Scotland Bill — 31 Mar 1998
Amendments made: No. 555, in page 75, line 17, after '1968', insert
I beg to move amendment No. 19, in page 76, leave out lines 14 to 20.
The issue is straightforward, so I can deal with it rapidly. The amendment would give the Scottish Parliament the power to determine the remuneration of judges of the Court of Session, sheriffs, members of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and the chairman of the Scottish Land Court.
We think that the proposal to reserve this matter is the result of judicial trade unionism. [Interruption.] There are nods in knowing quarters. Scottish judges are anxious to ensure that their pay is related to the pay of English judges and presumably they are afraid that, at some time in the future, the Scottish Parliament might reduce their wages. That Parliament will have to pay for the judges, and it is reasonable for it to determine their remuneration. If it is unfair, I am sure that the judges have ways of getting back at the Parliament. I see no reason why the Scottish Parliament should not control this matter. The issue is simple and straightforward, however, and, having succeeded with hypnotism, I hope that we can succeed on judges' pay.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn .
I beg to move amendment No. 347, in page 76, leave out lines 21 to 39.
The First Deputy Chairman
With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following: Amendment No. 94, in page 76, line 28, at end insert--
Question put, That the amendment be made:--
The Committee divided: Ayes 39, Noes 284.
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