Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 12 June 2024.
Murdo Fraser
Conservative
I thank the Minister for his response, but the latest retail sales figures suggest that the sector is struggling. Of course, the sector is also struggling due to the fact that the Government did not pass on the 75 per cent rates relief that is available elsewhere in the UK to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
In the budget at the end of last year, the Scottish Government raised the possibility of an additional penalty—a rates surtax—on larger grocery stores, which the sector is very strongly opposed to and would find very damaging. Does the Scottish Government intend to proceed with that?
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.
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