HC Deb 23 December 1964 vol 704 cc1209-10
3. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will introduce legislation to abolish actions for breach of promise.

Sir Eric Fletcher

No, Sir. Legislation on this subject would not be justified in the present state of Parliamentary business.

Mr. Lipton

Is my hon. Friend aware that as long ago as 1879 this House passed a Motion in favour of abolishing actions for breach of promise? Will he not show good will to all men? If the Government cannot introduce legislation, will he indicate that the Government will view with favour the introduction of a Private Member's Bill to remove this outworn relic?

Sir E. Fletcher

Although this is the season of good will, I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of the Government finding time for legislation on this subject. Any private Member is free to deal with the matter. I would add that so far as I know, there is no evidence of any sustained demand for a change in the law on this subject.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Would the Minister say what has happened to the great pent-up fund of law reform that was going to keep Parliament occupied during the first six months, as promised by the Prime Minister to the League of Labour Lawyers?

Mr. Speaker

Questions should be restricted to the subject of breach of promise.

Mr. Powell

Has it occurred to the hon. Gentleman that there may perhaps be more in his hon. Friend's question than meets the eye, and that there is at present no protection for the present Government against action in due course for breach of promise?

Sir E. Fletcher

So far, only two out of the six months to which the right hon. Gentleman referred have elapsed, and I can assure him that the present Government will fulfil all their election promises and that within the period of six months that he referred to very substantial measures will be brought before this House relating to law reform.