Concerning the power of that Commission to make recommendations on all questions related to women, more details w~re requested as well as clarification on the meaning of the expression "binding recommendations". 101. Several experts remarked that there seemed to be a general emphasis on the role of women as mothers rather than on the status of women themselves, since there was an impressive amount of legislation and social security benefits covering the rights of mothers and children. Interest was shown in the family-planning policy of the USSR. In the report, it was mentioned that abortion was legal and yet reference was made to measures against illegal abortions. It was also asked what was the actual role of fathers in the upbring~ng of ch~ldren, since that was the joint responsibility of both parents under the law, and whether fathers received the same benefits as mothers regarding parental leave. A question was asked about the total amount of State grants to women and children, since a substantial increase had been noted from 1970 to 1980. Information was also requested regarding adoption and whether a single parent, either man or woman, could adopt a ch~ld. Not~ng that there existea a provision regarding the choice of the family name by the spouses, it was asked whether, upon divorce, a husband who had chosen to take h~s wite's malden name could retaln It. The experts were most interested in knowlng more on the attitudes of husbands vis-A-vis their working wives and whether there was an equitable sharing of responsibilities in the home. The experts asked for further information on specific measures and privileges which allowed the working mother to combine motherhood and work successfully and whether such measures and privileges applied to the father. 102. In connection with divorce, the experts commended the law which forbade the husband to initiate procedures during the first year of a baby's life or while the mother was pregnant. It was asked what the practical results of that legislative provision had been. Another question asked was whether the system provided for an equal sharing of responsibilities at the dissolution of a marriage, particularly as regards parental rights and duties. 103. Some experts expressed interest in the working of the judicial system, which dealt specifically with the problem of financial provisions for children, asking whether the problem of compelling the divorced husband to contribute to the support of his child had been solved. 104. Some members of the Committee asked about the position of single mothers and 1f they CoUld initiate paternity procedures. 105. Concerning the nationality of the married woman, information was sought regarding provisions governing the acquisition or loss of nationality. 106. There was scant information in the report, some experts noted, regarding provisions of the Penal Code, and it was asked what provisions or regulations were in force regarding rape and prostitution and also whether there existed special rehabilitation programmes for women and what was the lncidence of prostitution. 107. Regarding education, some experts noted that 60 per cent of the State expenditure on education was devoted to schooling and asked what was the overall amount of the education budget. They also requested additional information on the particlpation of women in higher institutions and, particularly, on the number or proportion of them holding exercutive or managerial offices. -17-