Prescription Bill goes out to views

A Holyrood committee has issued its call for evidence as it begins consideration of the Prescription (Scotland) Bill.

The Delegated Powers & Law Reform Committee has taken charge of the bill under the special procedure for non-contentious law reform measures. The bill (click here for news report) implements the recommendations contained in the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Prescription, published in July 2017.

Committee convener Graham Simpson MSP commented: "This bill deals with an important area of law. The doctrine of prescription serves a vital function in the civil justice system. A key issue within the law of prescription is the treatment of claims for damages such as in the Morrison v ICL Plastics case, which related to the explosion at the Stockline factory.

"Essentially, prescription is about striking a balance between one person's right and another person's obligation.

"Our committee wants to hear views on the bill before Parliament considers changing the law."

Click here to view the call for evidence. The committee is keen to hear from a wide range of people and organisations. The deadline for submitting written evidence is 6pm on Wednesday 4 April 2018.