No, I made no such suggestion. The ministerial code sets out the First Minister's expectations for standards of ministerial behaviour and personal conduct, and applies equally to the First Minister. We acknowledge that, until now, there has been no opportunity for independent assessment of significant concerns raised in relation to the First Minister's adherence to the ministerial code.

There have been many calls—many in this Chamber—for an independent adviser to be appointed to provide a source of independent and external advice on the ministerial code, as happens in Scotland. Indeed, the leader of the opposition referred to this in his letter on 14 November, and indeed referred to the process followed in Scotland, and commended it to the First Minister.

In light of recent events and in line with what happens in Scotland, the ministerial code has been amended to allow for such referrals to be made to an independent adviser where the First Minister deems it necessary. Section 1.4 of the code now provides that the First Minister may ask an independent adviser to provide him with advice on which to base his judgment about any action required in respect of ministerial conduct, and that the adviser's findings will be published. This can apply to any Minister, where appropriate.