MR. DICK-PEDDIEasked the Lord Advocate, Whether the Government have yet come to a decision as to proceeding with the Court of Session Bill; and, if it has been decided to withdraw the Bill, whether early steps will be taken to fill up the vacant judgeship?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. M'LAREN)The Court of Session Bill, to which the Question relates, was delayed by the Lord Chancellor, because it appeared there was a desire, on the part of the noble Lords interested in the question, to be in possession of the views of the Government with regard to the reform of the Sheriff Courts. I need hardly say that a measure regulating the relations of the Superior and Inferior Courts in Scotland is quite beyond the power of Parliament to deal with in the present Session; but the whole subject is under consideration, with a view to legislation next Session. The question of filling up the vacant Judgeship is also under consideration.