On a point of order, Presiding Officer. May I have your guidance on how we may obtain an emergency statement from the Deputy Minister for Rural Development, given that the fishing crisis has worsened in recent days? Last week, the Government turned down the request from the Parliament and the industry for a compensated tie-up scheme and offered an alternative short-term aid package, which it quite clearly cannot deliver. Over and above that, it has implemented technical measures that—
Order. I am sorry to interrupt you, Mr Lochhead, but we really cannot have a speech on a point of order. I take your point. A request was made for a statement, but it has not been granted. It is not a matter for me whether we have a statement.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer.
However, before Mr Salmond raises his point of order, I will say that I have selected a question from him on this subject for tomorrow afternoon, so there will be an opportunity to discuss it then.
I am indeed grateful for that, Presiding Officer, but I have a point of order to make on the protection of Parliament. In her speech last week, the minister clearly made statements that went beyond the usual cut and thrust of debate, which have been refuted both by those experienced on the sea and by her own scientists. What protection does the Parliament have against a minister who unwittingly or through lack of knowledge misleads it?
The member is an old hand at these affairs. That is not a point of order for me; it is a point of argument between the members and the minister. If I am not greatly mistaken, that argument will continue tomorrow afternoon.