A Private Members Bill introduced by Tim Boswell (Con, Daventry) seeking to make provision in relation to the presumed deaths of missing persons.
This Bill would enable the High Court to make a ‘declaration of presumed death’ where a missing person is thought to have died, or has not been known to be alive for at least seven years.
A register of presumed deaths would be maintained by the Registrar General. Any person would be able to apply to the High Court for the making of a declaration. However, where the application was made by someone who is not a spouse, civil partner, or close relative of the missing person, the High Court would hear the application only if the applicant had a ‘sufficient interest’ in the making of the declaration.
Progress
House of Commons
First reading: January 21 2009 [HC Bill 23]
Second reading: no date
