SALMOND "HASN'T GOT A CLUE" - LIB DEMS

4.35.23pm GMT Fri 2nd Nov 2007

North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith, has called on the Scottish Government to come clean about its class size promise.

Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland grilled the First Minister about his promise to cut class sizes. The Lib Dem leader revealed that in opposition John Swinney, former leader of the SNP, knew exactly how many more teachers were required to meet a class size of 18 in Primary 1 to Primary 3 and exactly how much it would cost.

Mr Smith said:

"The First Minister hasn't got a clue. In opposition the SNP were very clear about how many teachers were needed to fulfil their class size promise and exactly how much it would cost. In Government, however, all their bravado has vanished.

"The First Minister wasn't even able to confirm to Nicol Stephen that the elusive question of how many teachers were needed to honour this commitment would be answered in the forthcoming budget.

"I'm certain that parents and teachers in Fife will be extremely disappointed that the Scottish Government shows no sign of clearing up the chaos surrounding its class size promise."