§ 36. Mr. Monroasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on his plans for changes in the law of liability in relation to livestock straying on public roads.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)The Government accept the need for legislation in this branch of the law and are in general agreement with the Law Commission's proposals. However, as my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor stated in another place, the prospects of the Government's introducing legislation for England and Wales on this subject must depend on the Bill's acceptance as a Second Reading Committee Bill.
§ Mr. MonroHas the Attorney-General gained any estimate of the staggering increased cost to agriculture if a Bill on these lines were implemented? Will he confirm that it will not apply to Scotland, and has he the agreement of the N.F.U?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere have been discussions with the National Farmers' Union. The proposals by the 32 Law Commission seem to be both reasonable and practicable. As for the Scottish position, I understand that the Law Reform Committee of Scotland has made proposals similar to those of the Law Commission for amending the law of Scotland, which are now being reviewed by the Scottish Law Commission whose report my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is awaiting.
§ Sir B. JannerWhy is my right hon. and learned Friend not bringing in legislation to implement the Law Commission's proposals, particularly in view of the fact that a number of Bills have been presented to this House on this subject and he could very easily implement part if not the whole of the Report?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe answer, I fear, is lack of Parliamentary time and the fact that this proposal, important as it is, cannot claim any particular priority.