§ 30. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he received from the Council of the Scottish Law Agents Society the resolution passed by it on 15th December, 1960, and sent to him, concerning the recommendations of the Mackintosh Report on the law relating to intestate succession in Scotland; and if he will now take steps to implement the recommendations contained in the Report.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)The Society's resolution reached me on 16th January. As already indicated in the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Willis) on 31st January, I have informed the Society that I see no prospect of legislation to amend the law of intestate succession during the current Session of Parliament.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that that Answer is outrageous? This matter has important professional, social and business bearings, and much damage is being done by the delay. Will he revise his Answer and take steps to have the recommendation implemented as soon as possible?
§ Mr. MaclayNo. I see no possibility of revising the Answer. As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, there is a great deal of business before the Scottish Committee and I can see no opportunity of bringing any further legislation before it this Session.