§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what stage his consideration of the introduction of a small 484W claims procedure have reached; and if he will ensure the widest possible public consultation before any decisions are reached.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has discussed with the Lord President of the Court of Session the form that a small claims scheme, within the existing summary cause procedure, might take. The Lord Advocate will now invite the Sheriff Court Rules Council to frame proposals for appropriate rules of court taking account of the views expressed on the lessons to be learnt from the Dundee small claims experiment. It will be for the rules council to consider whether further public consultation is needed at that stage. Certain changes—in particular the possible introduction of an informal adjudication as an alternative to a formal proof—cannot be introduced without primary legislation. Consideration is being given to the possibility of such legislation and there will be public consultation before any final decision is reached.