HL Deb 14 October 1981 vol 424 cc403-4

138 Clause 20, page 21, leave out lines 1 to 3 and insert— 'child of the family' includes any child or grandchild of either spouse, and any person who has been brought up or accepted by either spouse as if he or she were a child of that spouse, whatever the age of such a child, grandchild or person may be".

The Earl of Mansfield

My Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 138. This amendment takes account of the reservations in respect of the original definition which were expressed on Report by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Fraser of Tullybelton. The new definition will include natural, adopted and stepchildren of either spouse, and grandchildren being brought up by one or both of the spouses. The child may be of any age, so this would therefore cover the case of the dependent, and possibly disabled, child of mature years living at home.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendment.—(The Earl of Mansfield.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.