§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Attorney-General which United Kingdom organisations have been consulted on the terms of the proposed convention with the United States of America on reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil matters; what are the matters about which those organisations have expressed concern; and if those organisations are satisfied that the interests of defendants in the United Kingdom are adequately protected, having regard to the large awards of damages customary in the United States of America.
The Attorney-GeneralA consultative paper concerning the draft convention has been sent to the organisations listed and another 150 or more individual companies, firms and persons.
Only a small proportion of the organisations have so far replied. It is too early for a full analysis of the views expressed. A preliminary examination of the replies indicates that, where concern has been expressed, it centres on the vulnerability of United Kingdom defendants to high awards of damages in United States courts and on the objections to doing anything that would make such judgments more readily enforceable 130W in the United Kingdom than they are at present.
Organisations Consulted
- Association of British Chambers of Commerce
- Association of Sheriffs Principal
- Bicycle Association of Great Britain Limited
- Bolton Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- British Anaesthetic and Respiratory Equipment Manufacturers Association
- British Industrial Truck Association
- British Insurance Association
- British Insurance Brokers' Association
- British Maritime Law Association
- Chartered Institute of Patent Agents
- Chemical Industries Association Limited
- Confederation of British Industry
- Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies
- Electronic Engineering Association
- Faculty of Advocates
- General Council of British Shipbuilding
- General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
- Glass Manufacturers' Association
- Hydraulic Association of Great Britain
- Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Law Commission
- Law Society
- Law Society of Scotland
- Lloyd's
- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Milk Marketing Board of Northern Ireland
- Railway Industries Association of Great Britain
- Scottish Law Commission
- Senate of the Inns of Court and the Bar
- Sheriff's Association
- Ship and Boat Builders National Federation
- Walsall Chamber of Commerce and Industry.