HL Deb 30 July 1982 vol 434 cc513-4WA
Baroness Trumpington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have reached any decision on the recommendation of the Law Commission in their report on The Financial Consequences of Divorce (Law Com. No. 112) that the procedures of the courts handling matrimonial cases should be systematically considered with a view to reform.

The Lord Chancellor

In pursuance of the Law Commission's recommendation, I intend to establish a committee with the following terms of reference:—

"To examine the procedure and practice of the High Court and county courts in respect of proceedings under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and to recommend reforms which might be made—

  1. (a) to mitigate the intensity of disputes;
  2. (b) to encourage settlements; and
  3. (c) to provide further for the welfare of the children of the family,
having regard to the desirability of achieving greater simplification and the saving of costs".

The Chairman will be The Honourable Mrs. Justice Booth, DBE. I will announce the membership of the committee later.