§ MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)To ask the Lord-Advocate if his attention has been called to the fact that a general desire exists in Scotland for a system of civil marriage in registrars' offices, on lines similar to that recognised in English Law and recommended in the Report of the Marriage Laws Commission issued in 1868; and if he can see his way, in order to lessen the cost of marriage and to save the time of the sheriffs, to introduce legislation on this subject.
(Answered by Mr. Thomas Shaw.) My attention has not been called to this, nor am I aware of the desire stated. There are no proposals to legislate on the subject, but I shall be glad if my hon. friend will lay before me any detailed information in his possession.
§ MR. WATTTo ask the Lord-Advocate if he is aware that the omission in the Marriage Notice (Scotland) Act, 1878, to provide for publication of marriage where one of the parties is 953 resident furth of Scotland has given rise to trouble and annoyance; and whether he can see his way to remedy this by legislation.
(Answered by Mr. Thomas Shaw.) The Marriage Notice Act of 1878 applies in the particular mentioned only to persons resident in Scotland. Any proposals to alter this would require very careful consideration, and I am not aware of any public desire therefore. In these circumstances legislation is not contemplated.