To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy regarding the retirement ages of (a) sheriffs and (b) temporary sheriffs and (i) what policy change in relation to the retirement age of temporary sheriffs he has made since May 1997, (ii) what consultation he had about such policy change and (iii) with whom such consultation took place. [78763]

Retiral ages for all Sheriffs are set by statute and no changes have been made, or are proposed, in relation to permanent sheriffs. Temporary Sheriffs are appointed for one year at a time and commissions are subject to review annually in the light of the needs of the courts. On the recommendation of the Lord Advocate, a number of Commissions of older Temporary Sheriffs have not been renewed to make way for the appointment of younger recruits who can be tested on their ability to move on to permanent posts. This policy has been discussed on two occasions with the Temporary Sheriffs Association. Individuals affected by the ruling have been invited to make representations and some Commissions have been extended where exceptional cases have been put forward.From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.