indoors. For example a children’s party with ten children from ten separate households would not be allowable under these restrictions, but six adults and four children from two households could meet.

The guidance is kept under constant review to ensure it is clear and consistent and up to date, and we are grateful for the Member for raising this matter. We acknowledge that further clarity was required on this issue and we have updated the guidance accordingly. Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government when the adult care homes visiting guidance will next be updated. (S5W-33406) Jeane Freeman: Adult care homes visiting guidance has been kept under review throughout the pandemic as understanding of the virus, general advice and the evidence base continually evolves. The most recent guidance was issued on 17 November. Guidance for care homes on visiting over the Christmas period was issued on 4 December. Guidance on visitor testing has been made available in December.

James Kelly (Glasgow) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government when it will confirm at what time on 11 December 2020 the Level 4 COVID-19 restrictions will end. (S5W-33442) Jeane Freeman: The First Minister confirmed in her statement to the Scottish Parliament of 8 December that the restrictions introduced under level 4 would be lifted at 6pm on 11 December, with one exception. Retail premises that have been closed under the restrictions will be permitted to reopen from 6am on Friday, in order to help stores and shopping centres better manage the flow of customers after the period of closure.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS (a) doctors and (b) nursing staff have been tested for COVID-19 in each week since weekly testing was introduced, also broken down by (i) hospital and (ii) NHS board. (S5W-33528) Jeane Freeman: Health boards have been routinely testing healthcare workers in key areas (oncology, long stay elderly care and mental health wards where the length of stay is over three months) since 8 July.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with Health Boards to develop key data on the testing of NHS staff. This data is collected by the Scottish Government at board level only and includes all eligible staff across these three key areas. It is not collected by hospital or role.

This data was published for the first time by Public Health Scotland (PHS) on Wednesday 18 November and included the number of eligible staff, staff tested, positive results and positivity rates. Subsequent weekly publications, starting from Wednesday 25 November, will include this data and also the number of staff who have declined, or not tested (for operational reasons or with no reason given). Data published on 18 November shows 6,791 healthcare workers were tested.

Data published on 25 November shows 6,495 healthcare workers were tested and 161 actively declined.

Data published on 2 December shows 6,731 healthcare workers were tested and 151 actively declined.

Data published on 9 December shows 6,564 healthcare workers were tested and 190 actively declined.

Data is available from PHS COVID-19 Statistical Report - Management Information Statistics at: COVID-19 statistical report 9 December 2020 - Data & intelligence from PHS (isdscotland.org)

Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce measures to exclude false positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 tests of hospital patients through the use of confirmatory testing with lateral flow kits. (S5W-33585) Jeane Freeman: PCR tests provide the “gold standard” for SARS-CoV-2 testing in Scotland. There are no plans to use lateral flow tests for confirmatory testing of hospital patients, as lateral flow tests currently available are less sensitive than PCR tests.

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether knowingly discharging COVID-19-positive patients to care homes constitutes a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. (S5W-33617) Jeane Freeman: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies to all employers in the UK without exception. Enforcement of this legislation is the statutory responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5F-04546 by Nicola Sturgeon on 12 November 2020 (Official Report, c. 16), which of the COVID-19 rapid research projects referred to by the First Minister relate to so-called long- COVID. (S5W-33659) Jeane Freeman: The Rapid Research in COVID-19 call was launched on 25 March 2020. At that time there was little recognition of the possible longer- term health impacts of COVID-19 infection and the call did not specifically reference long-COVID.

Nevertheless, some projects funded as a result of that call are likely to provide evidence helpful to understanding the longer-term effects of COVID-19 infection including the following projects in particular:

COV/DUN/20/04 Identifying the burden of post-Covid-19 lung disease in the UK

COV/EDI/20/10 Inflammation in Covid-19: Exploration of Critical Aspects of Pathogenesis (ICECAP)

COV/GLA/20/05 Cardiac Imaging in SARS Coronavirus disease-19 (CISCO-19)

COV/QMU/20/04 Supporting recovery from illness experienced in isolation due to a pandemic context: survey and development of recommendations for practice

Details of all the projects funded through the Rapid Research in COVID-19 call are available from the Chief Scientist Office website: https://www.cso.scot.nhs.uk/rapid-research-in-covid-19-programme/

Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether disabled people of all ages who need allied health professional services will see enhanced investment in those services to ensure that they can access both urgent care or catch up on missed routine and planned services as a result of COVID-19. (S5W-33725) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government recognises the importance of a consistent approach being taken forward in the community to support people with the management of their condition across Scotland, which includes accessing the right support and services. Throughout our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where an urgent or essential clinical need has existed, access to Allied Health Professionals has been available.

Work is underway through the National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation to implement the Framework for Supporting People through Recovery and Rehabilitation during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic . The Framework is aligned to the Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design: the framework for NHS Scotland, and puts in place clear principles, priorities and objectives to support planning to meet increasing demand and to provide high quality person-centred rehabilitation in different settings. Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the reported shortage of qualified anaesthetists, and how an increased demand for their services will be met, in light of postponed operations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. (S5W-33726) Jeane Freeman: NHS Scotland's staffing levels are up by over 19,500 whole time equivalent staff members working in our NHS under this Government. This is a 15.4% increase (from 127,061.9 WTE at September 2006 to 146,630.9 WTE at September 2020).

Under this Government, the number of anaesthetics consultants has increased by 43.4% (from 549.0 WTE as at Sept 2006 to 787.2 WTE as at September 2020).

The Government has also increased the number of anaesthetists in training in Scotland since 2014 to build a training establishment which now produces sufficient trained anaesthetists annually to replace leavers and to supply over 2% annual growth in consultant numbers.

Taking account both of the current pandemic and upcoming winter challenges, Scottish Ministers continue to work with NHS Boards on ensuring the ongoing sustainability of their services in line with the Re-mobilise, Recover and Re-design Framework. Discussions with Boards cover a range of priority services, including anaesthetics

Deployment of qualified anaesthetists within NHS Scotland services remains the responsibility of individual Boards.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) NHS staff, (b) social care staff and (c) non-medical personnel will be required for the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine. (S5W-33733) Jeane Freeman: We will continue to use the c.900 WTE experienced vaccinators involved in the extended seasonal flu programme to deliver the initial phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. In addition, training and recruitment is already underway to expand the vaccination workforce in anticipation of delivery to larger cohorts.

While workforce requirements are subject to a number of variables including vaccine supply and delivery channel, we estimate a daily workforce requirement of c. 1300 WTE vaccinators and c. 750 WTE support staff by the end of January, as we progress through vaccination to priority groups. Capacity will be supplemented by further expansion of the workforce as required to support vaccination of the remaining members of Scotland’s adult population

In addition, off-site support services are being deployed to ensure that the necessary logistical support and communications are available to deliver an effective programme.

Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what recommendations the Grampian Incident Management Team (IMT) presented to local partners on 18 August 2020 regarding the lifting the of the Aberdeen local lockdown, and on what dates the Grampian IMT recommended that the local lockdown should be lifted. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33788) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much additional funding care homes will receive to support them with plans for expanding COVID-19 testing for care home visitors, following the announcement on 25 November 2020 that testing for visitors will be introduced from 7 December, with a full roll-out planned for January 2021. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33790) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-32623 by Jeane Freeman on 9 November 2020, when the Short Life Working Group set up by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) to consider the evidence surrounding the efficacy of “air cleaning” devices will next meet. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33791) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether, as part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, antibody tests will be offered to people who are taking immunosuppressant medication for conditions such as Crohn’s and colitis in order to confirm the efficacy of the vaccine in such cases. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33793) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether people with inflammatory bowel disease will be among the early groups to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33794) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what action it took in response to the MBRRACE-UK report published in 2018, which found that Black women were five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth compared with White women, and that Asian women were three times more likely. (S5W-33804) Joe FitzPatrick: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-30234 on 20 July 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, following findings of the UK Obstetric Surveillance System, which found that 56% pregnant women admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy were from black or other ethnic minority groups the Scottish Government’s Senior Medical Officer in Obstetrics and Chief Midwife wrote to all Clinical Directors (Obstetric) and Heads of Midwifery advising them of the findings of the study and of the changes to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) guidance and asking them to consider any immediate actions and to increase vigilance locally. This was followed up by the revised ‘ Delivering Maternity and Neonatal Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance for Boards’ which highlights the importance of increased vigilance when caring for women with COVID-19 risk factors for deterioration and hospital admission including Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) launched a Race Equality Taskforce in July 2020 to better understand and tackle racial disparities in women’s healthcare and racism within the obstetric and gynaecology workforce and our Senior Medical Officer in Obstetrics represents the Scottish Government on this group. On 2 October, to mark the first meeting of the Taskforce, the RCOG and Five X More launched ‘five steps for healthcare professionals’, a campaign to help reduce maternal health disparities in the UK. Discussions have taken place recently with the leads of the maternity and obstetric community in Scotland to again highlight the evidence and to explore and share evidence of good practice. This work will also inform agreement regarding key actions for national implementation.

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/28877.aspx .

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the COVID-19 vaccination delivery plan that has been reviewed by Ministers. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33807) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with individual NHS boards regarding the creation of tactical groups to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine programme at a local level. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33808) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many doses each week it is planning to deliver in the initial weeks of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33809) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when the new National Vaccination Management Tool will be ready for use. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33810) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many mobile COVID-19 vaccination units there are, and when they will be operational. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33811) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many fridges it currently has to store COVID-19 vaccines; when the first order of these fridges was received, and whether it has ordered any more. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33812) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government where the fridges needed to store COVID-19 vaccines are currently located, broken down by the number in each NHS board area. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33813) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many COVID-19 vaccinations each fridge can contain. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33814) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will follow the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations for who gets priority for the COVID-19 vaccine, and whether it will publish a definitive list of the priority groups in Scotland. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33815) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place for a COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to care home residents. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33816) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 2,000 vaccinators and support staff needed for the COVID-19 vaccination programme are currently in place, and how many of those currently in place (a) can administer the vaccine and (b) are support staff. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33817) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what training of staff will be required to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, and by what date any training will be delivered in full. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33818) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how people will be notified that they are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, and how much notice they will be given before a potential appointment. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33819) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to transport people in priority groups, such as older and vulnerable people, to the site of their COVID-19 vaccination. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33820) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a national list of COVID-19 vaccination centres, and when each of these centres will be ready for use. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33821) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how people will be told the appointment of the second booster COVID-19 vaccine after they have received the first. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33822) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to appoint a COVID-19 vaccine minister. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33823) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether there are specific plans for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to rural and island communities. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33824) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether there will be outsourcing of any aspect of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and, if so, what specific areas will be outsourced. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33825) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding what role the UK Armed Forces will play in the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Scotland. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33826) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is regarding frontline NHS and social care staff who refuse to be given the COVID-19 vaccine. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33827) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine passport. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33828) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for a public campaign regarding the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33829) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine hotline, and when any such hotline will be available to the public. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33830) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what IT infrastructure is in place to be used for the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33831) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what existing infrastructure for the flu vaccination programme will be used for the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33832) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether all waves of the COVID-19 vaccination programme will be completed by Spring 2021. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33833) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it will allocate vaccines to each NHS board. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33834) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether, once approved, different vaccines will be used for different priority groups. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33835) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations to the wider population once they have been provided to the nine priority groups recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33836) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many doses each week it is preparing to deliver at the peak of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33837) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 2,000 vaccinators and support staff required for the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme are allocated to each NHS board. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33838) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many staff will be required in future phases of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33839) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what role GP surgeries will play in the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33840) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what role community pharmacists will play in the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33841) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether its current epidemiological models attempt to capture numerically the impact of lockdown restrictions on increased mortality in the (a) short and (b) long term in order to draw comparisons with the number of lives that are considered to have been saved by the restrictions. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33843) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether all staff who work within community pharmacies will be prioritised for a COVID-19 vaccination. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33844) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether community pharmacists will be included in the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33845) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether pharmacy support workers such as delivery drivers will be prioritised for a COVID-19 vaccination. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33846) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether pharmacists and their support teams will be offered weekly COVID-19 tests. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33847) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS and social care staff have died during the COVID 19 pandemic; how many of these people's families were eligible for the £60,000 death-in-service payment, and how many have received the payment to date. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33848) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many cancer screening appointments have been cancelled in each month since February 2020, broken down by screening programme. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33849) Joe FitzPatrick: A holding answer was provided.

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many cancer services referrals have been made by GPs in (a) each year since 2017 and (b) 2020 to date. Holding answer issued: 18 December 2020 (S5W-33850) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider regulating health and social care services in order to ensure that they comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33851) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received offers of public health messaging support from third sector organisations encouraging at-risk groups to take up the COVID-19 vaccine.

Holding answer issued: 21 (S5W-33855) December 2020 Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided. Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to encourage people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33856) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how many people with respiratory disease there are in each of the COVID-19 priority categories set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33857) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many healthcare professionals each week it plans to provide with (a) generic vaccination training and (b) training specific to the characteristics of the COVID-19 vaccine. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33858) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 530 WTE vaccinators required for the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme are currently in place, and when all 530 will be in place.

Holding answer issued: 21 (S5W-33859) December 2020 Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how the 530 WTE vaccinators required for the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme are split across NHS boards. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33860) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided. Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when the new national protocol allowing healthcare support workers to administer vaccinations will come into effect. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33861) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides for research into a cure for mesothelioma. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33866) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the wastage rate will be with any COVID-19 vaccination programme. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33871) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of The Healing Process, the initiative set up in response to bullying and harassment at NHS Highland, in light of reported complaints regarding compensation payments being taxed at source. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33872) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) NHS Highland and (b) HMRC regarding compensation payments for people who have been bullied being tax free. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33873) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided. Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what proportion of people from the Pakistani community have been tested for COVID-19 in each month since March 2020, also broken down by how many have (i) tested positive, (ii) been admitted to hospital and (iii) died because of the condition, and how this compares with (A) other BAME groups and (B) the overall population. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33876) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what the prevalence of COVID-19 is among the Pakistani community, and how this compares with (a) other BAME groups and (b) the overall population. Holding answer issued: 21 December 2020 (S5W-33878) Jeane Freeman: A holding answer was provided.

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to allow people who return from international travel access to a COVID-19 test. (S5W-33889) Michael Matheson: Quarantine for international travellers is the most effective way for us to guard against importing new cases and strains as numbers come down in Scotland.

If the traveller does not have any coronavirus symptoms after 10 days, they can stop self-isolating. If the traveller develops any symptoms of COVID-19, they should arrange a test through the NHS Inform website.

However, we are considering whether alternatives to self-isolation for 10 days can be introduced, including allowing travellers to take a test to end their period of isolation early, such as the Test to Release scheme announced by the UK Government. We are proceeding with our own evaluation of test to release, working with representatives from Scotland’s main commercial airports to model the potential impact, and will decide whether we are reassured that test to release can be implemented in a way that minimises risk.

Organisational Development and Operations

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on 9 December 2020 (Official Report, c.13), in light of the cabinet secretary's comment that "approximately £500 million [in Barnett consequentials] is to be allocated to support transport services and cover pandemic-related income shortfalls within organisations such as Police Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service", whether it will confirm the exact amount of such funding that will be allocated to each of these organisations in 2020-21, also broken down by the amount that has been allocated since April 2020. (S5W-33970) Kate Forbes: The allocation of approximately £500 million in consequential funding referred to in the question is broken down as follows:

Category £m Transport 200 Registers of Scotland 22 Income Shortfall Devolved taxes 150 shortfall Scottish Courts and Tribunals 17 Service Income Shortfall Police Scotland 9 Income shortfall Royal Botanic Garden 2 Edinburgh Income Shortfall Scottish Funding Council Income 25 Shortfall and Exam Support Disclosure 7 Scotland income shortfall Social distanced 6 courts Zoo support 2 Contingency 50 Outdoor Education 2 support Staffing allocated to 8 support COVID Marketing spend to 7 support COVID TOTAL 505

In addition, transport was allocated £358 million at the Summer Budget Revision and £222 million at the Autumn Budget Revision.

This is a continually evolving picture and the overall allocations are based on latest requirements and forecasts. Additional details on the ongoing allocation of funding for the response to the COVID-19 emergency will be set in the Spring budget revision later in this financial year.

All Covid-19 related consequentials will be fully committed to funding the Scottish Government’s emergency response. These consequentials are not ring-fenced and will be allocated based on need.

Scottish Exchequer

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on 9 December 2020 (Official Report, c.13), in light of the cabinet secretary's comment that "around £600 million [in Barnett consequentials] is to be allocated to health and social care, wider public health initiatives and welfare support", whether it will confirm the exact amount that will be allocated to health and social care in 2020-21, also broken down by the amount that has been allocated since April 2020. (S5W-33969) Kate Forbes: The allocation of around £600 million in consequential funding referred to in the question is broken down as follows:

£m Category Vaccinations, Track and Trace and other costs 240 £500 bonus 177 Sport 30 Sport loans 25 Winter Social Plan 100 Free School Meals 5 Self-isolation payments 12 TOTAL 589

Around £6 billion of consequentials were allocated in the Summer and Autumn Budget Revisions. Since then, consequentials provided have been increased to £8.2 billion. £2.5 billion of this funding has been allocated to Health to date via the Summer and Autumn Budget Revisions. Including wider public health initiatives, the total allocated to health will be £3.2 billion following the Spring Budget Revision.

All Covid-19 related consequentials will be fully committed to funding the Scottish Government’s emergency response. These consequentials are not ring-fenced and will be allocated based on need.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of Financial Transactions money is in the 2020-21 Budget. (S5W-34130) Kate Forbes: A budget of £620 million was allocated to financial transactions, which can only be used for loans or equity investment in entities outside of the public sector, at the start of the year in the 2020-21 Scottish Government Budget. This comprised the full £606 million budget allocation from H M Treasury supplemented by a small carry forward from the previous financial year.

In line with usual practice, budgets are revised and re-allocated across the year in accordance with changing circumstances. The financial transactions budget post budget revisions so far this year is £603 million after standard reprioritisation of planned and emerging underspends in the Autumn Budget Revision. Final updates will be made as part of the Spring Budget Revision in early 2021.

Transport Scotland

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-33520 by Michael Matheson on 4 December 2020, what correspondence it has had with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the issues raised in correspondence on the Spaces for People initiative. (S5W-33869) Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government has had no correspondence with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding those issues raised in relation to the Spaces for People programme. All correspondents are advised to raise their issues directly with the individual local authority responsible for project delivery.

Gail Ross (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the proposal for a public service obligation for Wick John o' Groats Airport. (S5W-33971) Michael Matheson: I recognise the issues faced by the Caithness area, both specifically in relation to the loss of the Wick-Edinburgh and Wick-Aberdeen air services and more generally. The current financial situation is very challenging and until the Budget process for 2021-22 is complete we are unable to make any commitments for new expenditure. Support for air services from Wick forms part of the Budget considerations. It remains the case that any intervention would require multiple funding partners to restore scheduled services at Wick.