§ MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbrightshire)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate what is the legal method of ascertaining the true value of grain in the Fiars Courts in Scotland; whether by taking evidence of the average prices of grain purchased direct from the producer, or the average prices of grain purchased through the middleman; and if the Government intend to propose any legislation this Session for amending the procedure of the Fiars Courts, and placing them on a more uniform and satisfactory basis?
§ * MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONThe striking of Fiars prices is regulated by an Act of Sederunt passed in 1723. I have made inquiry in eight different counties in Scotland, and find that though the usual practice is only to take evidence of the prices paid to the producer, in some localities evidence is also taken of the prices paid to the middleman. I cannot hold out hope of any legislation this Session on this subject.