§ 59. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of cases appealed to the sheriff-principal of Roxburgh, Berwick, and Selkirk during the year 1916 was four, as shown by the Reports on the Judicial Statistics of Scotland; whether the salary paid to the sheriff-principal of these counties is £750 per annum, with permission to continue his private practice; and, if so, whether it is the intention of the Government to effect any economies in this direction in war-time should a vacancy arise?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the 1295 question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave him on the 24th October.
§ Mr. WATTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman is this the only war-time economy which he does not encourage?
§ Mr. MUNROI have repeatedly pointed out to my hon. and learned Friend that the cases of appeal are only one of many duties performed by the sheriff.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre not the other duties subsidiary to the hearing of appeals?
§ Mr. MUNROI think not. The duties are in the Courts of first instance and consist in hearing cases, in being responsible for law and order, much wartime work, and also large duties under the Representation of the People Act.