To propose a cut before its first term is completed would be wrong

Matt Smith of Unison

But some MSPs have warned that a cut in the 129-strong group of MSPs would make it difficult for the parliament to function properly in future, particularly in finding enough MSPs to staff committees.

Matt Smith, Unison's Scottish Secretary said that a reduction in the number of MSPs would undermine the principles on which the parliament was established.

He said: "Unison was in the forefront of the campaign for a Scottish parliament that was equal, accessible, accountable and family-friendly.

"Decisions taken in Westminster should not threaten those principles."

Mr Smith said that the parliament, which was established in 1999, was still involving, but had already introduced many innovative practices.

Good argument

He said: "To propose a cut before its first term is completed would be wrong.

The union passed a motion accepting a break in the link between Westminster and Holyrood constituencies.

The union's call comes days after Scotland Office Minister George Foulkes appealed for a solution to the row.

Mr Foulkes said a "good argument" had been put forward by MSPS for leaving their numbers untouched.

But he added that an equally strong argument had been promoted in favour of introducing changes in line with the Boundary Commission proposals, meaning MSPs' constituencies would change in line with the plans for Westminster.

Sam Galbraith: "Nothing magic"

Last week, a former Scottish minister claimed the parliament could operate more effectively with fewer members.

Sam Galbraith, the former education minister and a heavyweight of the original Donald Dewar administration, said cutting the number of MSPs from the present tally of 129 could inject more "discipline" into the parliament.

He said: "I think a reduction would help that discipline to concentrate on the things in which we actually have responsibility and which are necessary."

Mr Galbraith, who was also environment, sport and culture minister under Henry McLeish before he retired due to ill health, said there was "nothing magic" about the 129 figure.