§ 35 and 36. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware that, owing to the vacancies on the staff of the Register House, Edinburgh, serious arrears have accumulated in the recording of deeds in the Sasine Register; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the question of staff reorganisation proposals and recruitment;
(2) if he can state the present position as regards the negotiations for improving the conditions of service of the second-class clerks at the Register House; and if he is aware that until this is effected there can be no prospect of recruiting this department up to strength with suitably-qualified personnel?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I am aware of the arrears of work in the Register of Sasines and of the urgent necessity for the recruitment of additional staff for both the Sasines and Record Departments of the Register House. The proposals for 2402 staff reorganisation have been further discussed with the staff representatives and I hope that a conclusion will be reached at an early date and that it will be found possible early next month to invite applications from suitably-qualified persons to fill the vacancies in the new establishment.
§ Mr. GUYIn view of the fact that the negotiations have lasted now for over two years, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, when a final settlement is reached, to have it 'ante-dated to April of this year?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid I could not give my hon. Friend that undertaking.
§ Mr. JOHN WALLACECan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that, if the additional staff is taken on, they will be able to deal in an adequate way with the Scottish records which are now in a disgraceful condition?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI hope so.