§ MR. PAUL (Edinburgh, S.)I bog to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether it is the fact that writs given in at the General Register of Sasines during the month of May last were not given out till August; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience caused by the delay in the recording of writs, to those engaged in the winding-up of Trusts and other legal business, he would state if the working hours of the clerks in this Office are less than those recommended by the Ridley Commission, and generally adopted in the Civil Service?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonIt is the fact that several of the writs given in for registration during May last were not given out till August. But I must point out that no fewer than 9,150 writs were lodged for registration in May, being the largest number in the history of the Register. It has not been found possible to introduce the seven hours' system, because the Treasury cannot accept that system until the present staff of clerks, now in the course of reduction, is reduced still further to meet the additional cost in salaries which the seven hours day involves. But I may add that the pressure in the work takes place at the terms of May and November, and that a special sum of £600 is allowed by the Treasury to provide additional temporary clerical assistance, in order to meet this pressure.