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Did you ask for some of that money? The reason why I am focusing on this, above it being a manifesto commitment that you were elected on, is that we have had a vote on it in Parliament in which your Government was defeated. Opposition parties united to pass a motion to deliver free school meals to all primary school pupils, and you are ignoring that vote of Parliament.

If that did not happen—if you took out the Covid section of the funding—there would not be a 3.5 per cent increase. That is the only point that we are trying to make, because it has been pointed out by some sector organisations.

Thank you. That is helpful to the committee.

As has been alluded to, we have three non-committee members with us today. Ms Chapman wrote to the committee at the tail end of last year to raise concerns about the University of Dundee, and the committee responded to say that there would be an opportunity to look into those issues because the minister and the cabinet secretary would be coming today. Those letters were published on our web page, and a number of north-east members asked whether they could raise questions, which I am happy to facilitate. As Maggie Chapman wrote the letter, we will start with her.

Pam Duncan-Glancy can ask a supplementary question if it is short.

You will understand that I am the convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee and that it is important—

We will have questions from members about additional support needs. I am simply wondering what you asked for that you did not get. Or is this budget everything that you asked for and all that you were looking for in relation to education, skills and young people?

I am sorry, but the question is, in fact, very specific. It simply asks when.

You say that it is part of how you get 3.5 per cent. Can you explain that a bit further?

If those student places that were added during the Covid era were not there, that would not be a 3.5 per cent increase in HE. Is that correct?

It will have to be a final, short, supplementary question.