§ Baroness Faithfullasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research was undertaken by the Inter-Departmental Review of Family and Domestic Jurisdiction to assess the cost-effectiveness, the quality of decision taking, and the social benefits of a separate family court system in those countries which have adopted it.
§ The Lord ChancellorThe inter-departmental review obtained information about the administration of family law in a number of countries, including some where a family court has been established. That information is summarised in Appendix 3 of the consultation paper which was published on 13th May.
§ Baroness Faithfullasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the reason for excluding from the Inter-Departmental Review of Family and Domestic Jurisdiction psychologists, social scientists, social workers, court welfare officers and other professional officers with the professional skills and knowledge, which would have allowed the review to investigate the social effects of the current jurisdictions adjudicating in family disputes and to receive an informed opinion with a single family court system.
§ The Lord ChancellorThe review of family and domestic jurisdiction is being undertaken by officials. When the review was established it was intended that the views of professional people would be sought by public consultation. With this object (among others) in view, a consultation paper was issued on 13th May.