5. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government following the recent G20 meeting. (S4O-03735)

Scottish ministers have not had any discussions with United Kingdom Government ministers following the recent G20 meeting. Unfortunately, the UK Government has not consulted the Scottish Government on any area of devolved competency before or after attending that important international conference. We continue to urge the UK Government to regularly consult Scottish ministers on issues that affect the Scottish people.

The Minister will be aware that the G20 belatedly included a statement on climate change in its communiqué. He will also be aware that the Prime Minister suggested that everyone has to bring plans to reduce emissions ahead of next year’s international conference on climate change. What involvement will the Scottish Government have in contributing plans for that conference?

We welcome any additional pressure being exerted by the Prime Minister and the UK Government on other G20 countries to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Scottish Government has an excellent record on climate change. We are halfway to our 2020 target of 42 per cent emission cuts, having achieved a 26.4 per cent cut in 2012. In the run-up to Paris, we will continue to work with the UK Government and the climate group, which is the international body that brings Government and business together, to push for an ambitious global deal on climate change. We expect Scottish ministers to have a place on the UK delegation in Paris.

One of the key areas on the G20 agenda for 2014 has been infrastructure and investments. Does the Minister agree that adequate infrastructure is paramount for sustainable growth and investment in small and medium-sized companies, and that an integrated infrastructure plan for the Highlands and Islands would be appropriate in the spirit of the recent G20 meeting?

I salute the member on managing to get the Highlands and Islands and other regions of Scotland into a question about the G20. Sustainable infrastructure is an important feature and the Government wishes to promote it. I am sure that the appropriate Minister will be delighted to meet the member to discuss that. He is, however, absolutely correct that, when it comes to the climate change agenda that the world has to abide by, infrastructure and transport and all similar issues are incredibly important. Scottish Government ministers work closely across their portfolios and I am certain that the member will find an ear that is willing to listen to what he has to say in that regard.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Question 6, in the name of Jim Eadie, has been withdrawn and a satisfactory explanation has been provided.