§ 8. Mr. Pethick-Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any opportunity has yet arisen of implementing the pledge made in March last respecting further consultation with the Dominions with a view to seeking a way round the difficulties regarding a revision of the law relating to the nationality of married women?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)No suitable opportunity of consultation with the Dominions has yet occurred. The matter will not be lost sight of.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is another half promise which has been given to women and which the Government have no desire to implement?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe Government have not decided whether to implement it or not. The Government said they would take the opportunity, when it arose, of consultation with the Dominions, who are involved.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the fact that the Debate took place two months ago, could the right hon. Gentleman say when an opportunity will arise?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot say. My hon. Friendis always looking for injustices to women when they do not always exist; she is over-conscious about it. It is a question of the right sort of consultation, and it is very difficult to do, in the midst of war, by telegraphic communication. I am afraid it may have to be personal consultation when the opportunity arises.