United Kingdom House of Lords Decisions

The Lord Advocate replied—The promoters and opponents were not formally heard as to the place of inquiry. No such hearing was asked for, but due consideration was given to communications made to the Scottish Office and its representatives in the matter.

Mr Bryce (Aberdeen S.) asked whether it was not a fact that by the Act the decision as to where the inquiry was to be held was left with the Commissioners?

The Lord Advocate—Yes, sir. I have already stated that the Act simply says that the Commissioners shall hold the inquiry where they please.

Mr Pirie also asked the Lord Advocate, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether, in the cases of the Aberdeen Tramways Provisional Order Bill and the Buckie Harbour Provisional Order Bill the Commissioners appointed to hear the same under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899, had, of their own motion, with due regard to the subject-matter of the proposed Orders, and to the locality to which their provisions relate, and without any reference to or instructions or suggestions from the Secretary for Scotland, determined to hold the inquiry in Edinburgh instead of at Aberdeen; if so, whether, in so deciding, the Commissioners had before them and under their consideration the nature of the inquiry and the extra expenses which would be entailed upon those promoting and upon those opposing the said Orders owing to the inquiry being held in Edinburgh instead of in Aberdeen.

The Lord Advocate—It is very desirable not to delay the announcement of the place and date of an inquiry under the Private Legislation Procedure Act to allow of the necessary arrangements being made by parties. It has therefore been the practice for the Secretary for Scotland as soon as possible to consult with the Chairman of Commissioners, and on obtaining his concurrence to announce the place and date immediately after the Commissioners have been appointed. Under these circumstances no preliminary meeting of the Commissioners has been usual for the purpose of determining the place and date of inquiry, and so far as the Secretary for Scotland is aware no such meeting was held in the cases referred to.