§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will arrange to bring to the attention of all persons seeking to enter marriage that there is no obligation upon them in law to carry out marriages arranged for them by their parents.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergIt is already known to all persons seeking to enter marriage that according to the law of this country marriage is the voluntary union of one man and one woman for life. A statement to this effect is printed at the top of the form which is signed when notice of marriage is given, is displayed prominently in all register offices, and is read out by the superintendent registrar before a register office marriage ceremony begins. Instructions to authorised persons who attend marriages in places of public religious worship are that the full import of the declaratory and contracting words should be explained to the parties.