§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, now that Rhodesian divorces are to be legalised in this country, what proposals he has for legalising marriages contracted in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. GodberThe Southern Rhodesia (Matrimonial Jurisdiction) Order, 1970, has extended the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom courts to entertain proceedings for divorce or nullity from persons from Southern Rhodesia without requiring them to have the normal domiciliary or residential qualifications in this country. No similar action was required in regard to those Rhodesian marriages which may not be regarded as valid in this country because those concerned have already been able to regularise their position by going through a valid ceremony in this country.
§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will take urgent steps to ensure that the children of British subjects whose marriages were solemnised in Rhodesia are not thereby deprived of legitimacy.
§ Mr. GodberParties to any Rhodesian marriages whose validity could be challenged in this country can normally regularise the position of any children born to them by going through a valid ceremony outside Rhodesia.