HC Deb 12 December 1945 vol 417 cc404-5
45. Wing-Commander Roland Robinson

asked the Prime Minister when it is pro-posed to declare the end of the present emergency.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed to make an Order in Council declaring that the emergency which was the occasion of the passing of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, has 'come to an end. That Act will be allowed to expire on 24th February next. Other Acts which are terminable by Order in Council will be brought to an end on different dates according as they arc no longer needed.

Wing-Commander Robinson

Is not the continuance of a state of emergency being used as an excuse to continue many con tracts and controls which should properly be ended in peacetime?

Mr. Morrison

I did not think we were doing badly in letting the Act of 1939 come to an end in February. My recollection is that it was longer after the last war, but I will not be certain. I think that letting it lapse in February is not unreasonable. I expected to get the con gratulations of the hon. and gallant Member on this great act of emancipation.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Would the right hon. Gentleman circulate in the Official Report a list of the other Acts and Regulations to which he made reference in his answer, so that we might get a full picture of what is intended?

Mr. Morrison

That question should be put down.