I move:—
"Section 3, sub-section (5). To delete all after the words ‘in camera' down to the end of the sub-section."
This amendment is to give effect to opinions that were expressed here on the last occasion. The section provides that all Court proceedings in regard to affiliation orders shall be heard in camera. The second part of the sub-section makes provisions for publication in certain circumstances where an affiliation order is granted by the Court. There is permission to publish, and it is made mandatory, in fact, that the name and address of the person against whom the affiliation order is made, shall be published. The effect of my amendment is to delete all the words after the words "in camera," and to make no provision for any publication. There are strong arguments in favour of hearing a case in camera, as there are strong arguments against. To take one argument against publication, unsavoury details may be disclosed. I am disposed to think that whatever the other effects may be, it is desirable that a case should be heard in camera, but if cases are to be heard in camera, let that principle be observed throughout, and let there be no publication. The section provides for no publication in the event of a person against whom proceedings are taken proving himself innocent. It was suggested that provision should be made for publication in such circumstances. I do not see how provision can be very satisfactorily made. On the whole, I think the better course is merely to provide that the proceedings shall be in camera, making no provision for publication of any kind. It has been argued that publication may nullify the effect of the affiliation order, as the person affected may lose his post or be ruined in business, and in that way the affiliation order could not operate. I look upon this Bill as a protection for the lives of those unfortunate children who are born out of wedlock, and who have nobody to take any interest in them during their childhood. It is not intended merely as a punitive measure against the putative fathers of the children. Unless it is so intended, I see no reason for leaving in the concluding part of the section.