6. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether a transport company it owns should pressure a witness to withdraw evidence given before a parliamentary committee. (S5O-04401)

Ministers fully support the need for committee witnesses to be free to present any evidence that they wish to. It is for the Parliament’s committees to scrutinise the witnesses to ensure clarity and corroboration of evidence, and I am confident that the committees of this Parliament take that responsibility seriously and perform their role very effectively in that regard.

Will the Government write to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, a company in which it is the sole shareholder, and advise it that it is improper to try to place pressure on witnesses who give evidence to parliamentary committees?

On the two ferries being constructed by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, will the cabinet secretary confirm the latest updated figures in relation to the total cost and overall timetable for delivery?

On the first question, CMAL is aware that we would not have taken the step of writing to the committee. I have made it clear that it is a matter for the committee. Although we were unhappy with some of the remarks that were made in the sessions, our officials were able to address that in a subsequent evidence session, which is why, in my original answer, I made it clear that I know that the committee is fair in how it handles these matters and allows the Government to respond when comments are made. We are comfortable that that point has been addressed.

On the second point, if it would be helpful, I will write to Mr Lindhurst with the latest position on the financial outturn for vessels 801 and 802.