§ 31. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will set up a committee of inquiry into the legal and social disabilities suffered by illegitimate persons, and to make recommendations for the removal of their disabilities.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Dennis Vosper)No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is not convinced that there is a case for appointing a committee for this purpose at the present time.
§ Mr. ParkerIn view of the fact that the Act passed two years ago only reduced the number of illegitimate people rather than dealt with the problems of those who remained illegitimate, is it not time to remove these disabilities from this second-class group of citizens, who are in this position through no fault of their own?
§ Mr. VosperDuring recent years, a great deal of legislation has been enacted to remove disabilities. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is not satisfied of the need for further action, but if the hon. Member likes to submit any suggestion we will, of course, consider it.