§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he has noticed in the Scotch papers that one of the Judges, Lord Craighill, has by announcement in open court declined to proceed, because the Government have not filled up a vacant office; how he proposes to deal with the case; and whether the vacant Scotch offices, the abolition of which was under consideration, but respecting which no legislation has been pressed this Session, will be filled up or will be reserved for the consideration of Parliament?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSI am not quite certain that I understand the Question. There has been no undue delay in filling up the vacancy; but the future duties of the office have been under consideration. With regard to 1851 the last Question, I may say that the Government have had under consideration the abolition of certain Scotch offices, and although I cannot give a positive pledge, I hope to bring in a Bill on the subject next Session.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLLord Craighill has, I believe, stated that in future he will not work after half-past 1, because an office has not been filled which, in his opinion, ought to be filled.
MR. ASSHETON CROSSThat was the office of clerk, which really had only been vacant for a very short time, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has lost no time in filling up the vacancy. I do not believe that Lord Craighill will carry out his threat.