§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has recently been called to the heavy arrears in the work of the Sasine Office in the General Register House, Edinburgh; whether the minute hook for Aberdeen is only up to 6th January last, that for Edinburgh to 27th January, and that for Glasgow to 18th February; and whether, in view of the risk that this involves for the general public and the sellers and purchasers of property, he will arrange for additional staff, and take such other steps as may be necessary to bring this work up to date?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; I am informed that the Minute Book for Aberdeen has been brought up to the 25th April last, that for Edinburgh up to the 13th May last, and that for Glasgow up to the 30th March last. Arrangements have recently been made for the staff of the Department to work overtime with a view to the reduction of arrears, and it is hoped that an increase will be made in the commissioned staff within the next few months.