12 APRIL 1924, Page 2

In the House of Commons on Friday, April 4th, the

second reading of the Guardianship of Infants Bill was carried without a division. The Bill provides that the mother of every legitimate child shall be the guardian jointly with the father for all purposes, and shall have equal authority, rights and responsibilities. This means that the obligation for maintenance and education will fall as much upon the mother as upon the father. Mrs. Wintringham spoke powerfully in favour of the Bill, and was supported by the Duchess of Atholl, Lady Terrington, Mrs. Philipson and Miss Jewson. Mr. R. J. Davies, Under-Secretary to the Home Office, expressed the general approval of the Government. He pointed out, however, that there were words in the Bill which would have to be eliminated, and the Govern- ment thought that the best course would be for them to introduce a Bill in the House of Lords as soon as possible after Easter. This, in fact, they promised to do.

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