§ 1. Mr. Willisasked the Lord Advocate whether Her Majesty's Government accepts the recommendations of the Fifth Report of the Law Reform Committee for Scotland on the enforcement of orders in Scotland for maintenance.
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. William Grant)This Report of the Law Reform Committee has been under careful consideration, but I am not yet in a position to say what action the Government propose to take upon it.
§ Mr. WillisIn view of the fact that this Report was sent to the right hon. and learned Gentleman four years ago, is not the consideration rather lengthy and is it not time the Government were table to make up their mind about the matter? Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that it is about time the Government paid some attention to these Reports instead of leaving the job in abeyance until a private Member does something about it?
§ The Lord AdvocateThe Government have paid considerable attention to a number of the Reports of the Law Reform Committee for Scotland. I agree that a certain time has elapsed but, as the hon. Member will know, the Committee pointed out that, although there is a gap in this branch of the law, serious difficulties and problems arise in finding a solution to bridge that gap.
§ Mr. BenceCould the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us an assurance that this is not a little more of Scottish legislation that is jammed in the pipeline?
§ The Lord AdvocateAs the hon. Member knows, the Scottish Standing Committee scrutinises Bills very thoroughly and as a result the speed is not always commensurate with the conscientious method with which hon. Members speak to these Bills.
§ Mr. HoyIn view of the time which has elapsed, may I ask whether the Lord Advocate can now tell us when he intends to introduce a Measure?
§ The Lord AdvocateAs I have already explained, I am not yet in a position to give any undertaking about legislation on this Report.
§ Mr. WillisVery unsatisfactory.