66. Captain BENNasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the Edinburgh Town Council to the effect that the office of the deputy clerk register should now be filled, that the public records of Scotland should remain in the country, and that the deputy clerk register should have jurisdiction over local records where this is desirable, with the object of securing their preservation and accessibility to the public; and whether he is able to announce any official action in connection with it?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I have received a copy of the resolution which the Corporation passed on these subjects on the 9th March. As I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on the 17th February, the idea of removing any documents from the Record Office in 434 Edinburgh has never been contemplated I am not in a position at present to make any statement in regard to the other points referred to in the question, except that I am in course of appointing a Committee to inquire and report on the question of the Sheriff Court Records.
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this office is one of great antiquity and dignity, and that a decision might by this time have been expected as to whether the office is to be continued or the reverse?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI would like to emphasise that there has never been any intention of discontinuing the office.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWhat about the officials?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is entirely another question.
Captain BENNCan the Secretary for Scotland say whether the Committee appointed is going to decide if there is to be an appointment of a deputy clerk register, or whether that is outside the terms of reference?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir; what the Committee has to inquire into is the case of the records in sheriff courts in various parts of the country.
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs soon as a definite decision has been arrived at.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWill the Committee consider the very important question of the continuance of this ancient office?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Committee will be appointed to inquire into the circumstances of the records of the sheriff courts.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWho is going to decide with regard to the continuance of this office?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Government.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWhen?