§ 2. Dr. Alan Glynasked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation making compulsory the registration of any change of address in civil proceedings where a judgment has been made by a county or high court until such judgment is satisfied.
§ Dr. GlynIn thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that helpful reply, may I ask whether he is aware that the Law Reform Committee of the Law Society has already endorsed the provisions of a Bill which I introduced whereby this procedure should be introduced into magistrates' courts? Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree, therefore, that it would be a good thing if he were to introduce it in magistrates' courts and see how it worked and later, possibly, see whether the provisions could be extended? I am fully aware that it is a matter for the Home Office, but, at the same time, will not my right hon. and learned Friend appreciate that this is a principle of the law on which the Law Officers of the Crown must eventually give a decision?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI was, of course, aware that my hon. Friend had introduced a Bill and I was also aware that the Law Society had supported it in relation to proceedings in magistrates' courts. I should, however, point out that already, in maintenance and affiliation order proceedings in magistrates' courts, there is an obligation, enforceable by criminal sanction, to notify changes of 1206 address. Whether that should be extended is entirely a matter for the Home Office and for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.