§ 7. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason for the delay in remedying the state of diligence in Caithness and Sutherland which has been under active consideration by the Lord Advocate and at least two Committees since November, 1953.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonAs my hon. Friends knows, the problems to which he alludes are not confined to Caithness and Sutherland. In 1956, my right hon. Friend's predecessor appointed a Committee to undertake a complete review of the law and practice of diligence. My right hon. Friend understands that the Committee has made good progress and he hopes to receive its Report within the next few months.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs not this delay of nearly five years bringing the law of Scotland into complete disrepute? Is my 209 hon. Friend aware that in the Highlands of Scotland creditors are unable to sue for money owing to them, that the Queen's Writ does not run in the Highlands, entirely due to the unreasonable delay of nearly five years? What does the Secretary of State intend to do about that?
§ Mr. MacphersonI do not think that my hon. Friend would expect the Secretary of State to take action just at the moment when a Report is about to be received.