§ 36. Sir H. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the subject of an Indemnity Bill in respect of the failure to lay properly Statutory Instrument No. 413.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossThe Speaker's Ruling, although in terms only relating to Statutory Instrument No. 413, appeared to concern a great many others since that Instrument was laid in accordance with a practice initiated as long ago as 1943. As a result, legal questions arose which, although largely academic, were of great complexity and doubt. My immediate predecessor was advised by the then Attorney-General that in all the circumstances the proper course was to put them beyond doubt by legislation. I do not feel disposed to differ from the advice so given, and a Bill will be presented in due course.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman able to say when the Bill is likely to be laid.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossNo, I am afraid I cannot say exactly when the Bill will be laid. Some of the questions are a little complicated, but we hope to have the Bill quite shortly. I shall consult the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Aldershot (Mr. Lyttelton) in regard to its contents before it is introduced.