By Steve Bargeton, political editor

THERE WAS embarrassment for the government yesterday over a consultation on student debt.

In a BBC interview, First Minster Alex Salmond said the consultation had been published and was available to the public to read.

But when the Scottish Liberal Democrats tried to get hold of a copy, they found it did not exist.

So they requested it from the government under Freedom of Information legislation. But again they were unsuccessful.

At First Minster’s question time yesterday, party leader Nicol Stephen said they were told “releasing information on the policy proposals would not be in the public interest at this time.”

“What is it with this government and this policy?” he demanded to know.

“Four weeks ago (Education Secretary) Fiona Hyslop goes on STV to deny she ever promised to write off student debt in the first place. Now the First Minister goes on the BBC to completely fabricate an entire government consultation.

“The First Minister gave a BBC interview last week. He was asked why the government had dropped its promise to write off student debt.

“In reply the First Minister said, ‘We have published a consultation document on student debt, which is out for consultation at the present moment. I am sure that is available to read.’

“Is there anything he said in those two sentences that is true?”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, standing in for Mr Salmond who was laid low with a stomach bug, replied, “Everything the First Minister says is true.

“We will also consult on further proposals to reduce and tackle student debt.

“I think it absolutely outrageous that under the last Labour-Liberal administration, levels of student debt in this country soared.

“That’s why this government sees it as a great priority to reverse that trend and improve conditions for students in our country.

“This government is committed to tackling student debt. We have already taken a significant step towards that in abolishing the graduate endowment, saving students more than £2000.

“And this government will move to consult people on what further steps we can take to make sure we continue that progress.”

A First Minster’s spokes-man later said the consultation had been agreed and would be published this year.