THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS WELCOMES THE ARBITRATION (SCOTLAND) BILL AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IN SCOTLAND'S ECONOMIC HISTORY

John Campbell QC, President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), today (Friday 30 January 2009) welcomed the introduction to the Scottish Parliament of the Arbitration (Scotland) Bill 2009.

The Bill, which has cross party support, was drafted by the Scottish Government in close consultation with the CIArb and other arbitration practitioners. It will make access to arbitration in Scotland much easier for individuals, small and medium sized firms and large businesses. It will also radically improve the entire arbitration process. In parallel with the Bill, the CIArb will prepare a set of short form arbitration rules which will be of immediate use to small and medium sized businesses and to consumers, offering significant potential for rapid, low cost dispute resolution in a binding form.

Mr Campbell said: "This Bill, when enacted, will see Scotland leading the way in dispute resolution - not just in the United Kingdom but across the world. It will provide a simple, easy and cost effective process that could potentially save disputing parties and the taxpayer millions of pounds in costs as well as a great deal of court time.

"The Bill will be of benefit to everyone, from consumers who are unhappy with a service provided by a tradesman to large businesses caught up in what otherwise might prove to be lengthy and expensive litigation. This is a landmark piece of legislation, one of the most important in the economic history of Scotland. I am delighted that the Government has found Parliamentary time to introduce such an important measure, and extremely pleased that it has attracted such strong cross party support."

 

LINKS

 

Consultation Draft (27 June 2008)

 

The Published Bill (30 June 2009)

 

BBC News Online (30 June 2009)

 

Scotsman (2 February 2009)

 

Scotsman (9 February 2009)

 

Conclusions and Next Steps (5 February 2009)

 

The Parliamentary Process (5 February 2009)

 

Amendments to Executive Bills

 

DOCUMENTATION

Arbitration (Scotland) Bill [CONSULTATION DRAFT]

 

Press Coverage 1 February 2009

 

Press Coverage 2 February 2009