SNP ministers have been accused of trying to avoid parliamentary scrutiny by making a rash of statements on controversial issues just as MSPs take a two-week break from Holyrood.

The Scottish LibDems claimed the government was trying to stifle debate by making four ministerial controversies on March 30, the final business day before the Easter recess.

The statements will be on fracking, an overdue mental health strategy, plans to merge Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies, and health problems associated with vaginal mesh implants.

LibDem MSP Mike Rumbles, who insisted the government set aside two days to debate referendum powers this week, said: “This is an unprecedented move by the Scottish Government who are squeezing in four major ministerial statements in one afternoon.

“This will mean that MSPs will have to wait 18 days until they are able to press SNP ministers further, which is unacceptable.

“All of these statements are incredibly important and people will be suspicious that bundling them together will result in a tsunami of bad news.

“This latest move speaks of a Government that is running scared of proper scrutiny. This timetabling disrespects and undermines the role of Parliament and should not be allowed.”

A spokesman for the First Minister said Mr Rumbles had a cheek.

“It was Mike Rumbles who specifically asked for a two-day debate on an independence referendum, so he can hardly complain about that now – and quite how bringing issues to parliament equates to avoid parliamentary scrutiny, only he can explain.”