§ 34. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the father of a child making an application for custody under the Custody of Infants Act is obliged to make such application to the High Court; and whether, in view of the Act allowing the mother to make such application for custody and access to a police court, he will consider legislation with a view to the present Act being so amended as to allow equal rights to the father?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI would refer to the reply I gave on the 17th February to the hon. Member for the Penryn and Falmouth Division (Mr. Pilcher). It is still too early to consider whether it is necessary or desirable to propose legislation.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that several magistrates in London have expressed the opinion that through this confusing Act it is impossible to mete out justice?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is not exactly the statement of the magistrates, but remarks have certainly been made which are rather derogatory to the legislation already passed. I am considering very carefully whether any amendment of the law is necessary.