§ Mr. DENNISONasked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been directed to the compensation case of Archibald McIlveen, deceased, the widow and five dependant children of whom were awarded £600; that the sheriff's clerk deducted £12 for Court fees; and will steps be taken to have such fees reduced or abolished in such cases?
2100W
Mr. GUINNESSI have made inquiry but without the name of the Court I cannot identify the case. The fee referred to is no doubt the investment fee of 2 per cent. The fees in the Sheriff Courts were the subject of inquiry in 1922 by the Blackburn Committee, and the fee in question was prescribed by Act of Sederunt of 22nd February, 1922, in accordance with their recommendation. It covers a good deal of work in connection with investment and subsequent periodic disbursements. I am, however, looking further into the matter.