§ Mr. Hannahasked the Minister of Health, whether, to check bigamy, he will arrange that all identity cards state whether the holder is married or single and instruct any clergyman or registrar performing a marriage ceremony to inspect them.
§ Mr. WillinkApart from the evidence required on the change of a woman's name on marriage, particulars of changes it marital status, whether on marriage on the dissolution of a marriage by death or divorce, are not obtainable or recorded under present conditions by the National Register. Moreover, the preliminaries to marriage whether ecclesiastical or civil are governed by provisions of the Law which cannot be varied by administrative instructions. I regret that it is not possible, therefore, to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion for any immediate or short-term purpose; but I will certainly bear the suggestion in mind in connection with any plans or developments which would enable this service to be rendered by the National Register or any similar system.