The Scottish Executive is reluctant to provide online services for recording births deaths and marriages, according to its latest consultation paper on e-registration.
Scotland's registrar general recognises that registration by telephone, fax or internet "could be more convenient" than the present arrangements but is not proposing to introduce the e-services for births and deaths, according to a January 2005 consultation paper.
"There are disadvantages in e-registration," says the paper. "The face to face interaction between the parents and the registrar is important in getting the entry completed with the very high level of accuracy that the present system provides... The experienced registrar is also a defence against fraud."
It notes that England and Wales are proposing changes to legislation in order to allow e-registration, but that face to face services will be retained.
According to the paper one key advantage of face to face is that it is "easier to detect nuances of behaviour, such as hesitancy or tone of voice, that reveal when someone is not telling the whole truth".
The registrar proposes to limit e-registration to corroborating details by comparing data with other public sector systems, such as NHS databases.
The proposals cover a range of changes to be made to Scotland's registration system. Under the plans, births and deaths could be registered anywhere in Scotland, not just where the event occurred. The registrar would also set up an "all-Scotland" website to advertise forthcoming marriages.
Registrar general for Scotland Duncan Macniven said: "The present system of registration in Scotland is exactly 150 years old. This draft bill makes sure that it still fits the needs of tomorrow's Scotland."
A public consultation on the bill is open until 31 March, 2005.
