§ 18. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Home Secretary whether, with regard to Emergency Powers Order 938, he will state the interpretation to be placed by his officials on the words "alarm and despondency"; and whether he is satisfied that it is in the public interest that the institution of proceedings under this Order should be left in the hands of any police officer above the rank of constable?
§ Sir J. AndersonMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The effect of paragraph (3) of the Regulation, as read with Regulation 93 (1), is that no prosecution in respect of an offence against the Regulation can be instituted except by, or with the consent of, the Director of Public Prosecutions. It will be for the court to decide whether a particular statement or report comes within the terms of the Regulation, and I do not think a court will find difficulty in determining this question.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us have the greatest difficulty in understanding what the words mean? Will he give us some indication of what he thinks they mean?
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not think that would be at all difficult.