§ 32. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the number of cases appealed to the sheriff-principal of Inverness, Nairn, and Elgin counties in the year 1916 was ten, in all of which the decisions were simple affirmations of the decisions 1777 of his substitutes, and in 1915 was seven, in six of which the decision was the same as the Court below; whether the salary paid to the sheriff-principal is £800 a year, with permission to continue his practice as before his appointment; and, if so, is any change contemplated in war-time?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)The figures are substantially as stated. I have nothing to add to my recent replies on this subject.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that the administrative duties, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred in other answers, are, as a rule, performed by the sheriff-substitutes, and, therefore, do not afford any justification for the remuneration of the sheriff-principal?
§ Mr. MUNRONo; I do not agree with my hon. and learned Friend. The administrative duties performed by this particular sheriff in war-time involve not only great labour, but much time.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not a fact that the value of these decisions is not to be estimated by their number, but by the authority and competence of the judge who delivers them?
§ Mr. MUNROI endeavoured to persuade my hon. and learned Friend to that effect, but without success.