§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps on the lines of the recommendations made in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Court of Session and the office of Sheriff Principal in 1927 (Cmd. 2801) designed to improve the work of the office of Sheriff Principal and his judicial functions, his administrative duties, his duties in relation to the Executive Government and the preservation of the peace.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)The recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1927 relating to the office of Sheriff Principal have been substantially carried out and no further action appears necessary at the present time.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that this reform is urgently required, and that there is great dissatisfaction among litigants and lawyers in Scotland at appeals from a single judge being heard by a single judge; and is he aware that such appeals should be heard by at least two judges or a bench of judges?
§ Mr. WestwoodI was not aware that there was any dissatisfaction in Scotland about our legal system, which has been in operation for so long.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister look into it?
§ Mr. WestwoodI am always willing to look into anything.