§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many confirmations of estates of deceased persons are still being delayed as a result of the Civil Service strike; how many cases are involved; and if he is taking any steps in this connection.
§ Mr. YoungerThere are still delays in granting confirmation at Her Majesty's Commissary Office, Edinburgh, but substantial progress in dealing with the exceptional caseload is being made by the normal staff with the temporary support of two other skilled officers. At 16 November, 366 inventories were awaiting282W confirmation; 239 of these are in process and will be cleared shortly; the remaining 127 all received since 2 November, should be dealt with by early December. It is anticipated that the normal disposal period of about two weeks will be achieved by mid-December.