§ 33. Sir R. HUTCHISONasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he can see his way to carry out the recommendations of Lord Blackburn's Committee with regard to the remuneration to be given to sheriff clerks and deputy sheriff clerks?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. F. C. Thomson)A scheme for the reorganisation of the sheriff clerk service on lines recommended by Lord Blackburn's Committee has been the subject of negotiation with the associations concerned for some time. The matter is being actively pursued.
§ Sir R. HUTCHISONWill my hon. and learned Friend have special consideration, in dealing with this Report, for very old servants who have served for a lifetime?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that these fees were increased in order to add to the remuneration of sheriff clerks and sheriff clerk deputies, and will he consider whether an addition to these fees could be made?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThe amount paid in bonuses since the fees were raised has very largely exceeded the amount which the Treasury has gained as a result of the increase of fees. Possibly my hon. Friend is aware that there was a meeting at Edinburgh last week, at which representatives of the Treasury and the Scottish Office and these officials met together. Proposals were put before them and they are at this moment considering them. I do not think I can do anything further.
§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether these negotiations are carried on by individuals who have some knowledge of Scotland and not by Treasury clerks who are not well informed as to the position?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThey are being carried on by people who have a very accurate knowledge of Scotland.