asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, with reference to the frequent postponements of Scotch Government business in the House, the Government will be pleased to fix a time for moving the Second Reading of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Bill, considering its great importance to the people of Scotland; and also to make arrangements so as to secure the discussion during the present Session of the other Government Scotch Bills appearing in the Order Book of the House?

I am afraid Scotland is not alone in this matter. She is in very good company—namely, that of England and Ireland. With regard to the Sheriffs Courts (Scotland) Bill, which is a matter of great importance, I hope there is a prospect, and a reasonable one, of its being taken on Thursday. The Poor Law (Scotland) Bill stands for Monday, but I cannot say whether it can come on on that day or not. I think the two other Scotch Bills must be postponed until after Whitsuntide. But I will give hon. Members notice, as far as I can, as to when the Bills will be taken.