HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1160-1
50. Sir H. Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food on what date the corrigendum slip was issued in connection with the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Cherries) Order (S.R. & O., No. 785, of 1943), and why, having regard to the fact that the Order which was signed by the commercial secretary of the Ministry of Food has the force of an Act of Parliament, the corrigendum slip bore no signature?

54. Major Petherick

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will withdraw the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Cherries) Order (S.R. & O. 785 of 1943), having regard to an error in printing in the Schedule, Part 4, paragraph 3 (1), an error recognised in the corrigendum slip subsequently issued; and will he replace it by an Order accurately printed and properly authenticated?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

The corrigendum slip referred to corrected an error which I regret was not noticed by my Department until the Order was in the course of being printed by the Stationery Office I am advised that, as the corrigendum slip was attached to every copy of the Order issued, it is not necessary that the Order should be withdrawn and reprinted, and that it was not necessary for the corrigendum slip to be signed.

Sir H. Williams

Is there any prior case of words having the effect of an Act of Parliament being attached to a document which has the force of law although the attached piece of paper bears no authenticating signature?

Mr. Mabane

I should want notice of that Question.

Sir H. Williams

But as the answer to the original Question indicates that the matter was looked into, surely the Parliamentary Secretary should be able to say whether there was any precedent?

Mr. Mabane

Not in the Ministry of Food. I cannot give a general answer now, but I can say that there was no precedent in my Department.