SNP politicians kiboshed plans for MSPs to scrutinise the spiralling costs of Dundee’s V&A during a private Holyrood meeting.
The suggestion had been made that John McClelland, who is leading an investigation into the problems which have hit the project recently, Dundee City Council, Design Dundee Ltd and the Scottish Government should give evidence to the education and culture committee next week.
Although no formal vote was forced during a private session on Tuesday, each member gave their views on the prospect during a round table temperature test.
Stewart Maxwell, who chairs the group, Chic Brodie, Colin Beattie, George Adam and Gordon Macdonald all voiced their strong opposition to taking evidence from the inquiry’s main players.
That left Siobhan McMahon and Mark Griffin of Labour, Mary Scanlon of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur outnumbered on the issue.
Despite anger among the opposition, formalities were not pushed any further because of a realisation there was no chance of winning a vote.
The only minutes available from the meeting said: “The committee agreed to write to Dundee City Council, Design Dundee Ltd and the Scottish Government seeking additional information about the construction of the museum.
“The committee will await the conclusion of Dundee City Council’s review before considering whether to undertake any further work.”
An SNP source said: “The fact is that an independent inquiry is being taken forward by Dundee City Council and that needs to be allowed to run its course.
“In the meantime, the committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, Dundee City Council and Design Dundee for more information and may revisit the matter at a later date.”