HC Deb 14 June 1944 vol 400 cc1981-2
56. Mr. Hutchinson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will state the purpose of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Road Transport of Goods Order (S.R. & O., No. 580, of 1944), and why no explanatory memorandum was attached thereto.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Order No. 58o makes it unnecessary to issue permits for the movement of meat and livestock by the Road Haulage Organisation which is directed by my Department. Without the Order, permits would be required, because such movements are not covered by normal consignment notes. It only affects the operating arrangements of the organisation; when it is read with Order No. 497, its effect is evident; for these reasons it was not thought necessary to issue an explanatory memorandum.

Mr. Hutchinson

Is not an Order of this nature, which refers to a previous Order, and is not capable of being understood without reference to that Order, precisely the kind requiring an explanatory memorandum?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. I admit frankly that it would have been better to have issued an explanatory memorandum, and I regret it was not done.