A row over childcare flared yesterday after a poll revealed nearly two-thirds of people believe the Scottish government should use its current devolved powers to boost provision.

Only a fifth believe independence is needed before better childcare can be delivered, a YouGov poll commissioned by anti-independence campaign Better Together found.

Labour leader Johann Lamont said the poll showed the Scottish government could "act today to provide better childcare" - but First Minister Alex Salmond argued that his plan for 30 hours of childcare a week could not be provided without the full powers of independence.