§ 59. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further effective action has been taken by us and, the West German Government during the past six months in regard to German unmarried mothers of children whose fathers served in British occupation forces.
§ Mr. YoungerI presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the question of the legal remedies available to these women. Since November last, it has been possible for a German woman to bring affiliation proceedings in the German courts against a man who served in the British Occupation Forces and is now in Germany in a private capacity. It is, of course, also possible for a German woman to bring such proceedings under Royal Licence in the English courts against a former member of the occupation Forces who is now in this country.
§ Mr. SorensenWhat about those mothers who had children before that date, of which there are quite a large number still suffering financially in Germany at present?
§ Mr. YoungerI think that they can now bring proceedings in the particular circumstance I have mentioned.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it a fact that they can now take proceedings against the father even though he may not be living in Germany?
§ Mr. YoungerIf the man is not now living in Germany, proceedings can be taken only under Royal Licence in the English courts.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDoes this apply solely to English courts, or to Scottish courts, as well?
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter again at a very early date.