§ 61. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further efforts have been made during the past six months to secure financial assistance for the unmarried German mothers of children whose fathers are British soldiers or civilians; and what conversations in respect of this problem have taken place with the German authorities.
§ Mr. YoungerAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 17th May last year; the position regarding legal remedies has not changed since that date. I would add, however, that although an affiliation order cannot be legally enforced, the army authorities do their best to encourage the man to admit responsibility and to facilitate payments to such unmarried German women. The Forces Help Society, though unable to give direct financial help, also furnish whatever assistance is within their power.
As regards the second half of the Question, no conversations in this respect have taken place with the German authorities, nor have the German authorities raised the matter recently.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is still a grave problem and is giving serious concern to many 999 people both in Germany and in this country? In view of the fact that it affects not only Germany but other countries, will not my right hon. Friend initiate action to deal with this important problem?
§ Mr. YoungerThere will, no doubt, be discussions on this matter as relations with the German authorities are put on a contractual basis.