§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what savings have accrued from the introduction of simplified divorce proceedings.
§ Mr. AncramThe simplified divorce procedure has been in operation since 11 January 1983. The principal savings have been to those who have used this convenient "do-it-yourself" procedure. A consumer survey carried out by the central research unit of the Scottish Office indicated that about three quarters of all applicants used the new procedure because they considered it cheap and simple. In 407W addition, there have been some savings arising from the fact that legal aid is not available in connection with these proceedings, although legal advice and assistance may be. These savings are not readily quantifiable.