Time’s up for Alex answers

ALEX Salmond could be given a two-minute time limit for his answers at First Minister’s Questions.

A committee of MSPs is looking at changing the way the Scottish Parliament operates.

And former presiding officer Alex Fergusson said he had seen time limits in action on a visit to the Quebec parliament.

He said: “I’m absolutely convinced it could be done. It concentrates the mind and it would bring about greater spontaneity.”

Former First Minister Jack McConnell said: “Making First Minister’s Questions much more snappy and making clear there were going to be more backbench questions would be really helpful.”