§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to assist local authorities who wish to employ stipendiary magistrates.
§ Mr. William RossThe District Courts (Scotland) Act 1975 provides for the employment by local authorities of stipendiary magistrates, subject to my approval, and I shall consider carefully any proposal by a local authority wishing to make such an appointment. Only in a few areas in Scotland, however, would it be possible for a stipendiary magistrate to be kept fully employed.