§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is the case that, for many years past, one of the offices of principal clerk in each Division of the Court of Session in Scotland has been vacant, and that the duties have been discharged by the appointment by the Court of one of the assistant clerks, without a Queen's Commission; and, if the Government will ascertain whether such an arrangement conduces to the efficiency of the Service, and take any steps that may be necessary for that purpose?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)I answer the first paragraph in the affirmative. One appointment has been vacant for 18 years, and the other for 14 years. I do not think that the leaving of statutory offices vacant for long periods of years is a satisfactory arrangement; and I have been actively engaged in inquiring into the arrangements of the clerical staff of the Court of Session, and have a Bill in preparation for the re-organization of that Department.