HC Deb 13 April 1948 vol 449 c783
31. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when legislation will be introduced to facilitate the reciprocal enforcement of orders for aliment and maintenance in Scotland and England.

Mr. Woodburn

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I are at present considering this matter, but I can give no indication when legislation will be possible.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Would it not be possible to introduce it in another place, if it is not convenient here, as it is an eminently suitable Bill?

Mr. Woodburn

There are some thorny legal questions in Scotland and England which have still to be settled.

Mr. J. S. C. Reid

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter was under consideration during the war, and has no progress been made in the last two and a half years?

Mr. Woodburn

I can only say that I wish the right hon. and learned Gentleman had settled it when he was in a position to do so.