Orders of the Day — Matrimonial Proceedings (Children) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 7 February 1958.

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Photo of Mr Niall Macpherson Mr Niall Macpherson , Dumfriesshire 12:00, 7 February 1958

No, Clause 9 is the legislation that is required.

The result of implementing the Morton Commission's recommendations on these matters will be a considerable improvement in our matrimonial law. Whatever views one may hold on the subject of grounds for divorce—and we all know how controversial that is—there are few who would deny that when a marriage is in jeopardy to the point where it has come before the courts, the future of the children must be safeguarded. Inevitably, the breakdown of a marriage affects the children.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland welcomes the Bill as a stout effort to ensure that despite their parents' failure to provide a normal home, the children will be given a chance in life. I wish the hon. Member for Oldbury and Halesowen two rather conflicting things—calm waters and fair wind.