MSPs to investigate 'pro-SNP bias' of mandarins

Published on Monday 7 September 2009 21:52

A HOLYROOD committee looks set to call for an investigation into the actions of top civil servants after accusations that they are actively supporting independence.

The move by members of the audit committee comes after The Scotsman yesterday revealed secret minutes exposing the actions of senior Scottish civil servants. They raised concerns about the Scottish Government's National Conversation, which many believe is a political exercise.

The minutes revealed that senior Scottish civil servants thought "conflict and confrontation" should be at the heart of dealings with Westminster. They also noted that if the referendum bill falls, all work on it will be "solid groundwork for the future".

The papers, from a meeting in April, showed that, despite government claims that only a few civil servants are involved in the National Conversation, there are no fewer than "14 work streams led by directors".

A cross-party group of MSPs on the audit committee believe this use of money and resources gives them leeway for an inquiry into the National Conversation, which has already cost the taxpayer 700,000.

Labour MSP Lord George Foulkes, Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser and former Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen have asked committee chairman, Hugh Henry, to request a report from Audit Scotland to let the committee take the issue further.

"I think the fact there are 14 'work streams' led by directors working on the National Conversation is cause for concern alone," said Lord Foulkes. "It looks like a wholly inappropriate use of funds, and it seems questions need to be asked about the motives of some of the civil servants."

Yesterday, the Scottish Government made it clear that advice from the most senior civil servant in Whitehall vindicated the actions of civil servants.

A spokesman said: "Sir Gus O'Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary, has made it clear that it is entirely appropriate for civil servants in the Scottish Government to work on National Conversation and referendum issues."

For the committee to be able to look at the issue, it would need a report from Auditor-General Robert Black.

Last night, Mr Henry said he would take advice on the request and a decision is likely in the private session of the committee's meeting tomorrow.

The revelations in the document brought an angry reaction from shadow Scottish secretary David Mundell, who said: "It's a disgrace that taxpayer-funded civil servants are being used to drive the separatist agenda."