HC Deb 25 October 1967 vol 751 cc1701-2
5. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what law reform measures he proposes to introduce.

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to forecast in detail the Bills that may be introduced next Session but he will recall announcements that the Government intend to legislate as soon as convenient on corroboration, which is an aspect of the law of evidence, on legitimation, on the succession rights of illegitimate persons and on the setting up of a collecting officer service in Scotland. I hope to make progress with some of these matters.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that that is quite a satisfactory answer, but that the point of my question was that, very often, minor legislation is overlooked, and I do not want that to happen?

Mr. Ross

If the hon. Gentleman reads the Report of the Scottish Law Commission which is being published today, he will get an indication of how matters are proceeding along these lines. I am pleased with this and with the co-operation which I am getting from Scottish hon. Members in all parts of the House when these matters are brought forward.

Mr. Maclennan

Several of the recommendations of the Halliday Committee on Conveyancing can be implemented without much controversy, and I hope that they will be given the priority which they deserve.

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend will know that I have made a separate statement on Halliday in relation to the feudal system. However, there are some parts of that which could be the subject of legislation. We are considering this, and we are in consultation about it.

Mr. James Davidson

I was going to ask roughly the same question, and whether some reform of the conveyancing system in Scotland was not going to be carried out during the coming Session. I am satisfied with the right hon. Gentleman's answer.