§ Mr. H. WILLIAMS(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether the Government have now come to any conclusion in regard to the continuance of the Emergency Regulations?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAn Order in Council has been made to-day revoking, as from midnight to-night, Regulations 1 to 9, 10 (in part), 13A, 16 to 18, 19 (in part), 20 to 27, and 33.
§ Mr. KIRKWO0DWould not this be an opportune moment for an individual such as myself to ask if the Home Secretary will give instructions that all those who have been gaoled as a result of these Emergency Powers Regulations may be liberated?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid the fact that the proposal comes from the hon. Member does not add to its eligibility.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWill new Regulations be required, and, if so, when will they be laid on the Table?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. The Resolution of the Privy Council revoking the Regulations will, of course, be laid on the Table forthwith, and the House will have an opportunity of formally—I hope it will be only formal —confirming the revocation.
§ Mr. BATEYWill the right hon. Gentleman state what is the reason for retaining some of these Regulations? Why are they not all swept away?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Regulations that are being retained are those that are not under my control—the Regulations relating to the distribution of coal, and so forth.
§ Mr. MACLEANSince the condition of the country seems to be good and pacific enough to enable the right hon. Gentleman to revoke the Regulations in question, would he not consider an amnesty for those who have been imprisoned in connection with them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice should be given of that question.