HC Deb 15 April 1954 vol 526 cc1323-4
24. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many American Service men will initially be affected by the bringing into operation of the Visiting Forces Act, 1952, in respect of payments for the maintenance of illegitimate children.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I regret that this information is not available.

Brigadier Medlicott

Would the Minister make it as widely known as possible, certainly in round figures, that the numbers affected are not likely to be more than hundreds—not the 60,000 or 70,000 which was so widely and wrongly reported some weeks ago?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

This matter has been debated, but if my hon. and gallant Friend wants particular figures I invite him to ask another Question.