HC Deb 05 February 1918 vol 101 cc2159-60W
Mr. MILLAR

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the waste of time and inconvenience caused by summoning jurors to attend inquiries under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Acts; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to enable juries to be dispensed with at such inquiries except in cases of special importance or difficulty where the Lord Advocate may direct that the inquiry shall take place before the sheriff and a jury?

Mr. MUNRO

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer given him on 13th March, 1917. The expressions of opinion which have reached me since that date do not, in my judgment, warrant me in giving any undertaking at present regarding the introduction of the legislation proposed. If, however, my hon. and learned Friend can satisfy me that legislation on the lines suggested is likely to be non-controversial, I would be disposed to give favourable consideration to the proposal.