§ MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)To ask the Prime Minister if he has any official 1211 information as to how many of the Judges of the Court of Session and of the Sheriffs in Scotland occupy the position of directors of the Scottish Banks; whether he is aware that the fact that these two offices are so often combined tends to prevent the public entering upon litigation against the banks; and whether he will, in future appointments of judges, make it a condition that they shall not accept such posts in trading concerns.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I have no official information on the matters referred to by my hon. friend, but I understand that the only position ever now held by Judges of the Court of Session in Scottish banks is that of extraordinary director, which entails no duty and carries no salary. I assume that the same principles apply to ordinary trading concerns. It appears to me to be highly undesirable that a Member of the Bench should take an active part in the direction of a commercial company.