§ 21. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many approaches he has 25 received about the problem of British nationals going abroad, and thereby evading payment of alimony to divorced or separated wives in the United Kingdom; and if he will introduce legislation for marking the passports of those United Kingdom nationals against whom an alimony order has been given, so that countries of entry will have greater knowledge of potential immigrants who owe current alimony.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeThis is a difficult problem. I am not convinced, however, that what the hon. Gentleman proposes would be a proper use of the passport or would materially help to solve the problem.
§ Mr. DalyellAgreeing that it is a difficult problem, that an issue of liberty is involved and that Australia House has been helpful to me in this matter, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that with the increase of divorce and separation, more and more men are simply "doing a bunk" to Australia and are not carrying out their obligations? If they cannot be traced, is it not tough on either the British taxpayers or the women who are left behind?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI have some sympathy with the point the hon. Gentleman raises, but the purpose of the passport is, on the whole, to facilitate travel and not to impede it. There are different ways of dealing with this matter, and I do not think that the passport is a good way.