§ 2. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the recent decision of Lord Merriman in Apt, otherwise Magnus versus Apt, he will introduce legislation to make it clear in what conditions proxy marriages are to be recognised as valid.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)I am not aware that any further elucidation of the law on this subject is needed. The effect of the 778 decision is, I am advised, that the matter is regulated by the law of the place where the ceremony is performed.
§ Mr. FletcherWill my right hon. Friend make it clear that it is not his policy to encourage proxy marriages?
§ Mr. Quintin HoggDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the effect of this decision will be that a girl in this country can get married in the Argentine without ever leaving London?