General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 25 April 2024.
Keith Brown
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support bat conservation. (S6O-03348)
Màiri McAllan
Scottish National Party
All bat species that are found in Scotland are European protected species and we are committed to their protection and conservation. Through legislation, bats receive the highest level of species protection available.
We know that access to a suitable roost is vital, which is why any action that might disturb or damage a bat roost requires a licence from NatureScot. Another key issue that bats face is the loss of suitable habitats. Our commitment to biodiversity regeneration, for example, through the agricultural reform programme, will help improve the availability of foraging and prey for bats with the enhancement of farmland habitats.
Keith Brown
Scottish National Party
I have recently been contacted by a number of constituents employed by NatureScot as part of a group of 27 bat workers, all of whom I understand are to face redundancy. What consideration has been given to the impact that the redundancy of NatureScot’s 27 bat workers, with their considerable experience and expertise, might have on bat conservation in Scotland?
Màiri McAllan
Scottish National Party
I understand those concerns. However, to clarify, I understand that we are not talking about the loss of 27 full-time bat workers. Although the workers are employed by NatureScot, I understand that the work is demand driven and that, in a year, the collective hours of those workers amount to around 140 days, or half those of a full-time member of staff.
Although NatureScot is looking to maximise efficiencies—which it does while addressing the needs of bats on the one hand and householders on the other—it is engaging with workers, as well as the Bat Conservation Trust, to maintain support for conservation, albeit in a different form than is currently provided, and all in advance of the next bat season. I can ensure that Keith Brown is kept up to date on the matter.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
