§ 6. Mr. EDE (for Mr. MIDDLETON)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a blacksmith at Gretna Green frequently conducts a marriage ceremony under conditions of irregularity, and that in consequence pain and suffering are caused to innocent parties, and that men and women who believe themselves to have been legally married find that they have been the victims of a ceremony which is not binding; and whether he will propose an alteration in the law so as to provide that only duly licensed persons may perform the ceremony of marriage?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)Irregular marriage is frequently contracted in Scotland—[Laughter]—I did not say "illegal marriage," I said "irregular marriage"—by interchange of consent in the presence of witnesses at Gretna Green or elsewhere in Scotland, and such a marriage is legally valid provided one of the parties has his, or her, usual residence in Scotland at the time, or had lived in Scotland for 21 days immediately before the marriage. If parties disregard this requirement of the law, they have themselves to blame for any ill-consequences that may result therefrom. As stated in reply to a question on 10th March, my right hon. Friend is considering the appointment of a committee to inquire into the marriage law of Scotland and hopes shortly to make a further announcement on the subject.
§ Mr. EDEWhile this matter is being investigated, will my hon. Friend have a notice placed at Gretna Green setting out the simple requirements of the law for the benefit of English people, who are not aware of the pitfalls?
§ Mr. BARRWill my hon. Friend call the attention of those making this inquiry to the many cases in which the law of residence and the law regarding registration have been broken in recent times?
§ Mr. WESTWOODI will convey the suggestions in those two supplementary questions to my right hon. Friend.