§ 69. Earl Wintertonasked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that instances have occurred where affiliation orders made against members of the Canadian Forces have not been carried out owing to the soldier or airman concerned having returned to Canada; and if he will communicate with the Government of the Dominion of Canada with a view to seeing if such orders can be made enforcible in Canada.
§ Mr. ParkerIf an affiliation order is made by a court against a Canadian soldier, the Canadian military authorities make such deductions as they deem appropriate from the pay of the soldier concerned for the benefit of the mother. These deductions cease on the man's discharge from the Forces, and there is thereafter no way in which payment of the order can be enforced by the Canadian military authori- 1917 ties. Civil proceedings can, however, then be taken in the appropriate Canadian court. It would be difficult to ask the Canadian Government to pass special legislation for the enforcement of affiliation orders made in this country, since no provision exists in United Kingdom legislation for the enforcement here of affiliation orders made in Canada.
§ Earl WintertonSurely the hon. Gentleman must realise how profoundly unsatisfactory his answer will be to these unfortunate people. How can some poor girl institute proceedings in Canada? I desire to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible moment, as I think a gross injustice is being done.
§ Mr. ParkerVery few cases have arisen up to now, but we are keeping a watch on the matter.