HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc225-6
36. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of cases dealt with by the sheriff-principal in the county of Argyll in the year 1915 was five and that the salary paid to such sheriff-principal is £700; and whether, in view of the fact that appeals from one judge to one judge are unknown in any other system of jurisprudence, he will introduce legislation consolidating sheriffdoms in Scotland?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

The amount of the salary and the number of appeal cases in 1915 are correctly stated in the question. As regards the rest of the question, I have nothing to add to the replies which I have already given to my hon. and learned Friend on this subject.

Mr. WATT

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that the extra judicial duties of this War are very onerous, will he grant the Return standing in the name of the hon. Member for the College Division (Mr. Watt)? ["Return of the appointments ex officio held by sheriffs-principal in Scotland; how many of these appointments entailed any meetings in the year 1915, and in each case how many meetings were held; how many entailed any executive work; and the number of instances where the duties were performed by the Sheriffs-substitute."]

Mr. MUNRO

I will consider that.