§ 115. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the opportunities afforded professional bigamists and adventurers by a number of matrimonial agencies in the matter of preying upon credulous persons and whether he will consider legislation to deal with the question?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not aware of any case for dealing with such agencies by legislation, but I would, of course, consider any facts that could be placed before me.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a prosecution has just taken place in a case where one man has deceived hundreds of women, and does he not think that the time has come for legislation to deal with such cases?
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon Gentleman say whether the bigamist profession has a large number of members?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn reply to the first supplementary question, my attention has been directed to the case mentioned, but I think it is greatly exaggerated by the hon. and gallant Member. Such cases , receive due consideration.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. gentleman in favour of giving that particular bigamist the Victoria Cross?
§ Captain GEEWithdraw.