§ 30. Mr. Silkinasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Alfred William Green has instituted within the past 12 months 12 actions or more in the High Court as a common informer against different persons claiming penalties for alleged breaches of the Sunday Observance Act, 1780; and, as the use of the common informer is an archaic and unsatisfactory method of invoking the law, will he consider setting up a committee to inquire into the whole question of common informers?
§ Sir S. HoareI agree that there are objections to a system by which penalties or part of the penalties imposed for breaches of the law are payable to an informer; but I do not think it is necessary to set up a committee to review this system. It is already the practice when statutes authorising this system are brought under review by amending legislation to substitute penalty provisions in modern form.
§ Mr. SilkinWill the right hon. Gentleman consider dealing with the Sunday Observance Act, 1780, in the near future?
§ Sir S. HoareEven so, I do not think a committee would help us much in finding a solution to these difficulties.
§ Mr. SilkinWill the right hon. Gentleman give it his consideration without a committee?