§ 48. Mr. McKelveyasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will refer to the Scottish Law Commission for its consideration the law concerning medical accidents; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate and I recently met the hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes). I am not aware of any evidence that the law in Scotland on medical 948 accidents is in need of review by the Scottish Law Commission. As I have already said, consideration of a no-fault scheme to cover such accidents would be for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. McKelveyWill the Solicitor-General nevertheless make it clear to the Lord Advocate that there is great unhappiness in Scotland about the law as it stands? Will he suggest, for instance, that the Pearson commission be reconvened to consider the operation of the law in New Zealand and to see whether a similar law could be moulded to fit the Scottish scene?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley passed me a report on the New Zealand experience, and I am ensuring that it is passed on. My information about the Swedish scheme, however, is that it is being reviewed because of the great administrative expense arising from its operation.