§ 49. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the nature of the consultations which have taken place between him and the Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland, the Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet, the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts of Scotland, the Scottish Land Owners Federation, the National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Crofters Commission concerning implementation of the proposals of the Mackintosh Committee.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)These consultations provided the Government with general observations on the recommendations of the Mackintosh Committee and also with comments on points of particular interest to the organisations consulted.
§ Mr. HughesWhich of these organisations has deterred the right hon. Gentleman from implementing the recommendations of the Mackintosh Committee, contrary to the express desires of the legal profession in Scotland? Will the right hon. Gentleman now release himself from that sinister influence and implement the Committee's recommendations?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. and learned Member will know from my previous answers on this point the reasons why so far I have been unable to introduce legislation to deal with this matter.
§ Mr. HughesWhich of these organisations is holding up this very desirable implementation of the law?
§ Mr. MaclayIt should be quite clear that no organisation is holding it up. lit is a question of Parliamentary time.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order. I beg to give notice that I desire to raise 1192 this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity. I hope that I shall have co-operation in doing so.