HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 230 cc1573-4
18. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the large preliminary legal costs that many of our public utilities, like the Manchester Ship Canal, have to carry as dead weight; and whether, with a view to increasing employment, he will order an inquiry, from which the legal profession is excluded except as witnesses, with a view to cheapening and quickening the legal procedure in the formation of public utilities?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald)

I am afraid that I have not had time to examine the implications of the hon. and gallant Mem- ber's question, I ought to add that the hon. and gallant Member's note, which he was good enough to communicate to me, explaining his purpose, has only just come into my hands.