HC Deb 16 July 1969 vol 787 c603
30. Mr. Dewar

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to implement the proposals of the Kilbrandon Report on the Marriage Law of Scotland.

Mr. Buchan

My right hon. Friend is in the process of seeking views on the report from the churches, the local authority associations, bodies representing the legal profession, organisations in the social field and the Governments of several European countries. When these consultations have been completed, he will decide what action should be taken on the committee's recommendations.

Mr. Dewar

Will my hon. Friend ensure that these consultations do not take too long, as consultations on similar matters have sometimes taken in the past? Will he accept that the report contains a very large number of useful references in an important field of law, and is right to emphasise the need to deal with the rather sad and tarnished trade in runaway marriages which continues to lead to embarrassment and complications in our courts?

Mr. Buchan

The organisations we are consulting have been asked to let us have their views by 30th September next. At that point, we shall be able to decide whether legislation is necessary and, if so, the form that the legislation should take. It would not be proper for me to comment on the various aspects of the report, but my hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the report.