§ 3. Sir W. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the delays in recording of deeds in the Register of Sasines; that formerly such deeds were obtainable in about five weeks, but the practice now is approximately four months; and what steps he proposes to take to facilitate the transaction of business.
§ Mr. WestwoodIn 1938 the average period for the registration of writs in the Register of Sasines was 51 days, and it is now 108 days. The delay is due to the serious depletion of the Register House staff during the war, and to the fact that in the current year the number of writs recorded will considerably exceed the prewar annual average. Additional staff have been authorised, and the delay will be reduced as the new staff gain experience.
§ Mr. J. S. C. ReidHow long does the right hon. Gentleman expect it will be before we can get back to something like prewar conditions, because this really hampers people very much?
§ Mr. WestwoodI agree it hampers, but I cannot answer how long it will be until we get back to prewar conditions.