On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Over the past two weeks or so, the agricultural industry has been highly concerned by the impact that the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department's reassessment of support paid under agri-environmental schemes would have on individual producers. It is commendable that the Minister for Environment and Rural Development has ordered a swift rethink, but in doing so, he has publicly and strongly condemned officials for the unsatisfactory state of affairs that has come about.
I thank the member for his point of order. I point out that the Minister for Parliamentary Business, who criticised me yesterday, said in her defence that it was the fault of her officials that she was late in moving an important motion this morning. I point out that the minister's job is hardly onerous. She is required to be here on time and she is required to say, "Formally moved." It is a bit much that she blamed her officials for her failure to get here on time.
Yet again we see the graciousness of the Scottish National Party as it conducts its business. It is to Tricia Marwick's great discredit that she debases this Parliament time and again to discuss trivia. It is time that we put an end to that.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. [Interruption.] Members should not hum and haw at me—other members have had a go.
I return to Mr Fergusson. I am not sidestepping the issue, but the simple fact is that I can rule only on what is said in the chamber, what is in the Official Report and what is subject to verification. As I said in response to yesterday's point of order, I have no way of knowing whether what has been said is true. I cannot be expected to rule on anything that is said outwith the chamber.