HC Deb 02 August 1972 vol 842 c558
31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a study of how the attachment of earnings order legislation is helping women who have been granted aliment by court order.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I expect that the Scottish Law Commission, in its current review of the law of diligence, will take account of any improvements in procedure effected by the Attachment of Earnings Act, 1971, which applies only to England and Wales.

Mr. Dalyell

If the legislation is satisfactory, why is it that the flow of these wretched women to all our "surgeries" continues unabated?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Because, as we repeatedly say to the hon. Gentleman, these matters are under deep study by the Scottish Law Commission and the Finer Committee. This is a problem which affects human beings and we must therefore get the answer right.