§ MR. LEAI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the remarks made by Sheriff Darling Lyell in regard to the case at Paisley, where two of the local magistrates, one a joiner named M'Naughton and the other a plumber named Kilpatrick, reported on structural alterations necessary at a licensed house, and where the joiner who undertook the reconstruction of the premises was the very Mr. M'Naughton who, in his capacity as magistrate, had ordered the work to be done to his own satisfaction and that of his brother magistrates; and where not only was this so, but the plumber who contracted to do the plumbling work to the orders of Mr. M'Naughton was the brother magistrate who also inspected, reported, and concurred in requiring this work to be done; and, having in view the foregoing facts, will he indicate what action he proposes to take in order to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR,) ForfarshireThe facts stated in the question appear to be substantially correct I am advised that no proceedings can be taken in the case. While it may be accepted that no corrupt motive can be ascribed to the persons named,. I am of opinion that their conduct was irregular and should be discountenanced.