HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 cc801-2W
Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many actions of divorce have not been heard as a result of the strike of court staff in Scotland.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Nearly all divorce actions are undefended and are dealt with through the affidavit procedure. This procedure has not been in operation since 23 February, but in normal circumstances about 200 actions are disposed of each week.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many civil proofs and jury trials in the Court of Session have not been commenced as a result of the strike of court staff in Scotland.

Mr. Harry Ewing

This information is not available. Since the direction made by the Lord President of the Court of Session on 22 February under the Act of Sederunt (Suspension of Business) 1979, proofs and jury trials have not been set down for disposal.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary or State for Scotland how many proofs in the sheriff court have been postponed as a result of the strike of sheriff court staff.

Mr. Harry Ewing

This information is not available. Following the direction made by the Lord President of the Court of Session on 22 February under the Act of Sederunt (Suspension of Business) 1979, in most courts no proofs have been taken; in a few courts, however, where the Sheriff Principal has made an order varying the direction, proofs are being taken.