§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that business in the sheriff courts in Scotland can be carried on without disruption due to action by court staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerThe withdrawal of labour by the specially trained and experienced court staff must adversely affect the disposal of court business and there can be no ready replacement. Arrangements have, however, been devised in Edinburgh and Glasgow sheriff courts, the only courts whose staff is on strike at present, for the sheriffs to sit unsupported. They are able to deal with emergency business and seek to dispose of such other 287W work as they can, by arrangement with the parties; this very helpful contribution represents unfortunately only a very small proportion of all the outstanding work.