§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if there are any plans to initiate a review of the procedures of the Court of Session.
Lord James Douglas HamiltonMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, who has ministerial responsibility for procedures in civil court proceedings, does not propose to initiate such a review. A working group set up by the Lord President is presently reviewing the rules of the Court of Session in order to recommend such changes in the rules as may be necessary to simplify procedures. A working party, chaired by Lord Jauncey, is reviewing procedures in patent litigation. Recommendations for the better use of in-court judicial time allocated to civil business were made by the review body on the use of judicial time in the superior courts in Scotland, chaired by Lord Maxwell, which reported in 1986. These recommendations are now being implemented.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if there are any plans to increase the number of judges on the bench of the Court of Session; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNo. The number of judges of the Court of Session has been increased from 21 in 1983 to 24 at present. Section 22 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 provides for the appointment of retired judges to act as temporary judges and this provision is used as required.