§ 20. Mr. BOULTONasked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to comply with the recommendations in the report of the Committee, appointed by the Lord Chancellor, on Ministers' Powers (Cmd. 4060, 1932), that in any case in which a statutory public inquiry is held in connection with the exercise of judicial or quasi-judicial functions by Ministers, the report made by the person holding the inquiry should be published; and whether he will see that this recommendation is adopted in respect of the reports of his inspectors at public local inquiries upon clearance orders under the Housing Acts?
Sir H. YOUNGThe Government have, so far, not seen their way to accepting the recommendations to which my hon. Friend refers, and, accordingly, I am not prepared to give effect to the suggestion in the last part of his question to which there are objections.
§ Mr. BOULTONDoes my right hon. Friend realise that there is intense feeling in the country on this matter; and has he considered the question of a right of appeal to the courts of law?
§ Mr. CAPORNHas the right. hon. Gentleman considered whether the existing practice is consistent with the essential principles of British justice, which demand not only an open court but an open judgment?
Sir H. YOUNGI say again that the question on the Paper is entirely different from this one, and my answer referred to different circumstances. My answer referred to the publication of confidential reports made to the Minister by inspectors.
§ Mr. CAPORNI am asking the Minister whether the report to which he refers was not a report following a public inquiry at which evidence was given and which should be based on the evidence?