§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on progress towards a fair and equitable system for all parties in divorce with particular regard to maintenance of, and access to, the children involved.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Children Act 1989 represents a major reform of the law relating to children including access to them. It is, however, only a first step in a programme to review family law and its administration which includes consideration of the Law Commission's expected report on divorce later this year, conciliation arrangements and the Government's current consideration of the assessment, collection and enforcement of maintenance.
In considering and implementing policy on all these matters, the Government recognise the need for fairness and equity, but regard the interests of the child as their first priority.