 Mr Maxwell said he gave only illustrative figures |
Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell has apologised to parliament after failing to give details on a major announcement which were later handed to journalists. He told MSPs he could not give details on future staffing at sportscotland under a "radical" restructuring plan.
The SNP wanted to axe the national sports agency but it will now be merged with the Scottish Institute of Sport.
Holyrood Presiding officer Alex Ferguson rebuked the Scottish Government for what happened.
Labour MSP Frank McAvetty said that, during a statement to Holyrood on sportscotland, Mr Maxwell said it was "inappropriate" to give details on staff relocation numbers.
'Unintentional' situation
The government later released details to the media that, of the 140 staff based in Edinburgh, up 100 would be based in Glasgow, "within minutes of the conclusion and end of the debate, and after what journalists have termed a shambolic press conference by the minister," said Mr McAveety.
The concerns were backed by Liberal Democrat MSP Margaret Smith.
Mr Maxwell said the figures were only "illustrative" and the numbers would only be settled after full consultation with sportscotland.
He said: "I wish to apologise to parliament that this situation arose. It was entirely unintentional."
Mr Fergusson, who has issued guidance on statements and announcements to parliament, told Holyrood: "I would ask the Scottish Government to reflect on that guidance to ensure that this situation does not arise again."
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