HL Deb 11 May 1906 vol 157 cc27-8

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD LOREBURN)

My Lords, this is a Bill to amend the Matrimonial Causes Acts, 1857 and 1866, by extending the powers of the court in relation to maintenance and alimony and leave to intervene. It deals with minor matters connected with Divorce Court practice. In Committee I shall move to strike out the third section, which deals with the giving of evidence by parties in the Divorce Court. I think this is not a provision which should proceed until it has been further considered. The last clause is to allow persons charged with adultery to be able to intervene for the purpose of protecting their character, which they cannot do now. I beg to move the Second Reading of the Bill.

Moved, that the Bill be now read 2a— (The Lord Chancellor.)

On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.