§ Mr. Allen Adamsasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce legislation to seek to supersede the warrant sale method of debt collecting; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-Generalfor Scotland: The Government are aware of the criticisms levelled at the warrant sale procedure in recent years. Last November we presented to Parliament the Scottish Law Commission's report on diligence and debtor protection containing wide-ranging recommendations for reform of the law, including that relating to warrant sales. We are anxious to see the law reformed and, with a view to introducing legislation at the earliest possible opportunity, have issued a consultation paper inviting comments.
The commission stresses the need to look at its proposals as a whole and also emphasises the need for a system of debt enforcement to be effective as well as humane.
Since the consultation period lasts until mid-March 1986 and final policy decisions on implementation of the proposals have yet to be made, it would not be appropriate to make any further statement at this time.
Copies of the report and the consultation paper are available on the Libraries of both Houses.