§ Q2. Mr. Ridleyasked the Prime Minister if he will give an undertaking that no administrative action will be taken 2130 by Government Departments in advance of the legislative action authorising it.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Successive Governments have found it conducive of the public good from time to time to allow preparatory work to go ahead in advance of the passage of legislation and I see no reason to change the practice.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the Prime Minister aware that there is deep objection to the growing practice of Government by circular and Ministerial decree? Will he comment on the growing evidence that a written constitution is what the British people would like to safeguard their rights?
§ The Prime MinisterWithout encroaching on the affairs of other countries, I should say that the existence of a written constitution is not necessarily a guarantee of liberties or stability, nor does it give the flexibility which has always existed in this country. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's statement about a growing practice. I have said that there have always been occasions— though I agree that this must be done very sparingly—when administrative action has been taken ahead of legislation under successive Governments. The House would be very impatient sometimes if legislation had been passed and there had been no preparation to put it into effect quickly.