§ 17. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Adoption Act, 1958 so as to enable revocation orders to be issued, when so requested, in all cases where a child is legitimised, and not only in those under Section 26 of the Act.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, but I can hold out no immediate prospect of Government legislation.
§ Mr. ParkerWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many parents took the very wise precaution under the law as it then was to adopt their own children knowing that they were illegitimate? Since the Legitimacy Act, 1959, those who did not take the precaution of adopting their illegitimate children find that the children automatically became legitimated, whereas the children of those who did take the precaution cannot be legitimated and remain adopted. When older the child will want to know why he was adopted and not legitimated under the present law.
§ Mr. ButlerI think there might be a case here for private Members' legislation. If so, I should certainly be glad to help.