§ 11. Mrs. Tateasked the Prime Minister what new rule has been made in the last six months with regard to the parents' signatures on passports of minors who are going abroad?
§ Mr. ButlerThe rule remains that in the case of a minor child proceeding abroad the written consent is required of the person in whom the guardianship of the child is vested.
§ Mrs. TateIs my right hon. Friend aware that a short time ago a passport was refused for a minor because it bore the signature of the mother only, and it was impossible to obtain that of the father as he was in a mental home? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, in view of the small part the mother plays in the production of the child, she should have equal rights?
§ Mr. ButlerI sympathise with the case which the hon. Lady has brought to my attention, and if she will give me particulars I will see what I can do.