HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc174-5
9. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Wanstead and Woodford Borough Council set up an emergency committee of 13 members, including only one Labour member, on 10th July, 1940, to which were delegated all the powers and duties of the council and its committees; whether such action, at a period when the war situation did not justify such a course of action, has received his approval; and what steps he proposes to take to restore constitutional government in these areas?

14. Mr. Frankel

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Wanstead and Woodford Borough Council have appointed an emergency committee with plenary powers for general administration; and whether, in view of the fact that circumstances up to the present do not justify this extreme action, he will make representations to the local authority in question?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I am aware of the fact that emergency arrangements have been made by the council, but the appointment of committees, and the extent of the delegation of their powers by local authorities, are governed by statutory provisions and the arrangements made are not subject to my approval.