HL Deb 24 October 1967 vol 285 cc1642-4WA
VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they propose to bring into force the Matrimonial Causes Act 1967.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I had hoped that it would be possible to bring this Act into force at the beginning of next year, but I am now satisfied that it will not be practicable to do so before the 1st April, 1968. The whole of the Matrimonial Causes Rules have to be re-written and this is a very heavy task, in the course of which I have necessarily to consult the Law Society and the Bar Council. Lawyers are at present under heavy pressure as a result of the many reforming Statutes which Parliament has passed recently, and I must allow the bodies whom I am consulting sufficient time to comment on the draft Rules.

House adjourned at twenty minutes past eight o'clock.