27. Mr. MACGREGOR MITCHELLasked the Secretary for Scotland whether 212 the Government intend to provide in the case of Sheriff Court officials that all back services shall count for pension purposes just as it is proposed to do in the case of English registrars?
Mr. ADAMSONThe Government have under consideration representations made to them asking for a revision of the pension terms offered in the reorganisation schemes for Sheriff Court officials, but I am not in a position to say whether any concession will be found possible. As regards the registrars in the County Courts in England, I am informed that the hon. and learned Member's assumption that all back service is to count in their case is not well founded.
§ Mr. STURROCKCan the right hon. Gentleman state how long these matters have been under consideration, and whether we may expect an answer at an early date in the present Session?
Mr. ADAMSONI expect that an answer will be given at an early date, but if I begin to discuss with my hon. Friend the responsibility for delay we would have a very long discussion.
§ 29. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to accord to sheriff clerks and their whole-time staffs the Civil Service status and pension rights which were recommended by Lord Blackburn's Committee of 1920?
Mr. ADAMSONI hope that it will be possible to introduce legislation this Session to give effect to a scheme on which there is a considerable measure of agreement. With regard to pension rights in respect of back service, I would refer to my reply to the question by the hon. and learned Member for Perth to-day.