§ 29. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1925, a man is compelled to contribute until the infant reaches 21 years; and whether, seeing that the same infant can draw unemployment insurance benefit at 15 years of age, he will take steps to amend the former Act?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am aware that a Court may under this Act order the father to contribute towards the maintenance of an infant, of which the custody has been granted to the mother, until the infant attains 21 years of age. The Court is, however, under no obligation to do so, and an order for maintenance can be varied or discharged by the Court at any time. The Act gives discretion to the Court, and no amendment appears desirable.