§ MR. WATTI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the manner in which Justice of the Peace Courts are constituted in Scotland, and to the fact that certain Justices are constantly called thereto, while others are never at any time asked to attend; will he say who is responsible for the choice of Justices to sit on the Bench at any particular time; and will he issue instructions by which the work will be more equally divided.
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. THOMAS SHAW,) Hawick BurghsNo expressions of any dissatisfaction with the existing state of matters have reached me. But I may explain to my hon. friend that the procedure and attendance at Justice of the Peace Courts are subject to the regulation of the Justices themselves. All the responsibility for the arrangements and sittings rests with them, and I could not assume any power on the subject.
§ MR. WATTIs it possible under the present system for a Justice of the Peace Clerk to pack a Bench if he feels so inclined?
§ MR. SHAWI should not like to say that was possible in any Court in Scotland. May I suggest to my hon. friend that now I have given him the cue he should in any case that comes to his notice apply to the Clerk of the Peace in whose jurisdiction it arises.