§ 33. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General what plans he has to introduce further legislation to reform matrimonial law; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralSeveral aspects of matrimonial law are at present under consideration by the Law Commission. The Government remain disposed to give 28 sympathetic consideration to any proposals which the commission may put forward.
§ Mr. DavisIs the Solicitor-General considering the introduction of legislation in particular to deal with resolving the disparities in legal concepts of matrimonial law between courts of summary jurisdiction and higher courts? Is not it absurd that there should be that difference? When does the hon. and learned Gentleman think that action will be taken?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThis is one of the matters which is being examined by the Law Commission. The discrepancies between the law applicable in the higher courts and in the magistrates' courts is well known. The Law Commission hopes shortly to circulate a working paper asking for comments on proposals that it will put forward for eliminating those discrepancies.
§ Mr. S. C. SilkinI appreciate that the Law Commission is seized of a number of problems relating to this matter. Do the Government give general support to the concept of a comprehensive family court, which many people are anxious to see established?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThat proposal has been put forward from a number of different places at different times in recent years. It is also now the subject of a study by a working party.