§ 26. Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Attorney-General if he will list his statutory powers to take legal action against Government Departments for breaches of the law.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy powers to take action for breaches of the law, whether ex officio or at the relation of a citizen, are founded in common law.
§ Mr. WardellGiven that the Attorney-General's authority is derived from common law, will he explain why he has never permitted a citizen of this country to take civil action in the courts against a Minister or Government Department, and why he is unwilling to explain his reasons for such a refusal?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am not sure that the premise of the hon. Gentleman's question is right. When I lend my name in a relator action to a citizen in order to bring proceedings—whomsoever they are against—I review the matter dispassionately and carefully, in accordance with the law and the strength of the case that the citizen puts before me.