§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that an Ordinance was passed by the Council of Government in Malta in 1867, "to amend the laws relative to the rights and duties emanating from marriage and the separation of married persons;" whether his attention has been called to the fact that this Ordinance refers to the "Codice de Rohan," certain provisions of which it repeals and amends; whether the said Ordinance provides that a separation pronounced by any other Court than the Civil Court, produces no civil effect, and likewise "repeals and abrocates any other law or custom contrary to or incompatible with the provisions of this Ordinance;" and whether he will cause a copy of this Ordinance to be laid upon the Table of the House?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe answer is in the affirmative to the first three parts of the hon. Member's question. A copy of the Ordinance will be laid on the Table, if desired, but the Ordinance does not affect the law regulating the celebration of marriage.
§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that the "Codice de Rohan," 1057 which was the main body of law in force in Malta at the time of the British occupation of the island, treats of the subject of marriage (Dritto Municipale di Malta, Libro Terzo); and whether he will cause a copy of this Code to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe "Codice de Rohan" treats of the subject of marriage as regards the effect upon property, but not as regards the mode of celebration. I do not know whether a copy of the Code can be procured for the library of the House, but I will inquire.