§ 45. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of Regulations being issued affecting the liberties and property of the people, he will explain the process which is followed before such Regulations are issued by the various Government Departments, Ministers and/or officials concerned; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all persons who were appointed to positions of authority in peace time possess the temperament and capacity to exercise the wider and more arbitrary powers now being conferred upon them?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)I have been asked to reply. I presume my hon. Friend has in mind Regulations made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts, 1939 and 1940. Drafts of all such Regulations are fully considered by the Government before they are made. The Regulations are laid before Parliament and, as my hon. Friend is aware, either House can within 28 days pass a Resolution for the annulment of any such Regulations. This procedure does not apply to the Orders and Rules made by Ministers under individual Regulations, but the action of Ministers can, of course, always be discussed and criti- 1303 cised in Parliament. As regards the last part of the Question, the suitability for their posts of all persons appointed to positions of authority is constantly under review.