HC Deb 14 May 1925 vol 183 cc2024-5
66. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Health if he had had representations from the guardians of the Hungerford and Ramsbury and other unions urging that legislation be passed to empower hoards of guardians to take legal proceedings, prior to the birth of a child, against the putative father of illegitimate children for payment of the cost of the maintenance of the woman during such time as she shall be in the Poor Law institution before the birth of her child and for the expenses of her confinement; and whether he will see if facilities can be. given for the Second Reading of the Bastardy Bill now before this House so that the matter may be fully discussed?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Minister of Health has asked me to answer this question, but I am afraid I am not in a position to hold out any hope of special facilities being given for progress with this Bill.

Mr. HURD

Will the right. hon. Gentieman say whether he has received representations, as stated in the first part of the question?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am afraid I have not. They may have gone to the Ministry of Health.