§ 45. Sir Robert Rankinasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the emergency powers of Regulation 18B, which gives rise to misgivings, controlling as it does the liberties of citizens, should no longer be exercised solely by the Home Secretary of the day but should now be transferred to a properly constituted legal tribunal, he will consider taking the necessary action?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)The issue raised by my hon. Friend has 2290 been debated in the House on more than one occasion, and it has been pointed out that the responsibility for deciding whether circumstances of suspicion exist warranting the restraint of some individual on grounds of public security, could not properly be placed on a legal tribunal. So long as exceptional powers are needed in the interests of national security they must be exercised by a Minister responsible to Parliament.
§ Sir I. AlberyWill the Prime Minister consider setting up a small Select Committee of this House to whom the Home Secretary would report in all cases when he takes action differing from the advice of his Advisory Committee?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir I. AlberyDoes not the Prime Minister acknowledge that it is the duty of this House to protect the liberties of British citizens?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but I think the House is as good a judge of its own duty as is the hon. Gentleman.