HC Deb 07 August 1947 vol 441 cc1610-1
1. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will be able to make a statement about a grant-in-aid to the Marriage Guidance Council as recommended by the Denning Committee.

5. Mr. Holman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the Government's intention to implement the Report of the Committee on Procedure in Matrimonial Causes (Cmd. 7024), and especially if financial assistance will be given to matrimonial advisory councils and similar organisations.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

There are still some points which require investigation before I shall be in a position to make a statement on the Committee's recommendation for financial assistance from public funds to voluntary bodies engaged in marriage guidance work but my hon. Friends can rest assured that there will be no unnecessary delay in reaching a decision. As regards the other recommendations of the Committee I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Emrys Roberts) on 19th June.

Mr. Fletcher

In view of the important work which this body is doing, and the fact that it will be in danger of collapse unless financial help is forthcoming at an early date, will the Home Secretary make the announcement as soon as he possibly can?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir, I hope the decision will not be much longer delayed.

Forward to