§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that 8 per cent. of the children born in Scotland are illegitimate; whether he is aware that the present law inflicts serious hardships on illegitimate children in all classes of society; and whether he will consider in what way the law may be amended, so as to remove the legal disabilities of children born out of wedlock, and to bring home to parents as fully as may be the responsibilities of parentage?
§ * THE LORD ADVOCATE (Sir C. J. PEARSON,) Edinburgh and St. Andrews UniversitiesI have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the statement made in the first part of the question. Without expressing any opinion on the assertion that the present law inflicts hardship on illegitimate children, I shall be glad to consider any practical suggestions the hon. Member may make for its amendment.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI would ask the Lord Advocate whether he will be good enough to inquire into the law as bearing upon illegitimate children in reference to their parents claiming damages from employers where the children have been injured? Several cases of this kind have occurred in the mining districts.
§ * SIR C. J. PEARSONI am not aware of any such cases as the hon. Member refers to, but if he will give me details I will make inquiry into the matter.