§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a marriage at Gretna, on 26th February, of two London persons neither of whom had any qualifying residence in Scotland, although one claimed to have such by having temporarily resided in Berwick-on-Tweed; and whether, in view of the consequences 4 such pseudo marriages, he proposes to take any steps to protect English persons, and more particularly English girls, from the activity of those trading in the conduct of such marriages at Gretna and elsewhere in Scotland?
Mr. W. ADAMSONMy attention had not previously been called to the case referred to, but I have since seen a newspaper report of it. Recent legislation such as the Workmen's Compensation Acts and the various insurance and pensions Acts render it desirable that the fact of marriage should be definitely ascertainable, and I am inclined to think that public opinion in Scotland may turn300W in favour of some amendment of our existing marriage laws. The matter is receiving my attention.