§ 34. Mr. Dalyellasked the Attorney-General how many letters he has received in the last three months from women complaining that court orders for alimony have not been enforced.
§ The Attorney-GeneralDuring the three months from 1st July to 30th 369 September, my noble and learned Friend received two such letters. This does not take account of complaints relating to orders made by magistrates' courts, which are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. DalyellGranted that this problem has been recognised on both sides of the House throughout the last Session, is some legislation forthcoming?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Member may recollect that the Attachment of Earnings Act came into force on 2nd August. It is obviously too early to say what effect that is having, but it is hoped that it will be of great assistance.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopSo that that answer should not be misleading, should not my right hon. Friend point out that some questions or letters of that nature have been addressed to the Lord Chancellor rather to himself? If they had been included in the total, might not his answer have been somewhat different?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI reply in this House to any Questions which are directed to my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor. I act in that capacity as his agent.