§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the practice of sheriffs' officers fixing the value of house-furniture and effects poinded by them for arrears of rent below their proper value; whether he is aware that in a recent case two kitchen chairs were valued at 10. each, a kitchen table and dishes, cutlery, and mantelshelf ornaments at a total of 1s., an oval table 6d. and an oval mirror 6d.; that the total value placed upon the furniture, etc., was 2s. 3d., and the expenses of poinding were 17s. 8d.; and whether he is prepared to institute an inquiry into this practice, with a view to safeguarding the tenant whose goods are being poinded?
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§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I would point out to the hon. Member that whether the poinding proceeds under the Small Debt (Scotland) Act, 1837, or the Debtors (Scotland) Act, 1838, the officer is required to have the poinded goods appraised or valued by two persons. If, however, the hon. Member will supply me with particulars regarding any cases where poinded goods. were not properly valued, I shall have inquiry made.