§ MR. BARCLAY (Forfarshire)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether he has succeeded in the negotiations entered into by his Predecessor in Office with certain Procurators Fiscal in the Western Islands of Scotland, with the object of preventing them from engaging in private business while they act at the same time as public prosecutors; and, if not, whether he intends to take any steps to carry out such a reform?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)I am not aware of more than two cases where negotiations have been entered into with Procurators Fiscal for the object mentioned by the 270 hon. Member. The first is the case of the Procurator Fiscal of Inverness-shire at Portree, in which the arrangement is complete, I believe, although, in consequence of not having received an answer to my telegram, I cannot say definitely. The other case is that of the Procurator Fiscal of Stornoway, where there has been a change recently; but that case is now under the consideration of the Treasury. I am making inquiries to ascertain if any negotiations have been entered into with other Fiscals. I have given consideration to the question, and I am now in communication with the Treasury in regard to it, but am not able, at present, to answer any general Question.