Commenting after challenging the First Minister on whether the Scottish Government considers that Scotland’s enterprise network is meeting its economic growth objectives and represents value for public money, Liberal Democrat Culture spokesperson and convenor of Economy Energy and tourism Committee (EET Committee) Iain Smith MSP said:

"The report published this week by the EET Committee found that instead of decluttering the landscape, the SNP’s reforms of enterprise and skills agencies had resulted in lack of clarity and confusion.

"The report concluded that if things remain the way they are, businesses who have potential for growth will be left behind.

"I wanted the First Minister to give his assurances that he would examine the report and take action on its recommendations.

"But instead the First Minister totally ignored the serious concerns raised by the EET Committee and instead, in typical First Minister spin, selectively quoted the report to try and justify his ludicrous claims.

"Scottish business want much more clarity over the delivery of the business support and skills development in Scotland. At the moment there is far too many strategic working groups and not enough basic work. Business needs action not ridiculous bluster."