§ 80. Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate whether he has recently made an appointment to the vacant office of sheriff-clerkship of Lanark; if so, who was appointed to that position; was it an appointment from outside or was one who had been bred to the business of a sheriff-clerk advanced to the post; what was the salary attached to the position; and was any reduction made in it on this appointment on account of war-time retrenchment?
§ Mr. MUNROMr. Robert Guy, writer, Glasgow, was recently appointed sheriff-clerk of Lanarkshire at a salary of £1,100 1202 per annum. At the time of his appointment Mr. Guy was in practice as a law agent. The salary paid to Mr. Guy's predecessor was £1,200.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWas this appointment made as a reward for political services, and, if not, why has a new departure been made in the practice of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. MUNROI do not think any new departure has been made. Each application is considered on its merits. I understand that Mr. Guy was regarded as a most efficient man for the public service.
§ Mr. WATTWas the appointment made on the direct representations of the Secretary for the Colonies, and are Conservative agents all to get good jobs like this?
§ Mr. MUNROThe appointment was made upon my recommendation, after considering all the relevant facts.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it the share of the Unionist party in the spoils of the new Government?