The education minister, Jack McConnell wants to give executives in the Scottish Qualifications Authority, the fools who continue to run an organisation that implements Westminsters tests on Scots children a bonus. A bonus for being incompetent. A bonus for fouling up young lives. A bonus for doing as Westminster wanted.

Mr Michael Russell (SNP) said "With money in short supply and a cut in the number of moderators for exams, it seems quite wrong that these arrangements have been made. To offer extra money at a time when there are huge levels of stress throughout the organisation and much difficulty being felt by staff at the chalk face is insensitive to say the least."