§ Q2. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Security on the problem of women awarded alimony by court order who do not receive it; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. Improvements have been made in the machinery for the enforcement of orders. The Government will consider whether further changes should be made in the light of the report of the Finer Committee and experience of the working of the Attachment of Earnings Act 1971.
§ Mr. DalyellSince the Finer Committee Report is not yet even approaching draft form, does the Prime Minister really dispute the fact that we shall not have legislation on the basis of Finer for a least three or four years? On the Attachment of Earnings Act, is it not a fact that many employers do not want to have anyhing to do with it because they do not want to bitch their relations with their own employees—quite understandably? In those circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman ask his Whips to withdraw their objection to the Ten-Minute Rule Bill and let these matters be discussed in Committee?
§ The Prime MinisterI would not accept the hon. Gentleman's sentiment about the time taken for legislation. It obviously depends on what the Finer Committee reports. He need not be as pessimistic as he has been about the time taken for any Government legislation which is proposed. As for the hon. 1566 Gentleman's own Bill, he had better wait and see what happens.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Prime Minister ought to recognise that there is a considerable human problem here. Will he not look at my hon. Friend's Bill? If he cannot give Government time to get the Bill through, will he ensure that it gets a fair deal and that the Government Whips do not block it?
§ The Prime MinisterWe recognise the problem. That is why we attach importance to the Report of the Finer Committee. As to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell), I read his speech when he asked for the right to introduce the Bill to the House—which he obtained. Now it will follow the normal course.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIs the Prime Minister aware that a great deal of public money is unnecessarily expended as a result of the Department of Health and Social Security's compelling wives who are on legal aid to institute proceedings, most of which appear to be totally abortive, against their husbands in pursuance of alimony orders? Would not it be much better if the Department simply paid the wives and let the proceedings drift?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman is asking for the introduction of a major principle—that the State take responsibility for all maintenance awards. I do not believe that a Government can possibly accept that principle without waiting for the Finer Committee Report. In any case, I think that most hon. Members will want to give a great deal of consideration to whether such a principle should be accepted at all.