§ Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the congestion of business in the Glasgow Sheriff Courts; whether he is aware that the sheriffs there, on closing the records, are fixing dates over seven months ahead as the diets for trial; that these delays cause loss and damage to the traders of the community; and whether, under the circumstances, he will take any action in the matter?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. A. Dewar)I am aware that since the passing of the Sheriff Courts Act, 1907, there has been a large increase in the number of cases in the Sheriff Court of Lanarkshire, which has tended to aggravate the pressure of business. This state of affairs is being carefully watched, in order that if further experience shows that it is likely to continue, steps may be taken for the more expeditious despatch of the business coming before the court.
§ Mr. WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that traders are kept out of their money for seven months by a trumpery counterclaim, and it is a serious matter for the trading community?
§ Mr. A. DEWARI am sorry I do not catch the hon. Member's question.