HC Deb 10 December 1953 vol 521 c2164
37. Mr. Collick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to make a statement on the result of the discussions on the enforcement of affiliation orders made against United States Service men; and what action he is taking.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply given on 7th December by the Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bridlington (Mr. Wood).

Mr. Collick

Can the Home Secretary give us some information as to the course of the negotiations, and when he expects to give the House a full statement?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Discussions are taking place, as my hon. Friend said, and I hope to be able to announce the outcome before the Act is brought into force.

Mr. Beswick

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind that the question of enforcement arises in other cases, such as actions for damages following assault? Is he taking that category of cases into consideration?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I think that the cases which the hon. Member has in mind are covered by the Visiting Forces Act, in one way or the other, but questions of affiliation orders are outside the Visiting Forces Act.

Mr. Beswick

The Home Secretary knows of a particular case—of which I sent him details—which is not covered by the Visiting Forces Act, but is simply a question of enforcing a judgment given in a court of law. This question applies to cases other than affiliation orders.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am looking into that point.

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