§ Q3. Mr. Whitakerasked the Prime Minister when he intends to introduce legislation to establish the Parliamentary Commissioner.
§ The Prime MinisterWhen the programme of legislation announced in the Gracious Speech permits, Sir.
§ Mr. WhitakerWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the very real pleasure with which the majority of the country heard his commitment to this Measure two years ago has been followed by equivalent disappointment at its delay?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no question about a commitment. In the Gracious Speech it was said that we would introduce other Bills when time permits. We cannot yet be certain about the priorities in relation to particular Bills because of the very heavy legislative programme we have.
§ Mr. GrimondIf there is a delay in the introduction of this Bill, will the Prime Minister bear in mind that many of the complaints are made not against the central Government but against institutions, including local authorities and the nationalised industries? Would he consider introducing in the Bill some measures by which these can be investigated?
§ The Prime MinisterThis was a matter which we considered very carefully. We felt, and this has been explained to the House, that in the first place we should proceed with this new machinery in relation to the central Government. There is, of course, nothing to prevent others, particularly the major local authorities, from setting up their own 1421 machinery for handling these problems instead of having it done centrally on their behalf.