Questions and answers

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for ��˿�� to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-24811

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 25 January 2024
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 8 February 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are in place to monitor any impact of UK visa restrictions, in relation to family members accompanying students, on (a) student enrolment, (b) university finances and (c) the wider economy, in order to understand any long-term effect of the policy in Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-24805

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 25 January 2024
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 8 February 2024

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of any potential disproportionate impact of UK visa restrictions, in relation to family members accompanying students, on students with children, what specific assessment it has conducted to understand any (a) gendered implications of these restrictions for students in Scotland and (b) potential effects on student (i) wellbeing and (ii) career choices.

Under the UK Government’s latest migration restrictions, as of 1 January 2024, most international students will no longer be able to bring family members with them to the UK. It is too early to assess the specific impact these changes are having, but we know the significant concerns that universities have about the anticipated effects on the numbers of international students coming to Scotland.

The UK Government frames family migration as a burden. The Scottish Government takes a different view. Scotland is encouraging people to live, work and raise their families here, in light of the pronounced demographic challenge ahead.

Question reference: S6W-24807

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 25 January 2024
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 8 February 2024

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported contribution of international students to modern languages at Scottish universities, what specific assessment it has conducted to understand any potential impact of new UK visa restrictions, in relation to family members accompanying students, on students studying modern languages at Scottish universities.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken any specific assessment regarding the impact of recent changes to visa restrictions introduced by the UK Government on students studying modern languages at Scottish universities.

The Scottish Government recognises the important and valuable contribution that international students make to the Scottish economy, our educational environment and Scottish society. It is essential that immigration policy allows Scotland to attract and retain talent without excessive barriers.

Question reference: S6W-24806

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 25 January 2024
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 8 February 2024

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported contribution of international students to Scottish universities and the wider economy in Scotland, what specific assessment it has conducted to understand any potential impact of new UK visa restrictions, in relation to family members accompanying students.

The Scottish Government recognises the significant contribution that international students and their families bring to our economy, communities and culture.

UK Government immigration policies fail to address Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic needs and highlights the need for a tailored approach to migration. We are working closely with colleges and universities in Scotland to establish and understand the impact that the UK Government’s damaging migration policies have on the sector.

The UK Government frames family migration as a burden. The Scottish Government takes a different view. Scotland needs people to live, work and raise their families here, in light of the pronounced demographic challenge ahead.

Question reference: S6O-03051

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 February 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the potential harm of gambling to individuals, families and communities.

Question reference: S6O-02914

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21 December 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many children in Aberdeen have received the Scottish Child Payment since its inception.

Question reference: S6F-02655

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 11 December 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 14 December 2023

To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to grow the green economy.

Question reference: S6O-02809

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what work the NHS is undertaking to support people with gambling addiction.

Question reference: S6O-02781

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 16 November 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what difficulties there are, if any, in recruiting staff for jobs in the Scottish Parliament.

Question reference: S6W-22378

Asked by: Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 24 October 2023
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 7 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the impact on production in Scotland, what its position is on whether the current industrial hemp licensing regime is a "light touch regime", as stated by the UK Government.