§ 41. Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when next he will meet the chairman of the Scottish Law Commission.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandNeither I nor my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Advocate has at present any plans to meet the Scottish Law Commission, but meetings are held as and when necessary.
§ Mr. WilsonHas not the Law Commission produced a substantial report on divorce and the division of matrimonial property? Is it not time that the Government held meetings to discuss that report? Are the Government prepared to accept the report, and, if so, what date has been set for legislation?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAccording to your ruling, Mr. Speaker, if the hon. Gentleman wants an answer to that question, he can table a question and I shall answer it.
§ Mr. AncramIn view of the increasing number of cases of anti-social behaviour by neighbours, will my hon. and learned Friend suggest to the Law Commission that it should re-examine the law of nuisance to see whether it meets present circumstances?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI am always in favour of anything that gets rid of nuisances.
§ Mr. DewarThe Solicitor-General for Scotland must not brush off serious questions in that way. He answers for divorce law matters in the House, and the Law Commission is involved in them. Can he confirm that there will be a statement or a consultative document from 862 the Government early in the new year on the structure of divorce law in Scotland, not necessarily on the grounds for divorce? What will the statement or document cover?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI assure the House that I treat the matter with great responsibility. I also treat your rulings, Mr. Speaker, with great responsibility. I am in some difficulty whether to render to God or to Caesar in this matter.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Perhaps the Solicitor-General will explain his priorities.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandIn accordance with your ruling, Mr. Speaker, when somebody tables a question about my priorities I shall answer it.
§ Later—
§ Mr. SpeakerI apologise to the Solicitor-General for Scotland for intervening when I did, but he made such a good remark that I gave in to temptation.