§ 11.40 a.m.
§ Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee on re-commitment of the Bill read.
§ Moved, That the House do now resolve itself into Committee.—(Lord Walkden.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House in Committee accordingly:
§ [The EARL OF DROGHEDA in the Chair.]
§ LORD LLEWELLINIt is I think, convenient that I should just ask one question at this stage. Are any steps being taken to see that in future this matter is rather tightened up, so that we shall not have to have this kind of Bill validating marriages which, because of the absence of a registrar or something, of that kind, are thought to be invalid? Is any circular going round to the heads of these religious bodies asking them to be more careful in future?
§ LORD WALKDENIn reply to the noble Lord's question I can assure him that action has been taken on three occasions, and in July of 1945, just two years ago, circulars were issued to registrars of ecclesiastical and diocesan regions. The matter was taken up further with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and a conference was convened. The matter was dealt with rather carefully, and everything has been done to minimize the risk of these things happening. But I am advised that further legislation is necessary, though it cannot be done this term, of course. In the meantime the matter is well looked after by the Home Office and the ecclesiastical authorities.
§ Bill reported without amendment.