HC Deb 02 August 1962 vol 664 c784
29. Dr. Johnson

asked the Attorney-General whether the statement by Sir Harold Kent, the Treasury Solicitor and British Government's chief delegate at the United Nations seminar on judicial and other independent remedies against the abuse of administrative power, at Stockholm, to the effect that an Ombudsman on the Scandinavian model would not be acceptable in Great Britain, was made with his authority; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General (Sir John Hobson)

Sir Harold Kent made no such statement.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that many people who are interested in this matter will be reassured by his statement today in view of a misreport which was given undue prominence at the time? While congratulating my right hon. and learned Friend on and wishing him well in his new appointment, may I express the hope that it will be marked by the institution of this much needed reform?

Mr. MacDermot

With regard to the subject matter of this Question, can the Attorney-General tell us when we may expect any comments from the Government on the report of the Committee of Justice which made a recommendation on these lines and which the Government said they were considering?

The Attorney-General

I do not think that that arises out of the Question, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the matter is still being actively considered. However, I cannot give a date when the Government will announce their decision.