Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 2 May 2024.
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
2:30,
2 May 2024
A number of our harbours still exist as trust ports, but I recognise the problems that were created by privatisation in that sector in the 1990s, which has led to the reliance on different private operators and investors and their capability to invest to make sure that good service continues from our harbours. From many of them, it does, but I know that there are criticisms that, in some circumstances, it does not. I hear what Paul Sweeney says, but I am not in a position to make such a commitment. I hear his request, but that is not the Government’s current position.
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.
