HC Deb 08 March 1951 vol 485 cc641-2
14. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider legislation to embody reciprocal arrangements between this country and other powers in regard to the enforcement of maintenance orders, such as now exists in Commonwealth territories.

Mr. Ede

A draft convention for the recognition and enforcement of maintenance obligations is to be discussed shortly at the Social Commission of the United Nations. The arrangements under the Maintenance Act, 1920, which obtain in the Commonwealth territories depend upon the similarity of the laws in force in these territories, and the question whether these arrangements or any alternative arrangements could be made in respect of other countries having dissimilar laws raises very difficult problems and would need very careful consideration.

Mr. Sorensen

While thanking the Home Secretary for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that in Germany and other countries large numbers of women are suffering severe hardship through being the unmarried mothers of children by British fathers? In those circumstances, will he sympathetically consider the possibility of making some reciprocal arrangements between this country and some other countries?

Mr. Ede

Reciprocity depends upon the other party being willing to reciprocate, and in matters like this it is sometimes very difficult to arrive at such an arrangement.

Mr. Sorensen

Will not my right hon. Friend at least make inquiries to see if anything can be done along these lines?

Mr. Ede

I said in the early part of my answer that this matter is already being considered at United Nations level.

Mr. Oakshott

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people are avoiding the enforcement of maintenance orders by removing themselves to places where reciprocal arrangements do not exist, such as the States of Guernsey? Will he hasten the conclusion of more of these reciprocal arrangements?

Mr. Ede

It would be easier to deal with the States of Guernsey than with some of the countries my hon. Friend has in mind, but, as a member of the Privy Council, I have some responsibilities for the Channel Islands and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that they are very anxious to preserve all the rights of asylum which they possess.