Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 26 November 2025.
Neil Gray
Scottish National Party
I am grateful to Ruth Maguire for putting that detail on the record. Clearly, it is unacceptable for a response to take that long. I am very sorry to hear about her constituent’s experience, which I know that she has written to me about and to which I will be responding in writing. After portfolio questions, I will ensure that our exchange is shared with the interim chief executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran in order to underline the concerns that have been raised with me and to ensure that the process is sped up for her constituent, as well as for MSPs who interact with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
The NHS complaints handling procedure sets a 20-day target for responses, emphasising timely and effective resolution. Complex cases may require more time, which I think that we would all understand, and extensions are allowed. However, if the target cannot be met, the complainant must be informed and given an expected response date. I will ensure that both I and NHS Ayrshire and Arran respond to Ms Maguire as soon as possible.
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.
