Alimony

HC Deb 07 December 1972 vol 847 cc1653-4

9. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters he received in November 1972 from women who have not received the alimony they have been granted by court order.

Mr. Carlisle

Three, Sir.

Mr. Dalyell

I give credit to the Government for the measures that they have brought in, but is not the nub of this complex problem the fact that many women who are deserted no longer feel in a mood to get mixed up with lawyers and, therefore, do not pursue their rights under this legislation? In these circumstances, is there any possibility of the Ten Minutes Rule Bill which I shall he introducing on Tuesday, 12th December being given a fair wind by the Government?

Mr. Carlisle

I do not know whether I ought to comment on women getting mixed up with lawyers, in view of my profession, but as far as I can see the provisions which the hon. Gentleman has been kind enough to recognise appear to be working. This is a complex problem. One has always known that. I can only repeat what I have said on many previous occasions to the hon. Gentleman, that in the end it is often the economic position of the husband against whom the woman is trying to get the order which affects the matter.

Mr. John Fraser

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that this difficulty sometimes arises because of bloodymindedness on the part of the husband? Will he follow the suggestions made by my hon. Friend and discuss with the Inland Revenue and the Department of Health and Social Security a more effective way of collecting alimony and maintenance, either through the social security system or through taxation?

Mr. Carlisle

I agree that the problem arises from inability or unwillingness to pay, or a combination of both. On the second part of the hon. Member's question, his hon. Friend has taken up this matter with other Departments and has tabled many Questions to them. I must stand by the fact that it is not a matter for the Home Office, and that the Finer Committee is due to report shortly on the problem.

Mr. Dalyell

When is "shortly"?