HC Deb 29 January 1957 vol 563 cc845-6
38. Mr. Hector

Hughes asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the desirability of legislation to implement by separate legislation for Scotland the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Marriage and Divorce and also the Report of the Mackintosh Committee regarding the law of succession in Scotland; and if he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the implementation by legislation of both or either of these Reports or any of the recommendations contained in them.

Mr. Maclay

The Royal Commission's Report contains many recommendations which would require legislation. All are being thoroughly examined and I am undertaking consultations about some of them.

With regard to the Report of the Mackintosh Committee on the law of succession in Scotland, I cannot say more at present than that there is no prospect of legislation during this Session.

Mr. Hughes

Could the Secretary of State tell the Prime Minister that, in not finding time to implement the valuable recommendations of Royal Commissions, the Government are guilty of a public scandal and waste of public time, and will he expedite the implementation of these recommendations?