Scottish independence: David Cameron is in charge of policy, and he is the one I’ll talk to, Salmond insists

The First Minister is scheduled to meet Mr Cameron in Edinburgh on Thursday, and says it will give him the chance to “go straight to the person” who is making decisions for the Westminster government.

The coalition has made it clear that Mr Cameron will meet the SNP leader as a “courtesy” but will not negotiate on issues of contention surrounding the historic vote.

“I think the Prime Minister makes the decisions,” Mr Salmond said after his talks with Michael Moore yesterday.

“That much is obvious in any governmental arrangement. Michael Moore is Secretary of State for Scotland, he’s appointed by the Prime Minister. That’s not meant to be a snub or any disrespect, just a statement of fact. If you’re negotiating then you go straight to the people or person who is making the decisions.”

The SNP says coalition policy on the referendum is being directed by a Downing Street “quad” of Mr Cameron, Chancellor George Osborne, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander.

But Mr Moore insisted that he was the man heading up coalition negotiations on the referendum. He said: “It’s important when the Prime Minister comes to Scotland that he and the First Minister should have the opportunity to discuss a range of issues … whatever they think are the important issues of the day.

“But the Prime Minister has been clear from day one that he asked me to bring forward the proposals on the referendum which I have done.

“I have brought forward a consultation process for the UK government and now holding discussion with the First Minister and that’s how that will continue.

“Its entirely right that the First Minister and the Prime Minister should meet and talk on a range of issues, but on this central issue about the referendum, then its clear that he wishes me to get on and work this through with the First Minister.”