HC Deb 07 May 1980 vol 984 cc277-9
35. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when next he will meet the Lord President of the Court of Session.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I have no immediate plans to meet the Lord President of the Court of Session, but my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate and I have meetings with him from time to time when necessary.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

I am grateful to the Solicitor-General for that reply. As the Royal Commission investigating the legal profession has recommended the transfer of divorce actions from the Court of Session to the sheriff court, will the hon. and learned Gentleman have an early meeting with the Lord President to prepare the rules of court and the Acts of Sederunt that might be required so that these transfers can take place swiftly, without being sabotaged by the Faculty of Advocates which has a vested interest?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

The Government will consider all the recommendations of the Royal Commission and act upon them as they think fit. I think that it is early to prepare Acts of Sederunt for something that has not been decided.

Mr. Dewar

Will the Solicitor-General discuss urgently with the Lord President the imminent report of Lord Cowie's working party on divorce procedures with a view to urging on the Lord President that it would be monstrous and wrong for any important or significant change to be made by fiat, by Act of Sederunt, in divorce procedures, before this House and other interested bodies have had a chance to consider the interesting recommendations in the Royal Commission's report published today? Will he try to ensure that Lord Cowie's report is published and that there is proper public discussion before any decisions are taken?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

Yes. This is an important matter and it will be discussed. Lord Cowie's report to the Lord President is on the present law and on ways of improving it and of making the procedure more slick and cheap. That has nothing to do with the other question which the hon. Gentleman is confusing with it.