General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 2 October 2025.
Liam McArthur
Liberal Democrat
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commit to reintroducing the “shared cabin” policy as a condition of the next northern isles ferry services contract. (S6O-05014)
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
I refer Liam McArthur to the response that I gave to written question S6W-35681. I reiterate:
“The detailed service requirements will be informed by a combination of stakeholder views alongside consideration of operational feasibility.”
The NIFS public consultation remains open until 13 October. Pending the analysis of feedback, I note that
“There are no current plans to introduce shared cabins as part of the NIFS services.”—[Written Answers, 26 March 2025; S6W-35681]
Liam McArthur
Liberal Democrat
For years, the shared cabin policy on northern isles NorthLink ferries allowed islanders to get a good night’s sleep on the Aberdeen route while keeping costs down. The option was removed during Covid, and NorthLink and ministers have since refused to reintroduce it. As a result, islanders are often forced to pay full cabin price for a single berth or face sleeping in chairs or on the floor. It is akin to charging a motorcyclist for deck space for an articulated lorry. Costs are up and the value of vouchers is down. The ferries are a lifeline service and islanders deserve better. Again, I urge the Minister to ensure that reintroducing the option of shared cabins is a condition of the next ferry services contract.
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
I hear the points that Liam McArthur makes. There are split views on what the policy should be. It is an operational matter, and the decision was taken by the operator on a health and safety basis. A number of other options can be used on that ferry service. A conclusion will be reached on those views as we go through the process.
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.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
