Scottish ministers were under pressure yesterday to explain how they can implement their manifesto plan for at least two hours of PE per week for every Scottish pupil.

Schools Minister Maureen Watt has been flatly contradicted by Alex Salmond, after saying the two hours could include time spent walking to and from school.

The First Minister had to clarify it should be included within the school day, and is supposed to be educational rather than just physical activity.

But the SNP still faces pressure over its promise that it can "ensure" this happens and whether the staff involved are specialists.

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop stepped in to clear up what she admitted was "confusion" over the policy.

But, pressed on whether she could ensure the two-hour limit was being met, she told Radio Scotland: "Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of the curriculum.

"I can't be in every single school detailing the time-tabling of headteachers. We need teachers and we need space but I'm not going to micromanage individual schools, I'm not going to micromanage local authorities."

At First Minister's Questions yesterday, Miss Goldie said Mr Salmond had to "slap down" his deputy education minister, with "U-turns and acrobatics over PE in schools".

The SNP leader responded tongue in cheek: "We don't do slapping-down in this administration."