§ Mr. ADAMSON (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the resignation of the magistrates for the burgh of Leslie; whether he is aware that the resignations were tendered as a protest against those responsible for the maintenance of peace within the burgh being ignored in connection with the arrest and trial of ten citizens of Leslie charged with intimidation; whether he is also aware that in the Sheriffs' Court the charge of intimidation was withdrawn and the cases tried on a technical plea of breach of the peace; that the Town Council of Leslie have passed a resolution approving the action of the magistrates in resigning and refusing to make any appointments to the magistracy; and what action he proposes to take?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I am aware generally of the incidents referred to by my hon. Friend. While I regret the action of the magistrates in resigning office, I am quite unable to appreciate the purpose or relevance of this step. It is not justified by any facts or circumstances of which I am aware, and I hope that it will be reconsidered. At present I do not contemplate taking any action in the matter.