Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott: “Could you furnish the committee – I don’t expect today, but in writing – with a specific list of all the organisations and individuals who said that a central board was the right solution?”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown: “We have already published all the submissions.”
Mr Scott: “But could you send to the committee a specific list of organisations and bodies who have said that (a central board is the right solution)?”
Mr Brown: “What I will do is examine whether the minutes of the ministerial review group where this issue was raised could be published. If we are able to do that, I am happy to do that.
“That would be in addition to the 329 submissions we received in the call for evidence.”
Mr Scott: “I’m really sorry, I’m trying not to be awkward here, but I’m just asking for a specific list, that (Scottish Labour MSP) Johann Lamont asked for as well, of the organisations or individuals who specifically said – as part of the consultation – there should be a single board.
“That’s all I’m asking for. I am not asking for minutes – I’m asking for the evidence that helps us understand the case you are making, minister.”
Mr Brown: “I’ve heard the question now twice from Tavish Scott and I’ve given my answer, convener.”
Mr Scott: “So why are we not going to get it?”
Convener, SNP MSP James Dornan: “The cabinet secretary has given an answer.”
Ms Lamont: “It’s not an answer to say, ‘I’m not going to answer the question’.”
Convener, Mr Dornan: “He gave an answer.”
Mr Scott: “Right, so we’re not going to get an answer, so there is no evidence then.”
