§ 73. Mr. Mathersasked the Lord Advocate what considerations guided him in making the recent appointment to the position of Clerk of Justiciary; what is the age of the appointee; and at what age will he be required to retire?
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. T. M. Cooper)For many years the office of Clerk of Justiciary was held by an advocate on a part-time basis. A change was made experimentally in 1933 when a whole time civil servant was appointed, but on review of the circumstances on his retirement last month, it was found that the post could be adequately filled, as formerly, on a part-time basis. The person appointed is 61 years of age and will be required to retire not later than at age 70.
§ Mr. MathersWhile disclaiming any idea of criticising the individual who has been appointed—for I have nothing whatever against him—may I ask the Lord Advocate whether this is a sample of the kind of appointments that we will get as the result of the passing of Clause 4 of the Reorganisation of Offices (Scotland) Bill, which has been through Committee?
§ The Lord AdvocateNo, Sir. The post in question has been held for a great many years by a succession of eminent counsel. As far as I am aware, a solicitor has never held the post.
§ Mr. BuchananWas the retiring occupant an advocate; and will the person who gets the new appointment receive any pension from the Crown on his retirement?
§ The Lord AdvocateThe answer to the first part of the question is that the person who held the appointment from 1933 until a month ago was a civil servant——
§ Mr. BuchananAnd an advocate as well?
§ The Lord AdvocateNo, he was not a member of any branch of the legal profession. The answer to the second part of the question is that the post does not carry a pension.