§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to alleviate procedural delays in court in Scottish divorce cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerI am satisfied that the procedure and operation of the Court of Session do not in general cause any unnecessary delay in divorce actions. Undefended actions using the new simplified procedure need take only six weeks, and undefended actions using the standard procedure only some 10 weeks between the raising of the action and decree being granted. The cause of delay beyond these periods is usually to be found in matters outwith the control of the court. Different considerations arise in relation to the less than 10 per cent. of divorce actions which are defended and for which a diet of proof requires to be fixed.