To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will supply all of the papers that are being made available to Deloitte & Touche in connection with its inquiry into the handling of this year's exam results to the Parliament's Education, Culture and Sport Committee and Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee. (S1F-583)

I refer Fergus Ewing to the reply that I gave to John Swinney a few minutes ago.

Why has the Scottish Executive chosen to employ commercial consultants at a cost of £80,000 and to call private meetings to discuss secret documents behind closed doors? Is not it imperative for the future of this Parliament and its reputation that we have open inquiries, with all evidence made available, in order to get at the whole truth? Surely the Scottish people and their elected representatives deserve nothing less.

All I say to Fergus Ewing is that he is taking a very simplistic approach. Let me make it clear that Deloitte & Touche is employed to provide expertise to ensure a thorough analysis of what went wrong in certain areas of particular speciality. We concluded that it was right to get outside help, as we did not have that expertise in-house.

Deloitte & Touche is employed on a confidential basis and its work is governed by the Official Secrets Act 1989. If I had any confidence that Mr Ewing would abide by that act, he might have a stronger case.

On a point of order. I realise that we are not honourable members in this Parliament, but we do not impugn the integrity of our colleagues.

If Mr Ewing feels that I have impugned his integrity, I am sorry. However—and I am not making a particular point about him—there has been a slight tendency in the committee system for information often to reach the press with surprising speed. [Interruption.]

Having made the point about Deloitte & Touche, I repeat—although Fergus Ewing must know this—that talks to find a way forward that will recognise the difficulties that exist are continuing. Those talks will, I hope, produce an acceptable solution for all concerned. He ought to welcome the fact that those discussions are continuing, rather than simply ignore them in order to make points.

Does the First Minister agree that the overriding priority must be to ensure that all those affected have clear information on where we are with outstanding papers? Can he advise me—if he knows—when all outstanding markings and assessments will be completed?

I cannot give Marilyn Livingstone a time scale, because talks are continuing. I understand that today Sam Galbraith met the conveners of the two committees that are involved. I described those discussions as constructive because that was the report that reached me. I know that proposals are on the table. I hope that the matter can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion shortly.