My Lords, we support this instrument. I have just a couple of questions. I am surprised that the question of jurisdiction was not
dealt with in the Act itself. Perhaps the Minister has some explanation for that, which I have not perceived.
My second question relates to paragraph 7.7 of the Explanatory Memorandum, which says:
“The Government’s policy intention behind the reformed law”,
which in turn has resulted in the consequential amendments contained in this instrument,
“is that the decision to divorce should be a considered one, and that separating couples should not be put through legal requirements which do not serve their or the state’s interests”.
I find that a bit puzzling, and I wonder whether the Minister can help me with what it is directed to. However, as I say, we support the amendments.