HC Deb 14 July 1965 vol 716 cc493-4
30. Mr. Wylie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is intended to retain the Lord Advocate's Law Reform Committee; and what remits have been made to this Committee since October, 1964.

Mr. Ross

My right hon. Friend, the Lord Advocate, attaches great value to the services which have been given by the members of the Scottish Law Reform Committee, and he is at present considering, in consultation with the Scottish Law Commission, the possibility of enabling the Committee, probably with somewhat different terms of reference, to make a continuing contribution to the work of law reform. No remits have been made to the Committee since May, 1962.

Mr. Wylie

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is most unfortunate that the opportunity to use the services of this Committee, which was reconstituted under the last Administration, has not been taken over the last eight or nine months?

Mr. Ross

I do not know why the hon. and learned Gentleman sticks at eight or nine months. The last remit was in 1962. Let him be fair about this and be as we know him—much more objective as a good lawyer rather than playing the party politician.

Mr. Wylie

The right hon. Gentleman overlooked my observation that the Committee was recently reconstituted. It was reconstituted only last summer. Would he not agree that now is the time to take full advantage of its services?

Mr. Ross

We will take full advantage of the Committee. We ought to take full advantage of any arrangements that can be made for its further use in co-operation with the Law Commission. In all senses it will probably turn out for the better for Scottish law.