HC Deb 23 March 1972 vol 833 c1665
24. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for bigamy took place in each of the last two years.

Mr. Carlisle

In 1969 and 1970, the last two years for which statistics are available, the number of persons proceeded against in England and Wales for bigamy were 43 and 56.

Mr. Tilney

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that in a considerable number of cases of bigamy known to the police no action is taken? Does this not bring the law into disrepute?

Mr. Carlisle

It is true that there are far more known cases of bigamy than prosecutions. The decision whether or not to prosecute rests entirely with the individual chief constable. I understand that chief constables do not take proceeding in such cases unless they believe that it is in the public interest to do so.

Mr. Fell

Would not universal Government-sponsored vasectomy obviate the need for all such questions?

Mr. Carlisle

I doubt it.