asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in respect of the Maintenance Orders (Overseas Enforcement) Act in obtaining reciprocal enforcement agreement with other countries; what agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement.

Negotiations regarding the reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders are being pursued with several countries. The Government hope to lay before Parliament shortly orders bringing Part I of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1972 into force in relation to certain Commonwealth countries and territories.