§ Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that a Committee on minor legal appointments in Scotland recommended in 1911 that the number of sheriff-clerks in each sheriffdom should be reduced in number to one as vacancies occur in these offices; whether any action has been taken since that date to bring this about; and, if not, will an opportunity be taken during the War to carry out the recommendation in view of the necessity for retrenchment?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative. The scheme, of which the recommendation formed part, involves changes which might not result in an immediate saving, and it could not be brought into operation without legislation. I fear this is not an opportune time for the introduction of such a measure.