§ MR. HARDCASTLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is the fact that marriages contracted in this country between French men and English women in accordance with English law, are, in the absence of certain elaborate formalities required by French law, the necessity for which is generally unknown in this Country, absolutely void in France; whether numerous instances have been recently brought under his notice in which English women so married, after living for years without doubt as to the legality of their marriage, have been abandoned by their husbands in France on the ground that their marriage was informal; and, whether, pending any diplomatic negotiation which may be undertaken for the amendment of the French law in this respect, he will issue instructions to persons qualified to perform marriages in this Country, in order that when notice is given of such intended marriages between French men and English women, both parties may be informed what are the requirements of the French law?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, I have no doubt that the first paragraph of the Question substantially states what the existing French law is; but my 755 noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (the Marquess of Salisbury) has promised to obtain absolutely correct information upon that point. With regard to the second paragraph of the Question, I am sorry to say there can be no doubt whatever that many most heart-rending cases have taken place precisely as therein described; and I should be very glad indeed to do anything in my power to prevent a recurrence of such cases. I shall consult with my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor as to what means can be taken for making the existing French law known. More than that, I do not think my hon. Friend can expect me at the present moment to say.