HC Deb 13 February 1941 vol 368 c1519
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that he will take steps to discourage and prohibit the practice of certain Departments of suggesting that departmental dictates are Cabinet rulings, as this practice thwarts Members of Parliament in the execution of their duties?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is not aware of any such practice as that to which my hon. Friend refers. If, however, he will let the Prime Minister have particulars of any such instances, he will be glad to have the matter investigated.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain temporary Government officials and, to a less extent, permanent officials, have taken to the practice of using Orders-in-Council which have not been approved by the House as though they had been approved by the House, and will he allow me to give him a specific example?

Mr. Attlee

That is what I invited my hon. Friend to do.