§ 9. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the hardship and inequity suffered by German unmarried mothers of children whose fathers were British soldiers in Germany being unable to bring affiliation proceedings against putative fathers who now reside in the United Kingdom, he has considered this matter afresh; and if he will make a further statement on the matter.
§ Mr. YoungerI have nothing to add to the information which I have already given my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my hon. Friend aware that he sent me a letter correcting that statement and that I am giving him an opportunity now to correct the statement in public? In view of that corrected statement, which has caused disappointment to large numbers of people whose hopes were raised by his original statement, will he look into the matter more carefully?
§ Mr. YoungerI regret that there was an error in one aspect of what I said on a previous occasion with regard to the availability of proceedings in the courts of this country to these women, but this is a very difficult question which, I am afraid, cannot be dealt with in the short compass of an oral answer. The position cannot be improved without legislation.
§ Mr. SorensenI understand that my hon. Friend cannot in question and answer give a full explanation, but will he look into the matter more carefully in view of his admission that great hardship is caused to these women?
§ Mr. YoungerI have looked into the matter very carefully indeed and had a full legal examination of the question, but I cannot offer any hope that there will be an alteration in future.