MSPs have ordered state-owned ferry firm CMAL to apologise to a transport expert who was threatened with legal action over evidence he gave to a parliamentary inquiry in January.
Consultant Roy Pedersen was asked by MSPs why the £97 million contract to build two ferries to serve Scotland’s islands was awarded to Ferguson’s, which was the highest bidder, and he speculated that it could be “incompetence, vested interest or corruption”.
Lawyers for CMAL, the government agency that purchases ferries for operators, sent a letter to Mr Pedersen claiming the comment was defamatory and insisting it was withdrawn, even though statements made to parliamentary committees are protected from defamation actions.
Edward Mountain MSP, chairman of the committee investigating why the cost of the half-built ferries has increased from £97m to more than £200m, has written to CMAL boss Kevin Hobbs to ask him to apologise to Mr Pedersen.
Mr Pedersen said: “I would accept an apology and acknowledge this in good grace. I see no good reason to hold a grudge.”
CMAL said: “We acknowledge receipt of the letter and will respond in due course.”
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