21 and 22. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the present period of arrears of registration in the Sasines Office; and what steps have been taken to deal with this problem;
(2) whether, in view of the recommendations contained in paragraphs 26 and 30 of the First Report of the Committee on Land Registration in Scotland, Command Paper 7451, arrangements will be made for part-time legal assistance to be utilised for the purpose of bringing the registers of the Sasines Office up to date.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)The period of arrear in the registration of writs in the Sasines Office is now over six months, as compared with a normal period of 50 days before the war. Arrangements are already in operation employing part-time legal assistance on three evenings a week, and steps are being taken for the appointment of additional regular staff.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he has got sufficient assistance, because I understand that there are a number of young solicitors available to do this work in the evenings?
§ Mr. WoodburnAlready there are about 60 young solicitors working at this, but it is not expected that we shall be able to overtake the arrears for about 12 months.
§ Mr. ScollanCould not my right hon. Friend devise some means of abolishing this casual labour in the legal profession?