§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, When the Sheriffs Consolidation Bill for Scotland, which he has coupled with the County Courts Consolidation Bill for England, as measures intended to be pressed forward this Session, will be introduced; and, whether in this House or "another place?"
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I have to apologize to the House for a misstatement into which I fell yesterday. In referring to the Sheriffs Consolidation Bill, I was under the impression that that Bill referred to a Bill consolidating all the Acts relating to Sheriffs in Scotland. It relates to Acts concerning Sheriffs in England, and I am sorry to say that I was led into a mistake in the matter. 938 Under these circumstances, I wish to repeat that no such Bill will be introduced either in this House or in "another place." I may also refer, if the House will permit me, to Scotch Business generally. My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate will confer with hon. Members connected with Scotland, and will endeavour to arrive at an understanding with them as to the measures which they think may fitly be passed in the course of the present Session; and the Government will not endeavour to press any measure for which, in their judgment, sufficient time for consideration will not be afforded between now and the prorogation.
ME, E. ROBERTSON (Dundee)Is the right hon. Gentleman now prepared to say how long the Session is likely to last?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI think the hon. and learned Gentleman has better means of information than I possess. I hope it will not be a very protracted Session; but I am not able to say how long the Session will last.