The Scottish Parliament has rejected an SNP MSP's call for portion sizes to be cut in its restaurant.

John Mason raised the matter in Holyrood today after taking to social media to complain Holyrood's "portions are far too big".

The Glasgow MSP wants the Scottish Parliament to lead the fight against obesity and complained that a whole pizza and chips was on offer recently.

He told MSPs: "On a serious note, we are told by the cancer and diabetes sectors that obesity is one of the main challenges that they face.

"I understand some people need to eat more than others do but the assumption in the restaurant seems to be the norm is a very large portion and you have to really, really ask for a smaller one.

"Last week we had a very large pizza offered to us plus chips when in fact half a pizza was sufficient for me."

His bid to shrink lunches on offer to MSPs and their staff was rejected by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to cheers in the debating chamber.

David Stewart MSP, who is a member of Holyrood's corporate body, said: "The portion sizes served in the garden level restaurant are based on standard catering practices for work place restaurants.

"We have no plans to reduce portion sizes. Though customers can ask for smaller portions and our catering staff will be happy to oblige."

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser chipped in: "What comfort does the corporate body have for all the growing lads and lasses round the chamber who occasionally would like larger portions?"

"We are thinking of reallocating members rooms so that members who need more exercise would have to go to the top floor," Mr Stewart replied.