Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 26 November 2025.
Neil Gray
Scottish National Party
I have already set out our expectation for performance with complaints, as well as what I expect to happen in the case that Ruth Maguire has brought to our attention.
On the performance of the health service, although we have more work to do, I am pleased that yesterday’s Public Health Scotland figures demonstrate the progress that has been made and the corner that is being turned thanks to the efforts of staff. I expect that that will boost confidence in the health service among patients and staff and reduce the need for complaints.
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.
