HC Deb 22 July 1943 vol 391 cc1048-9
11. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the date and terms of his circular to magistrates on the subject of Defence Regulations relating to Trespass?

Mr. H. Morrison

I think my hon. Friend's Question must be due to some misunderstanding. No circular on this subject has been issued to magistrates by my Department. He may have in mind a reference which was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture to a circular issued to Chief Constables. It would not be in accordance with practice to divulge the terms of Home Office circulars to the police which are confidential, but the gist of the advice given to the police is that the regulation was designed to prevent pilfering and damage and not to penalise innocent trespassers.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of Order. If a circular or document issued by a Minister is quoted in Debate, is there not an obligation on the Minister to circulate it to Parliament?

Mr. Speaker

Certainly not. Departmental instructions need not be laid on the Table.