HC Deb 18 June 1918 vol 107 c169
41. Mr. HAY MORGAN

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case in the Divorce Court of Sapper Hines, Royal Engineers, in which it was proved that the parties had been separated upwards of ten years, that both had since formed irregular attachments, and that children had been born of those unions, but the learned judge refused to grant a decree because he had to administer the law as it stood, although admitting that the refusal of the Court to grant a decree would result in the continued immorality of four people and in an increase of bastard children; whether he is aware that this case is typical of thousands; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to mitigate the social evils fostered by the present state of the law of divorce?

Mr. BRACE

I have seen a Press report of the case referred to. I am afraid I am not in a position to make any announcement on the question of legislation on the subject.