HC Deb 05 July 1938 vol 338 cc182-4
45 and 46. Mr. Dingle Foot

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government have now considered the recommendation contained in the report of the Committee on Ministers' Powers that a small Standing Committee should be set up in each House of Parliament at the beginning of each Session for the purpose of considering and reporting on every Bill containing a proposal to confer lawmaking power on a Minister, and considering and reporting on every regulation and rule made in the exercise of delegated legislative power and laid before the House in pursuance of statutory requirement; and whether the Government intend to give effect to this recommendation;

(2) whether the Government have considered the recommendation contained in the report of the Committee on Ministers' Powers that Standing Orders should be framed in both Houses requiring that every Bill presented by a Minister which proposes to confer law-making power on that or any other Minister should be accompanied by a memorandum drawing attention to the power, explaining why it is needed and how it would be exercised if it were conferred, and stating what safeguards there would be against its abuse; and whether the Government intend to propose new Standing Orders giving effect to this recommendation?

The Prime Minister

I can add nothing to what has already been said in reply to questions on this subject. I should like to repeat the assurances which have already been given that the views expressed in the report are carefully borne in mind in relation to current legislation.

Mr. Foot

Is it not possible, after six years, which is the time that has elapsed since the committee reported, for the Government to make up their minds on this very simple recommendation?

The Prime Minister

I do not agree that the recommendations were very simple.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

Does the Prime Minister mean that the Government, to be quite frank, have turned down the recommendation and do not intend to set up this Standing Committee?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that that is what was conveyed in previous answers.

Sir A. Sinclair

Does the Prime Minister mean that six years are really not enough for the Government to make up their minds, and that they are still considering this matter?

Mr. Mander

How many more years are required?