HL Deb 27 January 1971 vol 314 cc1055-6WA
LORD GARDINER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to implement the recommendations contained in—

  1. (a) the 17th Report of the Law Reform Committee on Evidence of Opinion and Expert Evidence;
  2. (b) the 29th Report of the Law Commission on Offences of Damage to Property;
  3. (c) the 31st Report of the Law Commission on Administration Bonds, Personal Representatives' Rights of Retainer and Preference and Related Matters;
  4. (d) the 34th Report of the Law Commission on The Hague Convention 1056 on Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations;
  5. (e) the 40th Report of the Law Commission on Civil Liability of Vendors and Lessors for Defective Premises;
and, if so, in each case when the necessary legislation is likely to be introduced.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)

The Reports on Evidence and Defective Premises are under consideration. The Report on Administration Bonds and related matters is the subject of the Administration of Estates Bill (introduced by a Private Member in another place), which the Government welcome.

The Government accept the Report on The Hague Convention and will introduce legislation to give effect to it at the earliest opportunity, which I hope will be soon.

As to the Report on Damage to Property, I would refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my noble friend Lord Windlesham on January 14. To this I can now add that the Government accept in principle the recommendations in the Report and hope to introduce legislation as soon as practicable.

House adjourned at nine minutes before eight o'clock.