The next item of business is First Minister's questions.

I call Russell Finley at question number one.

Thank you, President.

Less than three months ago, my party asked Parliament to instigate a Scottish grooming

gang's inquiry.

We did so because we knew that it was necessary.

We knew it then and we certainly know it now.

Our amendment to the Victims Bill was the only legal mechanism available to us.

However, the SNP voted it down. And in doing so, the Justice Secretary cited the leading expert, Professor Alexis J.

Angela Constance said that Professor Jay, and I quote, shares my view and has put on the record and stated to the media that she does not support further inquiries into child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Does John Swinney think that the Justice Secretary's statement was honest?

First Minister?

Yes, I do.

I think it was a reflection of the general comment that was made about the issues at the time.

But of course, as Mr Finley knows, the Government was looking at a whole range of different issues in relation

to the examination of the issue of childhood sexual abuse, which of course builds on the

work that we have undertaken already in establishing the inquiry into these issues that

is chaired by Lady Smith.

And of course, in the debate yesterday, the government

set out further steps that we are taking. And I welcome very much the participation of Professor

Alexis J in the work that the government is taking forward.

Russell Finley.

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