§ 25. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the protests that are being made against the arrears in the work of the Record Office, Edinburgh; and, if so, what steps he is taking to have the work expedited, particularly in the historical department?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe work of the Record Department is being carried on efficiently within the limits of the available financial provision. I am aware that further provision for the reduction of the arrears in respect of the calendaring and indexing of historical records is desirable, and the matter has been the subject of discussion with representatives of the Scottish History Society and the Convention of Royal Burghs; but in view of the financial stringency I regret that, as at present advised, I should not feel justified in proposing an immediate increase of expenditure for this purpose. I may add that a revision of the staff of the Register House Departments may be necessary for other purposes in the early future and that in this connection the needs of the Record Department will be carefully reviewed.