§ 45. Sir W. Smithersasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the increase during the past 70 years in delegated legislation and the power of Government Departments to adjudicate, he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine the increasing powers of the bureaucracy.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)The vigilance of Parliament should be directed to this important aspect of our polity especially when examining Bills brought before this House. The question of a Royal Commission or other form of inquiry is one which must be borne in mind. There is to be a debate on Thursday next which is likely to raise certain aspects of this important issue.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn order to arrest further progress down the Socialist-Communist totalitarian road, will my right hon. Friend instruct all his Ministers and all Government servants to read and study Professor Keeton's book just published entitled "The Passing of Parliament"?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not read the book in question, nor have I had it examined so that I could be advised upon it. I think I ought to have notice before I undertake to instruct all Ministers and public Departments as to the attitude they should adopt on such a topic.
§ Mr. E. FletcherMay we assume from the Prime Minister's reply that the House will be given the fullest opportunity on Thursday and subsequent days of discussing the Amendments on the Order Paper designed to curtail the Government's powers of imposing their will on the country by delegated legislation?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid I should be stepping outside my province if I laid down beforehand the exact conditions of the debate on Thursday.