§ 38. Mr. MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction amongst the procurators fiscal, sheriff clerks, and Sheriff Court staffs in Scotland owing to the prolonged delay in carrying out the recommendations of the Blackburn Committee as to the institution of pensions and the improvement in the rate of remuneration and of the conditions in these services; and whether, in view of the urgency of securing a settlement which will be acceptable to all the parties interested, he is prepared to make further immediate representations to the Treasury on the subject
Mr. ADAMSONI have no doubt that the officials concerned are anxious, as I am, that the matter should be disposed of. I have communicated with my might hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has promised to receive representatives of the associations concerned. The representatives will, I understand, be received as soon as possible, but, owing to the many pressing demands upon my right hon. Friend's time, it is not yet practicable to indicate a definite date.
§ Mr. MILLARWould the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to secure the arrangement of an early date, in order that these officials, who have now been kept waiting for many years for the settlement of this matter, may have the question considered at once?
§ Sir CHARLES BARRIECan the right hon. Gentleman say what has become of the £228,000 of extra fees which the Government have collected during the last three years for this purpose, and will the scheme be made retrospective?
Mr. ADAMSONI will make in the proper place the representation suggested by the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar). As to the point put by the hon. Member for Banff (Sir C. Barrie), no doubt my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider it.