HC Deb 03 July 1907 vol 177 c697
MR. WATT

I beg to ask the Lord-Advocate whether he is aware that some sheriff clerks in Scotland are engaged in other pursuits, commercial or professional; whether this is in accordance with the views of his Department; and, if not, whether he will take steps to have the practice discontinued.

THE LORD-ADVOCATE (Mr. THOMAS SHAW,) Hawick Burghs

The usual restriction attached to such appointments is that the sheriff clerk shall not practice as a solicitor or law agent, or be a partner of any firm of solicitors or law agents. This form was adopted in 1883, and has been followed except in a few special cases. While it is impossible to go back upon the terms of past appointments, I may say that I am in favour, as a general rule, of the practice settled as above being followed.

MR. WATT

Is it not the fact that holders of many of these appointments are engaged in commercial pursuits?

[No Answer was returned.]