§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland how many procurators-fiscal there are in Scotland over seventy years of age; whether there; is any age limit for such positions; if not, why these officials are treated differently from Civil Service officials; and whether he will introduce legislation making the retiring age sixty
years, in view of the fact that efficiency in the prosecution of criminals is necessary?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. R. Munro)I have no official information as to the number of procurators-fiscal over seventy years of age, but I believe the number is four. To the second part of the question the answer is in the negative. With regard to the third part of the question, the reasons why the ordinary Civil Service age limit does not apply to these officials are historical and are too lengthy to set out in answer to a question. Provision for the superannuation of these officials is under consideration. I may add that I know of no more efficient class of public servants than the procurators-fiscal in Scotland.