HL Deb 01 July 1965 vol 267 cc1013-4

3.12 p.m.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they contemplate any alteration in the law which imposes restrictions on the power of persons under 21 to hold and dispose of property and prevents them from marrying without parental or other consent.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)

My Lords, I am glad to say that Mr. Justice Latey has agreed to act as Chairman of a Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider whether any changes are desirable in the law relating to contracts made by persons under 21 and to their power to hold and dispose of property, and in the law relating to marriage by such persons and in the power to make them wards of court".

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor for this somewhat tentative gesture in favour of youth. May I ask whether we may anticipate some similar measures in relation to voting?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, as I understand it, that is being considered by a Speaker's Conference.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

I am much obliged to the noble and learned Lord.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, would the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor tell us what sort of inquiry this will be? Will it be a private or public inquiry?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, it will be the ordinary Committee, of ladies as well as gentlemen, who will be chosen for their specialised knowledge in this field.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, may I ask whether the inquiry will also go into the squalid so-called marriage practices at Gretna?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, it will be an English Committee, limited to the law of England.