As is common with prostate cancer, because the problem has been identified early he expects to make a full recovery quickly

Scottish Parliament spokesman

A Scottish Parliament spokesman said Sir David expected to make a full recovery before the end of Holyrood's summer recess.

He added that parliamentary business would not be affected.

The spokesman said: "I can confirm that Sir David underwent a second biopsy on Thursday May 24 which has now shown evidence of prostate cancer.

"His doctor does not regard the condition to be serious, but Sir David will undergo a further scan in the near future to pinpoint the exact location of the cancer.

"Thereafter, Sir David expects to undergo treatment for his condition.

"Both he and his doctor are intending that the treatment and recovery period will be complete before the end of the recess and that parliamentary business will not be disrupted.

"Sir David is otherwise in good health and is feeling no ill-effects.

"As is common with prostate cancer, because the problem has been identified early he expects to make a full recovery quickly."

Early retirement

He added: "Sir David believes that his experience reinforces the importance of men having check-ups on a regular basis."

Sir David, who carries the title Lord Steel of Aikwood, is the former leader of the Liberal Party and came out of early retirement to stand for the Scottish Parliament as a list MSP for the Lothians in 1999.

He has said that he intends to step down at the next Holyrood elections, which will take place in 2003.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in British men after lung cancer with around 1,700 new cases diagnosed each year.