HC Deb 17 October 1944 vol 403 cc2234-5W
Mr. Higgs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in consultation with the Dominions, he will endeavour to arrange the reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders.

Mr. H. Morrison

Arrangements for the reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders have for many years been in existence between this country and the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa. No legislation similar to the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, has been passed in Canada, where the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the several Provinces, and accordingly no Order in Council extending the Act to any part of Canada has been issued. I understand, however, that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs will consider the possibility of taking up the question with the Canadian authorities.