The economic impact of the possible closure of a Clyde shipyard should be investigated, the Finance Secretary has been urged.
John Swinney was asked to assess what would happen to communities in west central Scotland if defence firm BAE decides to shut one of the two yards, at Govan or Scotstoun, where about 3,500 people are employed.
A third base, in Portsmouth on the south coast of England, is also at risk, it emerged at the weekend.
West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, speaking in the Scottish Parliament, said: "Any closure will have a negative effect on the whole of west central Scotland.
"With that in mind, will the cabinet secretary undertake an economic assessment to look at the implications of a potential closure of one of the yards?"
Mr Swinney said jobs agency Scottish Enterprise is the main channel for discussing the issues with BAE.
"I certainly will consider the suggestion that Mr McMillan has made in relation to the economic impact of the yards," he said.
The exchange was prompted by Glasgow MSP Bob Doris, who raised the BAE issue with the Finance Secretary at Holyrood.
Mr Doris said: "The greatest threat to the shipyards may indeed actually be needless political point scoring. All politicians, no matter their political party, should put their differences aside and show a united front in the battle to save threatened shipyard jobs on the Clyde."
His comments echoed those of Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who appealed to all parties on Monday. "BAE Systems is a hugely important employer in Scotland and we want to ensure that the strongest possible case for the retention of the Scottish yards is made and acted upon," she said in a statement.
