§ 49. Mr. Wilfrid Robertsasked the Prime Minister whether the undertaking given by the Secretary of State for Air 1392 on behalf of the Government, on 21st August, 1940, that the Emergency Powers Act and the regulations and penalties derived from it will vanish with the passing of the emergency still represents the intention of the Government?
§ Mr. AttleeThe Prime Minister's message, which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air in his speech on 21st August, 1940, was, of course, mainly directed to civil liberties; in particular, a free Parliament and a free Press. Having re-read the message, I can assure my hon. Friend that it still represents the intention of His Majesty's Government, namely, to dispense with the powers in question as soon as the emergency has passed.
§ Mr. RobertsMay I ask specifically whether this refers to the Emergency Powers Act?
§ Mr. AttleeIf the hon. Member will read the reply, I think he will see.