Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect of the imposition of the poll tax on the workload of sheriff officers; and if he anticipates a need for any increase in the number of sheriff officers as a result of the poll tax.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSheriff officers are independent contractors and it is for them to consider how best to respond to requests for their services.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many summary warrants were issued by Scottish regional councils for non-payment of the poll tax at the most recent date for which figures are available; and what was the equivalent number of summary warrants issued by Scottish regional councils for non-payment of rates on the same date in the previous year.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 January 1990]: Information on the total number of persons subject to summary warrant procedure for non-payment of domestic rates or community charge is not held centrally. The use of the summary warrant procedure is a matter for regional councils.