HC Deb 16 July 2003 vol 409 cc436-7W
Mr. Dhanda

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans he has to extend property, benefit and pension rights to the bereaved partner in an unmarried co-habiting relationship following the death of their partner. [125973]

Mr. Lammy

On 30 June, my right Hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions and the Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, published `Civil Partnership—a framework for the legal recognition of same sex couples'. It sets out Government proposals for the establishment of civil partnership registration for same sex couples, while also making clear that it is not proposed to extend these arrangements to unmarried opposite sex couples.

The Civil Partnership consultation paper proposes to give same-sex civil partners the same rights as married couples in respect of the intestacy rules and of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The paper also sets out proposals relating to property and benefits rights. There are no proposals in relation to opposite-sex cohabiting couples, as they have the option of marriage available to them should they wish it.

Mr. Dhanda

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent representations he has received on extending legal rights to unmarried couples. [125952]

Mr. Lammy

The Law Commission published a discussion paper on the property rights of home sharers in July 2002, entitled 'Home Sharers'. In addition, the Law Society has published draft proposals for the introduction of increased legal rights of cohabiting couples, entitled "Cohabitation—the case for clear law" also in July 2002.

Mr. Dhanda

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs (1) what plans he has to extend legal rights to unmarried couples; [125970]

(2) what action he is taking to give property and pension rights to couples who choose not to marry. [125972]

Mr. Lammy

On 30 June, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions and the Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, published 'Civil Partnership—a framework for the legal recognition of same sex couples'. It sets out Government proposals for the establishment of civil partnership registration for same sex couples, while also making clear that it is not proposed to extend this arrangement to unmarried opposite sex couples.

However, in recognition of the extent of misunderstanding about the status of 'common law marriage', I am exploring, together with other relevant colleagues, how best to undertake an information campaign so that unmarried couples can be more fully and accurately informed about their position.