Destitute Persons Act 1846/Section 7

And to make an order upon him for support of the child.

7.It shall also be lawful for such Justices, on being satisfied that any such putative father shall have refused to provide for the support of any such child, to make an order on the putative father for payment to the mother of the child, or to such other person as they may think fit, of a sum of money at a rate not less than two shillings nor more than ten shillings per week, at such times and in such manner as they may direct, for the support of such child: Provided always that in every case where it shall appear to the Justices that the mother of any such illegitimate child is able to contribute to its support, it shall be lawful for them to direct that she shall so contribute as well as the father in such proportions respectively and in such manner as such Justices shall think fit; and if in any such case it shall appear that the mother only is of such ability, it shall be lawful for the Justices to make an order in respect of her alone.