§ MR. R. WALLACE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether it is the case that writs given in May to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines are still not ready for delivery; whether the present staff, notwithstanding the Treasury's Supplementary Grant, is insufficient to so overtake the work as to allow of the delivery of the writs to the public within a reasonable time; whether, in view of this, it is his intention to still further reduce the staff; and what steps he proposes taking to remedy the present unsatisfactory state of matters?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR,) Clackmannan, &c.My right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland gave a very full reply to a question on this subject only a few days ago, to which I would refer my hon. Friend. I have not had time to ascertain whether there are any May writs still unregistered, but if the pressure at the November term cannot be duly met I feel sure that the Secretary for Scotland will give the matter his careful consideration. I may add that there are various points connected with registration upon the consideration of which the possible further reduction of the staff and other changes will depend.
§ MR. PAUL (Edinburgh, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of introducing the seven hours' system?
§ MR. J. B. BALFOURI will consider it.