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From YouTube: General Questions - 26 October 2017
Description
Read the full transcript of First Minister's Question Time in the Scottish Parliament Official Report: http://goo.gl/MN8a2G
General Questions
1. Neil Bibby: To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Sustrans report,
Transport Poverty in Scotland. (S5O-01365)
2. Mark Griffin: To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to encourage people from
deprived communities to get involved in sport and physical activity. (S5O-01366)
3. Claire Baker: To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Transport Scotland and what
issues were discussed. (S5O-01367)
4. David Stewart: To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the
importance of sprinklers in preventing deaths from fire. (S5O-01368)
5. Maurice Corry: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will confirm its position on income
tax ahead of its Budget. (S5O-01369)
6. Ross Greer: To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the school
inspection regime. (S5O-01370)
7. Dean Lockhart: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with VisitScotland
regarding reported plans to close a number of tourist information centres. (S5O-01371)
8. John Finnie: To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the research by Sustrans,
which suggests that around one million people in Scotland live in areas at risk of transport poverty.
(S5O-01372)
9. Kate Forbes: To ask the Scottish Government how the price of energy for householders and
the number of fuel-poor houses in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch compares with the rest of the
UK. (S5O-01373)
10. Bill Bowman: To ask the Scottish Government what assurance it can provide to patients that
NHS Tayside’s proposed suspension of elective surgery procedures over the Christmas period will
not become an established feature. (S5O-01374)
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C
Poverty
is
not
acceptable
in
Scotland,
which
is
why
we
invest
over
1
billion
pounds
annually
in
public
and
sustainable
transport
will
take
account
of
such
strangers.
Here,
in
our
current
review
of
the
national
transport
strategy
and
in
the
programme
for
government,
we've
already
announced
their
intention
to
double
our
annual
spend
and
active
travel
to
80
million
pounds
per
annum.
A
B
A
C
Don't
accept
the
premise
of
new
babies.
A
question
also
I
would
say
that,
in
relation
to
his
comments
on
real,
of
course,
it
was
this
government
that
asked
under
the
Smith
Commission,
for
the
ability
to
have
a
public
transport,
but
for
a
real
franchisee
is
something
which
the
Labour
Party
failed
to
do.
The
Labour
Party
said
they
wanted
to
have
a
field,
even
our
Smith,
and
this
government
is
the
one.
C
That's
contributed
hugely
to
the
expansion
of
real
services
to
areas
not
previously
served
either
by
stations
or
even
in
case
of
borders,
reeling
to
new
lines
as
well.
The
biggest
new
railway
line
in
over
a
hundred
years
in
the
whole
of
the
UK
in
relation
to
the
report
of
course,
is
important
that
we
have
the
concession
new
travel
scheme
of
I
have
heard
over
the
years
have
been
this
parliament,
from
the
Labour
benches,
calls
to
limit
that
scheme
event
from
the
conservative
benches
as
well.
C
It's
perfectly
proper
for
us
to
go
and
consult
in
relation
to
the
concession
if
travel
scheme
and,
of
course,
the
first
place
in
Scotland,
introduced
a
fool
concession.
Air
travel
scheme
was
my
own
local
authority
of
club
manager,
so
the
SNP
has
got
a
proud
record
in
terms
of
concession.
Air
travel.
We've
extended
the
number
of
people
in
the
categories
that
can
access
that
and
it's
quite
rate
that
we
hold
a
consultation
on
its
future
development.
C
C
We
remain
fully
committed
to
funding
high-quality,
reliable
real
services,
as
I've
mentioned,
an
securing
the
necessary
funding
for
sustainable
investment
in
the
real
way
to
support
communities
and
to
meet
future
projections
for
demand,
and
we've
seen
huge.
The
increased
demand
for
real
travel.
The
offer
that
we've
received
from
the
UK
government
leaves
a
shortfall
of
six
hundred
million
pounds
on
what
the
industry
is
telling
us
it
needs.
C
But
I
can
assure
you
that
our
immediate
priority
is
to
press
the
Treasury
to
secure
a
fair
deal
for
Scotland,
and
indeed
my
officials
are
meeting
tragedy
counterparts
today.
In
the
meantime,
we'll
continue
to
work
with
the
real
industry
to
plan
for
the
next
real
investment
period
from
2019,
including
options
for
investments
such
as
the
one
which
Gillian
Martin
mentions.
Transport
Scotland
are
also
currently
reviewing
what
the
near
strands
have
undertaken
to
consider.
C
Options
for
transport
improvements,
north
of
Aberdeen
as
part
of
their
feasible
and
Peter
head
to
Aberdeen
transport
study
and
I,
also
understand
that
near
strands
have
invited
local
msps,
MPs
and
councillors
to
a
briefing
on
the
3rd
of
November,
so
Alain
they're,
emerging
findings.
Early
work
also
commenced
on
a
strategic
transport
appraisal
as
part
of
the
aberdeen
city
region
deal
which
I
was
involved
in,
and
this
will
take
a
20
year.
Strategic
view
of
the
Northeast
Regional
Transport
connections
across
all
modes,
including
road
and
real
and
I.
E
You
presiding
officer,
the
first
Ann's
report,
research
applied
their
calculations
to
the
whole
of
Scotland
and
found
that
20
percent
of
neighbor,
who
studied
were
at
higher
risk
of
transport
poverty.
Can
the
cabinet
secretary,
Scottish
government
response
is
to
the
findings
that
high-risk
areas
are
largely
outside
urban
areas,
demonstrating
the
SNP
is
a
lack
of
care
and
focus
to
rural
communities.
Camera
secretary
I
hear.
C
That
from
a
conservative,
in
terms
of
lack
of
support
for
bus
services
from
you've,
seen,
of
course,
the
Conservatives
are
the
ones
that
are
very
been
responsible
for
the
budget
cuts
a.
But
despite
that,
we
have
funded
hugely
both
in
terms
of
bus
service
operators
grant
and,
of
course,
in
terms
of
concession
to
travel
and
I've,
heard
a
number
of
calls
from
conservatives
over
the
years
asking
for
us
to
cut
back
on
the
concessionary
travel
scheme
it
in
terms
of
report.
Transport
Scotland
have
welcomed
the
report.
F
G
Scottish
government
is
committed
to
increasing
rates
of
physical
activity
that
to
Scotland
outcomes,
Dreamworks
it's
their
own
ambitions
for
the
mood
act
of
Scotland
and
has
underpinned
by
a
commitment
to
equality.
We
are
committed
to
ensuring
that
community
sports
hubs
provide
opportunities
for
all
to
participate
in
sport
and
benefits.
The
communities
they
serve.
Karen
mark
is
focusing
on
hubs
located
in
communities
in
the
lowest
5%
of
the
SMI
nd
areas.
In
addition,
our
Active
Schools
program
offers
opportunities
for
children
and
young
people
who
may
experience
barriers
to
participation.
F
The
Minister
for
that
answer,
the
recently
published
Berkeley
report,
recommends
that
certain
public
buildings,
such
as
leisure
centres
and
a
potentially
some
of
the
hubs
that
the
Minister
talks
about
which
are
operated
at
arm's
length
by
local
authorities,
should
be
business
rates
and
the
North
launched
a
potential
area.
They
estimate
the
cost
of
that
would
before
and
a
half
to
five
million
homes
a
year
to
have
a
massive
impact
on
the
ability
to
incur
it's
people
living
in
deprived
communities
to
get
involved
in
sport
and
physical
activity.
F
A
H
A
G
A
I
Thank
you
for
joining
officer,
given
that
we
know
if
we,
if
we
get
young
people
active,
they
are
more
likely
to
remain
active
in
to
adulthood
and
that
the
Active
Schools
program
highlights
all
the
love
and
percent
greater
uptake
from
defy
deprived
areas.
We
did
not
suggest
that
increasing
extracurricular
activity
in
schools
should
be
a
main
drive
of
this
government
and
making
sure
that
access
to
support
for
all.
G
Those
projects
has
been
a
real
success.
On
has
indicated,
the
higher
participation
rates
have
happened
in
areas
of
deprivation,
showing
that,
when
there's
opportunity
a
broad
range
of
opportunities
for
young
people,
they
will
take
them
up
and
that's
why
we'll
continue
to
work
with
sports,
going
to
support
that
good
work
and
ensuring
that
young
people
and
other
older
people
as
well
get
the
opportunities
they
they
need
to
ensure
that
they
can
become
more
active
because
we
know
of
the
health
benefits
of
that
brings
Richard.
J
J
G
Very
well
of
the
proposals
that
the
main
lines
and
his
enthusiasm
as
well
for
promoting
them.
The
proposed
development
I
understand
that
discussions
are
ongoing
between
the
developers
and
Sport
Scotland
relating
to
the
plans
and
proposals.
Labatt's
strongly
encourage
all
parties
to
continue
this
dialogue
on
centinall
II
do
what
we
can
to
support
with
advice
and
support,
and
this
as
it
progresses
now,
look
forward
to
being
kept
updated
as
this
project
updates
and,
of
course,
a
continue
to
engage
with
the
member
on
that
work
as
well
question.
K
I
thank
for
that
response
and
cheering
the
recent
debate
on
the
leave
notes.
Real
link,
their
Transport
Minister
said
that
he's
minded
to
instruct
officials
from
Transport
Scotland
to
take
on
responsibility
for
the
grip
for
crochets.
However,
since
then
and
written
responds
to
questions,
the
minister
has
said,
it's
not
possible
to
define
timescales
for
any
great
for
work
until
completion
of
the
stag
and
the
grip
three-stage.
K
C
Well,
I
think
it
was
the
case
that
my
colleague
comes
iosef,
said
I
think
as
clear
Baker's
mentioned
after
the
members
to
be
it
last
month
that
he
was
going
to
task
transports
cotton
to
take
forward
the
feasibility
around
the
leaving
worth
at
least
I
leave
in
mouth
real
campaign,
but
was
to
do
that
with
the
agreement
of
five
claims.
So
I
understand
that
those
discussions
are
ongoing.
So
the
intention
is,
there
I
think
it's
something
which
Claire
Baker
has
spoken
on
a
number
times
in
this
chamber.
C
I
suffer
a
number
of
other
members
from
Fife
as
well.
So
intention
is
there
to
do
that
and
it's
in
the
process
of
being
discussed
both
between
Transport
Scotland
and
a-five
Council,
and
if
the
member
is
keen
I
can
make
sure
that
the
Hamza
Yusuf
passes
on
a
full
account
of
how
those
discussions
are
going.
Jimmy
green,
sir.
L
No
sir,
we
know
that
spending
on
ferries
in
Scotland
has
doubled
in
the
last
ten
years
with
subsidies
to
operators.
Also
doubling
over
the
same
period
or
at
Scotland
has
recently
warned
that
there
is
no
scotland
wide
long-term
strategy
that
the
state
of
half
of
our
harbors
is
unknown
and
that
transports
cotton
will
find
it
increasingly
difficult
to
provide
services
within
its
budget.
If
all
that
is
the
case,
why
is
this
government
so
intent
on
awarding
direct
in-house
contracts,
which
will
surely
only
add
to
the
cost
of
the
network
cabinet.
C
Course,
the
position
of
awarding
future
contacts
is
under
review
for
reasons
which
Jimmy
green
I'm
sure
is
well
aware
of,
but
I'm
not
sure
if
Jamie
greens
attacking
the
Scottish
government
for
the
introduction
of
RDT,
which
is
in
a
major
booster
islands
or
for
keeping
prices
affordable
for
our
island
communities.
This
government
has
a
very
proud
record
of
supporting
our
communities
which
are
dependent
upon
ferries
that
includes
building
new
ferries
like
the
fantastic
Loxy
force,
so
we
have
and
also
many
areas
of
Scott
the
benefit
from
investment
in
our
harbors
and
ports.
C
So
I
think
there's
been
a
huge
investment
by
this
government
nefarious
and
we're
very
proud
of
that.
If
the
Conservatives
and
Jamie
green
want
to
propose
cuts
to
those
services,
they'll
get
the
chance
to
do
that
at
the
budget.
But
for
this
government
will
continue
to
support
remote
and
Ireland's
communities
by
investing
in
our
ferries
under
ports.
Linda.
M
You
presiding
officer
can
the
cabinet
secretary
clarify
concerns.
I've
read
recently
about
UK
government
cuts
the
Scottish
budget
for
real
reinvestment
and
how
this
may
jeopardize
vital
improvements
across
the
country
and
as
real
improvements.
Fiscal
braids
are
long
overdue.
Can
the
Minister
confirm
that
the
upgrade
of
the
East
corporate
Glasgow
rail
line
will
remain
a
priority?
Camera
signature
well.
C
Scottish
Government
is
very
concerned
about
the
recent
decision
by
the
UK
government.
Of
course,
the
projection
that's
been
made
a
leaves:
a
shortfall
of
our
own
state
hundred
million
poems.
That's
not
the
Scottish
Government's
estimate,
that's
the
estimate
of
the
industry
and
what
the
industry
tells
as
it
needs.
But
I
can't
assure
the
member
that
our
immediate
priority
is
to
press
the
Treasury
to
secure
a
fair
deal
for
Scotland
and,
as
I've
mentioned
earlier
on,
officials
are
meeting
with
Treasury
counterparts
today.
C
In
the
meantime,
though,
we've
all
contains
too
what,
with
the
real
industry
to
plan
for
the
next
real
investment
period
from
2019,
and
that
includes,
as
a
member
asks
about
options
for
investment
in
the
East
Kilbride
lane.
Further
detailed
on
our
approach
to
investment
across
the
network
in
Scotland
will
be
contained
an
investment
strategy
due
for
publication
later
this
year
and
that
provide
more
information
to
the
member
on
the
question
that
she
asks
and
Jackie
Baillie.
The.
N
Cabinet
secretary
may
be
aware
that
the
kill,
Craig
and
Taggart
ferry
service
run
by
Clegg
link
for
SBT
is
off
more
than
its
own,
and
this
is
having
a
hugely
negative
impact
on
people
in
my
constituency.
Well,
the
cabinet
secretary
fulfill
the
promise
made
by
the
Scottish
government
to
take
over
the
running
of
the
kill
Craigan
to
garokk
ferry
before
the
contract
is
renewed
next
year.
Cabinet
secretary
well,.
C
C
My
colleague
comes
a
youssef
to
respond
to
the
member
to
tell
her
exactly
where
we're
at
in
terms
of
that,
but
it
does
require
the
active
support
of
SB
T
to
bring
a
service
we've
made
the
offer
around
the
country
to
other
ere
parts
of
the
country
which
do
not
have
Scottish
government
directly
run.
Services
that
we
are
willing
to
enter
into
negotiations
to
take
was
on.
The
same
applies
to
the
coal
Kragen
ferry,
but
role
acquiring
support
of
the
SBT
I'm.
P
You
presiding
officer
following
the
tragic
fire
at
Granville
Tower,
the
ministerial
working
group
and
building
and
fire
safety,
is
considering
all
relevant
measures
to
ensure
the
safety
of
residents
and
high-rise
domestic
buildings,
including
a
review
of
evidence
and
automatic
fire
suppression
systems,
including
sprinklers.
As
the
members
aware,
since,
and
five
building
regulations
have
required,
an
automatic
fire
suppression
system
to
be
installed
in
a
variety
of
new
buildings,
including
high-rise,
domestic
buildings,
residential
care,
buildings,
sheltered
housing
complexes,
schools
and
enclosed
shopping
centers,
the
provision
of
sprinklers
with
an
existing
high-rise
domestic
buildings
is
not
compulsory.
Sprinklers.
O
Officer
the
Minister
will
be
well
aware
that
in
Scotland
there
has
never
been
multiple
fire
deaths
where
a
working
sprinkler
has
been
in
operation
in
Wales
than
in
Fife
and
Angus
councils.
They
rarely
have
a
policy
of
sprinklers
in
new-build
social
housing.
Volar
Minister
worked
with
me
in
my
member's
bill
to
ensure
a
wider
coverage
of
sprinkler
systems
to
prevent
death,
injury
and
damaged
caused
by
fire
in
the
future.
Minister.
P
Presiding
officer,
the
Scottish
Government
recognises
the
importance
of
fire
suppression
systems
and
we
have
put
in
place
a
working
group
to
look
at
all
aspects
of
this
and
a
separate
bill
working
group
to
look
at
building
standards.
I
know
that
the
member
has
taken
a
great
interest
in
this
and
that
you
met
with
the
Cabinet
Secretary
on
the
12th
of
September,
and
we
will
continue
to
update
Mr
Shearer
on
the
work
that
we
are
doing
and
I'm
sure
that
he
will
continue
to
engage
with
us
in
this
way
to
work.
P
A
Q
P
Presiding
officer,
as
I
said
in
my
earlier
answer:
first,
as
bration
systems
are
one
of
many
ways
of
ensuring
safety.
The
expert
group
that
we
have
put
together,
which
includes
international
experts,
will
look
at
all
of
the
aspects
of
this.
Beyond
that,
mr.
Simpson
will
be
aware
that
the
ministerial
working
group
has
also
called
for
an
inventory
of
all
high-rise
buildings
in
Scotland
to
make
sure
that
the
decisions
that
we
take
are
the
right
ones
for
these
buildings
question.
S
London
today's
forum
answering
the
question
on
his
behalf.
We
will
shortly
publish
a
discussion
paper
on
income
tax
and
encourage
everyone
in
the
chamber
I'm
throughout
the
country
to
participate.
The
draft
budget
will
be
put
before
Parliament
on
the
14th
of
December.
On
me,
lines
are
formal
policy
intention,
then
Morris,
Connie
I
thank.
R
The
Minister
for
his
reply.
Nevertheless,
the
recently
released
FOI
request
revealed
that
the
First
Minister
was
warned
in
March.
The
plans
to
implement
the
citizens.
Basic
income
would
cost
at
least
twelve
point
three
billion
pounds
a
year.
Can
the
minister
tell
us
if
it
is
fair
for
every
Scottish
taxpayer
to
face
a
rate
of
50%
in
tax
to
pay
for
this
government's
basic
income
policy,
as
evidenced
by
this
government's
own
briefings?
S
Fights
like
that,
the
members
question,
the
Scottish
government
is
very
clear
about
the
principles
which
will
gauge
our
tax
poles
if
we
believe
that
tax
should
be
progressive,
that
those
on
the
lost
income
should
not
shoulder
the
burden
of
UK
government
budget
cuts.
The
upcoming
discussion
paper
will
cover
the
importance
of
progressivity
and
will
be
published
with
our
poles
intentions
on
the
14th
of
December
James
Kelly
govern.
T
A
S
Scottish
Government
has
been
very
clear
that,
in
terms
of
the
process
we
are
going
through,
that
a
stakeholder
engagement
is
very,
very
important.
We
have
written
to
all
party
leaders
to
ask
for
their
views
on
on
on
on
income
tax
in
order
that
we
can
then
have
the
have
an
honest,
informed
discussion.
Unfortunately,
as
yet
I
do
not
think
the
Labour
Party
has
responded
to
that
request.