Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 2 October 2024.
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
I am afraid that I am not buying that at all. Tim Eagle talks about there having been no damage to the food and drink sector in Scotland, when it has been catastrophic.
On our ability to ensure that the Scottish abattoir sector continues to work, we are already looking at that, as the Deputy Presiding Officer knows. However, there are huge issues involved. Tim Eagle talks about abattoir provision when we cannot get vets to come here from Europe because of new, Brexit-imposed wage restrictions. I am sorry, but I do not buy his point at all.
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.
