HC Deb 21 February 1917 vol 90 cc1331-2
74. Mr. RENDALL

asked the Attorney-General whether, as the Defence of the Realm Act gives His Majesty in Council power by Regulation to alter or repeal for the duration of the War all or any portion of the Statute Law, he will say why Bills are presented to Parliament when the objects of such Bills can be obtained by the Government by Orders in Council?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Frederick Smith)

The assumption made in the first part of this question has no foundation in fact. The validity of the Regulations in question depends upon their indispensability for the public safety and the defence of the realm.