HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 c348
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake that in connection with all future departmental and delegated legislation the responsible Ministers concerned shall make a short explanatory statement on the floor of the House of Commons to enable a comprehensive record to be contained in the OFFICIAL REPORT and to ensure that hon. Members are conversant with all such legislation introduced in this way.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

No, Sir. As explained by the Home Secretary on 26th May, 1943, it is already the practice to make a statement to the House on any subordinate instrument involving issues of considerable political importance. It would not, however, be possible or desirable to extend this practice to orders and regulations of every kind.

Mr. De la Bère

Does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that it is not possible for hon. Members to follow many of the regulations which come up? Would it not facilitate hon. Members following these regulations, and also act as an additional safeguard against measures being introduced which have not been properly scrutinised by hon. Members?

The Prime Minister

As far as I can make out, I think it would increase the procedure which my hon. Friend already considers too elaborate.