Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Thursday, March 10, 2016

Official Report 1058KB pdf

Point of Order

I wish to make a point of order under rule 8.17.1 of standing orders in relation to the publication of yesterday’s “Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland” statistics. As a result of an error in the calculation of the oil reserve figures, the data that was released yesterday was incorrect. Indeed, the Government has now had to publish two further revisions of the statistics. As they have been subject to parliamentary and public debate, it is a matter of concern that we are now on to the third version of those figures. Therefore, Presiding Officer, I ask that you ensure that the Deputy First Minister makes a statement to Parliament confirming that all stakeholders have been advised of the corrections and that the latest version of the statistics is complete and accurate.

Thank you very much for your point of order, Mr Kelly. The publication of “Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland” figures is entirely a matter for the Government. Corrections to those figures are also a matter for the Government. However, you have made your point. I do not think that it is a point of order but, if Mr Swinney wishes to address it now, he may.

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy (John Swinney) indicated disagreement.

He is not offering to do so, so we will leave it at that.