§ 1. Mr. Willisasked the Lord Advocate whether any changes have been made in jury trial procedure in Scotland as the result of the Report on Civil Jury Trial in Scotland, Command Paper No. 851.
§ The Lord AdvocateConsideration of the recommendations relating to jury trial procedure which were made in the Report is not yet completed. As the Court of Session has power to regulate its own procedure, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, and I have been in consultation with the Lord President of the Court of Session who is carefully studying the matters raised.
§ 2. Mr. Willisasked the Lord Advocate what steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Report on Civil Jury Trial in Scotland, Command Paper No. 851, to reduce delay in Court of Session litigation.
§ The Lord AdvocateThese recommendations are being carefully studied by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, and myself and also by the Lord President of the Court of Session. Recommendation No. 15 is, I understand, being carried out. I am glad to say that there has recently been a reduction in the time elapsing between the date when jury trial is allowed and the date of trial.