UK Parliament / Open data

Children and Families Bill

Proceeding contribution from Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Monday, 25 February 2013. It occurred during Debate on bills on Children and Families Bill.

As the hon. Gentleman says, it is wrong; perhaps the Government will have to make it rather clearer that it is wrong. On dealing with the perception, even if it is false, that there is a bias in the court system, there is another issue that figures much more largely in the concerns of many non-resident parents, predominantly fathers, and that is enforcement. Court orders are made that appear to give them reasonable involvement in the life of their son or daughter, but they are not observed, and the process of enforcing them is long, time-consuming and ineffective. We urged the Government to produce proposals on enforcement. They concluded that, on balance, it would be premature to legislate now to give courts additional enforcement sanctions. What they hope to do is bring cases quickly back to court—preferably to the same judge. I welcome that; it would be highly desirable.

6.31 pm

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

559 c76 

Session

2012-13

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
Back to top