Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been directed to the advisibility of uniform marriage laws for the United Kingdom, and especially of compulsory civil marriage; whether he would initiate an inquiry or 1901 legislation on this subject; and whether, with a view to obtaining uniformity of marriage law and regulations throughout the British Empire, he would consider referring this question to the forthcoming Colonial Conference?
§ Mr. MORTONasked the Prime Minister whether he would introduce a Bill to give a system of compulsory civil marriage, uniform for the United Kingdom?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am aware that this question has given rise to a considerable amount of discussion and has formed the subject of correspondence with the Dominions. Marriage law is not, however, among the subjects mentioned by any of them in connection with the approaching Conference; and, as at present advised, I am not disposed to recommend that it should be brought before the Conference, nor am I prepared to promise legislation on the subject.
Mr. KINGIn view of the fact that he has so greatly curtailed the activities of private Members recently, will the Prime Minister consider whether he cannot give us an opportunity of rendering some service by appointing a Select Committee?