HC Deb 21 May 1935 vol 302 cc173-5
19. Mr. LIDDALL

asked the Attorney-General whether in 'view of the fact that it is not in the public interest that any action should lie for breach of promise alone, he will consider the reform of the breach of promise law in order that in future the onus will be placed on the complainant of proving, not only that a breach has occurred but that it has inflicted specific damage other than mere disappointment of expectations or loss of affection?

number in receipt of transitional benefit, and the number not in receipt of either benefit?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The Table below gives the information desired.

20. Mr. GOLDIE

asked the Attorney-General whether he is prepared to introduce legislation with a view to the abolition of actions for breach of promise of marriage other than cases in which it is alleged that there has been seduction in reliance on such promise or where a period of not less than 10 years has elapsed between the date of the alleged promise and the date of the alleged breach?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)

In the present state of Parliamentary business, I regret there is no possibility of passing into law any proposals with regard to this matter, as to which there are sharp differences of opinion.

Mr. LIDDALL

Having regard to the fact that many breach of promise actions are nothing more nor less than blackmail actions, will he not take the necessary steps to prohibit the publication of the evidence in breach of promise cases as is done in divorce cases?

Mr. GROVES

Is it not true that the state of Parliamentary business is due to many cases of breach of promise?

Mr. GOLDIE

Does my right hon. and learned Friend not regard the matter as of sufficient importance to refer it to the Select Committee on Law Reform which is now sitting?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I will call the attention of my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor to my hon. and learned Friend's suggestion.

Mr. PIKE

Is it not a fact that second marriages always prove to be the happiest?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does my right hon. and learned Friend say that it is not in the public interest to publish reports of cases Surely girls who may have been trifled with over a long series of years should have some remedy?