HL Deb 18 November 1958 vol 212 cc559-60
LORD SILKIN

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is proposed to set up the promised Joint Committee of Members of both Houses relating to provisions governing the insertion in Private Bills promoted by local authorities of powers required by other bodies.]

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)

My Lords, the discussions referred to by the noble Lord the Chairman of Committees in reply to a question on this point on July 29 last have now been concluded. Motions will shortly be tabled both in your Lordships' House and in another place proposing the establishment of a Joint Committee to inquire into this aspect of Private Bill procedure.

LORD SILKIN

My Lords, while expressing restrained satisfaction at that reply, can the noble Earl tell us what will be the terms of reference? And will they be set out in the Motion?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, I cannot to-day say what the terms of reference will be, because they are under consideration. They will be wide enough to achieve the purposes we all want to see achieved; but no doubt they will be set out in the Motion.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, will the County Councils Association be invited to give evidence?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, I think the terms of the Motion for setting up a Joint Committee is really a matter for both Houses of Parliament, and we are all aware of the matters into which we wish to inquire. As to who shall be called to give evidence and who shall not at a later stage, I would rather have notice of that question, to consider it.