12.30
Murdo Fraser asks about the impact of Rangers’ administration proceedings on the Scottish economy. he declares his interest as a debenture holder – cheers follow.
Salmond says everything possible will be done to mitigate the impact of Rangers’ financial turmoil.
12.29
Elaine Murray (Lab) accuses Salmond of being complacent about data that shows confidence and investment in the Scottish construction industry is falling. He should not be cutting budgets for constructing houses at this time.
Salmond says the major cuts to capital budgets have come from Westminster, both from Labour and the Conservatives.
12.26
Salmond repeats his call for Air Passenger Duty to be devolved to Scotland. He quotes support from the Chief Executive of Aberdeen Airport.
12.24
Kevin Stewart (SNP) asks what will be done to ensure the continuation of air routes from Scotland to Heathrow.
Salmond says he hopes the future owners of Edinburgh Airport will act strongly to attract new airlines to the terminal.
12.23
Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie follows on ayrshire and Arran.Why has it taken months since the PWC report that found major failings in the board’s policies for the Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to act?
Salmond promises a comprehensive response. Rennie says this case proves the value of FOI legislation. When will the Parliament see a detailed report on FOI performance both at Ayrshire and Arran and across public life?
12.19
John Scott (Con) asks whether the lessons have been learned from mismanagement at Ayrshire and Arran NHS.
Salmond say “the straight answer si yes”. Ayshire and Arran will urgently review their FOI policy and carry out an internal audit.
12.16
Salmond launches a fierce counter to Davidson’s claims on GDP. The UK government, he says, fails to include revenues from oil and gas – apotential source of huge wealth - in figures on Scottish GDP
12.14
Conservative leader Ruth Davidson raises Nicola Sturgeon’s claim on radio that the OECD has said an independent Scotland would have the 6th hight GDP per capita in the world.But these figures were not official she says.
Salmond says Davidson should not preach on being ‘caught out’. Last week she tried to reconcile the completely divergent views of fellow Conservatives David Cameron and Michael Forsyth on the independence referendum.
12.11
Salmond now says he will present a list of “shovel ready” capital investment projects to Westminster. labour should support him in calling for them to be funded.
12.09
Lamont says that under a Labour administration, Wales has managed to reduce unemployment. When will Salmond deliver for Scotland? Salmond says Lamont ducked his point on the rising number of female apprentices.
12.07
Salmond now says in two years the SNP has increased the amount of women entering into apprenticeships from 27 per cent to 44 per cent.
12.07
Lamont says creation of youth unemployment minister is 2one job for one woman2 while another 399 women lose their job every day. Salmond acccuses Labour of hypocrisy – it supported the creation of the ministerial post.
12.05
Salmond calls for consensus across the Parliament to help tackle youth unemployment. Lamont says the Scottish Government is not doing enough. A particular problem is female unemployment, she adds.
12.03
Salmond: This government has appointed a minister for youth unemployment. It is also bringing creating tens of thousands of apprenticeships.
12.03
Lamont says Salmond has been distracted by the machinations of the independence referendum rather than the jobs crisis. When will he put people before prestige?
12.02
Labour leader Johann Lamont opens by asking how First Minister Alex Salmond’s Plan McB why 1 in 3 ofthe jobs lost recently in the UK were Scotttish jobs.
Salmond say the inactivity rate – people not in the labour market – is much lower in Scotland. He would like to increase capital spending – an effective way of getting people back to work, he says – but is constrained by his budget.
11.59
Hello all, and welcome to this live blog of First Minister’s Questions.
