The televised independence debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling might turn viewers off because it is too long, according to a Scotland Office Minister.
David Mundell said it was right the First Minister should go head-to-head with the Better Together leader but questioned the two-hour slot allocated by STV for the showpiece event next month.
Speaking ahead of a question and answer session in Dundee, Scotland’s only Conservative MP also said he wanted to see other big hitters continue to take part in such events.
“Two hours seems quite a long time to fill,” said Mr Mundell.
“We will see how that pans out. I think people expect to see that sort of debate but obviously, we have already seen other television debates involving other personalities.
“I certainly expect our leader here in Scotland, Ruth Davidson, to be playing a lead role here in other debates and events. We do have to be careful not to saturate the market.
“I think people want to see a small number of high quality debates rather than have a debate on every night for three or four weeks.”
Mr Mundell said he thought voters were still seeking answers about the big issues surrounding the referendum.
He addressed people at Baxter Park Pavilion, where he was looking to convince “don’t knows” to back the Union come September, even though he thinks support is digging its heels in on both sides.
Mr Mundell said: “My gut feeling is that more and more people have actually made up their mind on the doorstep. What I find now, as we get closer, less people are saying they don’t know.
“It may be they are more willing to give a view but I think opinion is hardening out there but as in any election, it is about getting those people who are the swing voters.”
The STV debate will be broadcast from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow from 8-10pm on August 5, with 350 voters from across Scotland present.
Those voters will get the opportunity to put questions to Mr Salmond and Mr Darling during the two-hour face-off.
Gordon Macmillan, head of news at STV, said: “The live TV debate will give members of the public an opportunity to put questions to Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond and will be available to STV viewers and throughout the UK online.”