Earl Alexander of Tunisasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether extracts from speeches by Ministers or Officers of the Crown reported in Hansard can be quoted in the High Court as evidence in appropriate cases.
The Lord. Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)The case ofPepper v. Hart permits the courts to have reference to statements by Ministers reported in Hansard as an aid to the construction of legislation in particular circumstances.