§ 30. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the earliest date at which a lay member of the Scottish Land Court is due to retire; whether the vacancy will be advertised; what method of selection will be adopted; and whether the successful candidate will be permitted to carry on any farms occupied by him at the time of his appointment?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)A lay member of the Scottish Land Court will retire under the age limit on 9th September next. In terms of the Statute, appointments to the Land Court are made by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Secretary of State, and my recommendation is made after such inquiry as may be necessary and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate and with the Chairman of the Land Court. It has not hitherto been found necessary to advertise for applications. It is a condition of appointment that the person appointed shall give up all private business during his tenure of office.
§ Mr. MathersIn view of the fact that so much of this Land Court work has to do with crofting tenancies, will the right hon. Gentleman use the opportunities of vacancies arising to appoint two lay members from the crofting community? Will he consult the crofting unions about these appointments?
§ Mr. ColvilleI will bear in mind that consideration along with others which have to be taken into account in making the appointment.