Clause 8 - Interpretation
Age-Related Payments Bill
2:45 pm
Mr Nigel Waterson (Shadow Minister, Economic Affairs; Eastbourne, Conservative)
I believe that that is possible in theory. In this enlightened modern age, some modern men might be happy to be one of several husbands of a modern woman. I do not know for sure, but the provision is interesting and we need to be told a bit more about it. How would it work? Is there any basis on which the £100 should be divided up between them? How are polygamous marriages to be defined?
I was under the distinct impression that such marriages are not permitted in English law, although I might be wrong. Why should they be singled out? If they are permissible and legal, and, indeed, encouraged under a particular set of religious beliefs, why should not all the people involved be entitled to their £100 providing that they are all over 70? We must remember that they must all be over 70, so we are talking about a long running polygamous marriage.
That just seems to be another layer of complexity which the Government seem intent on adding to the Bill.
Sitting suspended for a Division in the House.
On resuming—