HC Deb 22 November 1954 vol 533 cc79-80W
64. Mr. Turner-Samuels

asked the Attorney-General whether he has considered the observations of the Master of the Rolls in the recent case of re Murray, deceased, Martins Bank, limited, and Another versus Dill and Another, regarding the emancipated status of a married woman today having a bearing on questions whether, from the point of view of public policy, clauses in wills are desirable which might make her capacity to enjoy in her own right substantial proprietary interests dependent on the willingness of her husband to change his name; and whether the Government will, accordingly, consider introducing legislation on the subject.

The Attorney-General

Yes. I have considered the judgment to which the hon. and learned Member refers and other recent decisions. Clauses of the kind referred to may well be invalid under the existing law either on the ground of uncertainty or on the ground that they axe contrary to public policy or both. Consequently I do not think that any question of legislation arises.