Portfolio Questions

Rural Affairs and Islands Claire Baker S6O-00388 1. To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that keepers of birds and poultry, and the general public, are informed and able to respond to cases of the avian influenza virus. Douglas Lumsden S6O-00389 2. To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the rural economy in the north east. Kaukab Stewart S6O-00390 3. To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the impact on the food and drink supply chain, what its response is to a recent survey of 1,000 UK businesses by Gallagher, which reportedly found that many businesses have been affected by a shortage of staff because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of Brexit regulations. Martin Whitfield S6O-00391 4. To ask the Scottish Government what actions are being taken to ensure that the agriculture sector plays a leading role in delivering a net zero Scotland. Emma Harper S6O-00392 5. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the rural affairs secretary has had with ministerial colleagues and rural businesses regarding action to improve and enhance rural skills development. Christine Grahame 6. [Withdrawn] Clare Adamson S6O-00394 7. To ask the Scottish Government what recent engagement it has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding reports of labour and skills shortages in the food and drink industry and supply chain. Evelyn Tweed S6O-00395 8. To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on issuing payments to farmers and crofters through this year’s National Basic Payment Support Scheme.