The EU agreed massive quote cuts

Elliot Morley, who has come under fire following an EU deal which saw massive reductions in catches, said it simply was not appropriate for Holyrood ministers to take a lead role in issues like fishing.

His comments sparked a furious reaction from the Scottish National Party, and he has been accused of ignoring a much-repeated assurance that Holyrood ministers could lead talks where appropriate.

Mr Morley was speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Politics Tonight programme after giving evidence to a Scottish parliamentary committee considering the effects of the cuts.

He's completely refusing to understand the devolution settlement Richard Lochhead, Scottish National Party

The minister defended his performance in the talks and said it was up to the UK minister to take the key role in Brussels negotiations.

He said: "Because it's a reserved matter under the terms of devolution it therefore does have to be a UK negotiation because it is answerable to the UK Parliament under the terms of devolution that were agreed and endorsed by referendum by the Scottish people."

However, SNP fisheries spokesman Richard Lochhead described his comments as "out of order".

He said: "It's astounding. He's completely refusing to understand the devolution settlement.

Elliot Morley has defended his role

"Scotland has actually led education and the health council of ministers before in Brussels.

"Yet here we are in the situation with fishing, 70% of which is based in Scotland, and the UK ministers are refusing to accept that it is perfectly possible for Ross Finnie, Scotland's fishing minister, to officially lead the delegation."

Under the new stock conservation arrangements, Cod catches have been cut by 45% in the North Sea, with a 50% cut in other catches and vessels will be limited to 15 days at sea each month.

MSPs were due to discuss the issue a week after a key debate was axed.

Mr Finnie was accused of "running scared" by the SNP after he decided to delay the debate at the 11th hour.

The debate was arranged to allow MSPs to discuss the executive's �50m funding package to help the fishing industry.