§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Attorney-General, in view of the large number of cases where the application of the "child of the family" aspect in cases under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, section 25(3), has resulted in the prevention of subsequent remarrying due to the financial implications of the court's judgment, if he will investigate the effect of the law and bring forward any necessary amendments to alleviate the situation.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is no evidence to suggest that there is a large number of cases of the particular kind my hon. Friend describes. The aim of section 25(3) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 is to achieve a fair balance between the interests of all those concerned, including the person who is not the natural parent of the child. The Lord Chancellor is not convinced of the need to investigate the effect of this provision.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Attorney-General what representations he has received on the "child of the family" aspect where the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in divorce proceedings results in the financial responsibility being allocated to a person who is not the natural father of the child in question and where the natural father is still alive.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThree representations have been received, of which one was from my hon. Friend.