§ 59 Clause 24, page 17, line 13, leave out 'applicant' and insert 'child'.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 59. The amendment changes the jurisdictional test in Case E so that it refers to the child being habitually resident in Scotland. That seems to be a more appropriate test than the original test. The basic test of the child support agency's competence would appear to be best achieved by applying not to the applicant but to the child.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 59.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Lord RentonMy Lords, although this appears a small drafting correction it is an important amendment of substance and we should welcome it.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord. It is indeed an amendment of substance and is, I believe, a considerable improvement.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.