HC Deb 13 June 1928 vol 218 cc980-1
47. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a Joint Committee from both Houses of Parliament and appropriate outside bodies from England and Scotland for the purpose of considering the large number of obsolete and obsolescent laws on the Statute Book, with a view to simplifying and codifying the general Law of England and Scotland and removing from the Statute Book laws which are repugnant to modern thought?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)

I have been asked to reply. There is already a Committee, namely, the Statute Law Committee, which considers and makes recommendations as to what consolidating legislation it is advisable to undertake and what statute law revision Bills may from time to time advantageously be introduced. The removal from the Statute Book of laws which are repugnant to modern thought is for the Government of the day and not for a Committee.

Mr. HARDIE

Are we to understand that this is only a partial review which has taken place from time to time? My question asks what is the real condition to-day?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL

The Committee is constantly considering the matter. Last Session, the Statute Law Revision Bill was passed into law.

Mr. HARDIE

Is not the whole question one for the Government rather than for the Committee?