§ 35. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General if he will take steps to establish an administrative division of the High Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis suggestion is one of a number now being studied by the Government in their search for ways of safeguarding more effectively and equitably the rights and freedoms of the individual citizen.
§ Mr. DavisIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his answer will be acclaimed provided, of course, that there follows some action on the part of his Department? Would he give 1034 some indication of when he expects some decision to be made on this issue?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman probably knows that the Law Commission is at present studying improvements in the procedure with regard to prerogative orders. Study is also being made of the introduction of an ombudsman for the National Health Service and also improved arrangements for investigating citizens' complaints in local government. The Government are certainly mindful of the importance of these matters.
§ Mr. S. C. SilkinHas the right hon. and learned Gentleman read the very useful and valuable report of Justice on this subject, and, if so, will he undertake that it will be fully taken into account in this review?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have read the report ; it is under study, and I will so undertake.
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithDoes my right hon. and Learned Friend recall that there have been two authoritative reports by the Society of Conservative Lawyers proposing solutions to this problem and that they cover a number of areas, and that a solution to this matter is now urgently awaited?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware of those very useful reports to which my right hon. and learned Friend has referred. They have been taken very actively into account in this study which is being undertaken by the Government.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that we have been waiting for a long time now in the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner to hear what view is held on the question of that Committee extending its powers to the National Health Service? Could he say when we are likely to have the reply?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI cannot myself give my hon. Friend any information on that, save to say that these matters are under consideration with reference to an ombudsman for the National Health Service and for local government. I shall see that her point is brought to my right hon. Friend's attention.