On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I draw your attention to the article in this morning's edition of The Herald about a £50 million rescue package for Scottish Enterprise. First, despite the promises of the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, The Herald has been informed before the Enterprise and Culture Committee or the Parliament. Secondly, the announcement breaches paragraph 16 of the protocol between the Executive and parliamentary committees. Thirdly, members of the Parliament are entitled to know which projects will be affected by the £50 million-worth of reprofiling and delay that is required to bail out Scottish Enterprise.
Because you gave me advance notice of your point of order, Mr Neil, I had a chance to look quickly at the press coverage, which is couched in the most speculative language. I am not aware that any formal announcement has been made on the matter, either within or outwith the Parliament. I am sure that the minister responsible is aware of the normal procedures for making such announcements.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I appreciate that the language may have been diplomatic, but I think that it was inspired not from heaven but from ministerial office. I think I speak for other members when I say that I would prefer to know that there is some method by which you can warn ministers yet again that Parliament must be given prior notice of such measures.
I said that the language was speculative, not diplomatic. None of the ministers with responsibility in this area is in the chamber, but no doubt they will note the remarks that Ms MacDonald and Mr Neil have made.
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