Orders of the Day — Contributory Pensions Bill.

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 15 Gorffennaf 1925.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Kingsley Wood Sir Kingsley Wood , Woolwich West

Naturally I attach great weight to the remarks made by my hon. and learned Friend who has just spoken, and whose wide experience in legal matters we all know, but I would point out that this Amendment—to which I noticed the hon. and learned Member did not address himself—proposes to insert the words, "with his or her consent," which would make this provision useless, and I would remind the Committee that the provision is for the protection of the fund. Although I belong to what is called the lower branch of the legal profession— so-called I think because the fees are lower—I think the hon. and learned Member will agree with me that this Amendment, if carried, would be practically a reversal of the decision which the Committee has just made. Therefore, I must ask the Committee on the same grounds on which they rejected the last Amendment to reject this Amendment also. I would point out that it is only when it has been shown to the satisfaction of the court that there has been an offence, whatever the evidence may be, that any conviction follows. If, as the hon. and learned Member has suggested, wife or husband in every case is going to stand by the accused partner, then no consequences can follow. It is only when an offence has been committed that conviction will take place.