HC Deb 20 April 1951 vol 486 cc2155-6
Sir Herbert Williams

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make, in view of Mr. Speaker's Ruling last night that Statutory Instrument No. 413 is invalid.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Rhodes)

My right hon. Friend, of course, accepts your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, and proposes to lay again before the House Statutory Instrument No. 413. The Ruling does not mean that this Statutory Instrument is invalid but only that for technical reasons it cannot be considered to have been laid on 13th March.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the fact that many traders must have acted on the assumption that S.I. 413 was in operation and as they, therefore, may have broken the provisions of S.I.s 216 and 296, will the hon. Gentleman consider whether or not it might be necessary to introduce an indemnity Bill to protect the traders for having committed what may in fact have been a breach of the law?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

Perhaps I might answer that question. I am considering with my right hon. Friend what steps may be necessary to deal with any of the consequences of Mr. Speaker's Ruling of last night.

Sir H. Williams

I thank the right hon. Gentleman.

Sir John Mellor

Will formal notice be given in Votes and Proceedings that the order for laying this Statutory Instrument shall be discharged? I think that is the usual form.

Mr. Speaker

Yes, there will be a discharge and a new laying of an order.