§ 3. Mr. SNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the House the number of the separation and maintenance orders granted under the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1895, by the Police Courts of England and Wales since 1919; whether there are any figures available showing the number granted since the passing of the Separation and Maintenance Act, 1925; and how many of these have been put into force?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)During the years 1919–1925 (inclusive), 34,206 orders were granted and during 1926, 5,489 orders. The Act of 1925 came into force on the 1st October of that year, but separate figures for the last Quarter of that year are not available. It is not possible to state the number of orders made prior to actual separation, under that Act, which have taken effect.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these orders are for dependants who are living in the Colonies, and cannot be served?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSObviously, I cannot give that information without notice.