CHIEF Treasury Secretary Greg Hands was last night accused of playing “bizarre games” and showing “gross disrespect” after refusing to appear before MSPs as fiscal framework talks drag on.

MSPs hit out yesterday after Hands, who has been leading negotiations on behalf of the UK Government, ruled out travelling to Edinburgh to answer questions on the key funding deal.

The Tory MP was asked to appear before the Finance Committee tomorrow, but in a letter to committee convener Kenneth Gibson said he would not attend due to “parliamentary business”, adding: “I look forward to appearing before your committee once the framework is agreed.”

Last night Gibson accused Hands – who took a holiday earlier in the talks – of showing “gross disrespect”.

The Cunninghame North MSP said: “This shows gross disrespect to the Scottish Parliament – and represents a complete rejection of the ‘respect agenda’ which David Cameron promised when he was elected.

“The fact that Greg Hands could find the time in his schedule to jet off on holiday to France in the middle of negotiations but seemingly can’t be bothered to appear before the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee is completely unacceptable – and shows a complete lack of respect to the Scottish Parliament.

“The Tories need to understand that scrutiny by the Scottish Parliament isn’t an optional extra – it’s an absolutely essential part of ensuring that any proposed deal on the fiscal framework is up to scratch.

“Greg Hands should reverse his position and come before the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee as planned, update the committee on the negotiations and show the respect for our Parliament which the people of Scotland have a right to expect.”

Yesterday Scotland waited on word from either side that an agreement had finally been made.

Holyrood has repeatedly warned that failure to conclude the talks could derail the entire Scotland Bill, emphasising that the Devolution Committee needs answers today in order to make headway on the legislation required for the transfer of further powers promised in the pre-referendum “Vow”.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who has represented the Scottish Government in the process, will appear before that panel at 8.30am today. Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary David Mundell MP will not appear until 6.45pm, with the Finance Committee due to convene at 9.30am tomorrow.

Yesterday Gibson urged Hands – whose letter was dated Friday, the day on which talks were supposed to end – to reconsider his position.

In a letter, he wrote: “It is regrettable that you have declined to appear.

“This would appear to suggest that you do not think an agreement will be reached on the fiscal framework before then.

“If this is indeed the case then it is essential that the Finance Committee has the opportunity to hear from both governments as to why it has not been possible to reach an agreement.”

Key issues include the adjustment to Scotland’s block grant and the set-up and administration costs for aspects of the welfare system.

Yesterday the House of Lords agreed to continue detailed scrutiny of new powers for Holyrood despite confusion over the finances.

Former chancellor Lord Darling said any delay would be a mistake, and urged ministers to ensure peers would have the framework by report stage tomorrow.

Turning to “massive considerations” in determining tax and welfare, he said: “I struggle to see how it’s going to work.

“If we don’t get it right, we could be simply storing up problems for the future, providing rich and fertile grounds for those who seek out grudge and grievance as a way of life.”

However, Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop said the Government was working “flat out” to get agreement and he was optimistic a deal could be reached soon.

Last week Labour leader Kezia Dugdale urged Nicola Sturgeon to push the deadline back to March 24 – delaying the next stage, parliamentary approval, until after the election.

Yesterday Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “The situation is getting beyond absurd and it’s time for both the UK and Scottish Governments to come clean and let the rest of the country know what the state of their negotiation is.

“Whether they have reached a deal or not, it’s unacceptable for Greg Hands to play these bizarre games of brinkmanship.”