HL Deb 27 July 1944 vol 132 cc1183-4
LORD ADDISON

My Lords, may I ask His Majesty's Government a private notice question—namely, whether they can now say what steps, if any, will be required to rectify the position relating to the Fire Service Regulations, which were not laid before Parliament?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, I am obliged to the noble Lord. His Majesty's Government have decided to submit to Parliament without any delay a Bill of Indemnity. I do not propose at this moment to discuss the legal position but my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, after consulting the Attorney-General, is clear that on general and constitutional grounds the course which I have stated is the proper one. It is, in my right honourable friend's view, right that Parliament should be given a proper opportunity of dealing with the matter in a Parliamentary Bill.

LORD ADDISON

I take it that some means will be provided for dealing with the cases of people who have been prosecuted, perhaps fined, or may be imprisoned, under these regulations, which have no legal sanction. Further, is it proposed to pass the Bill of Indemnity before we rise for the Recess?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, subject to what my noble friend on the Woolsack may say, I understand it is the intention, by passing a Bill of Indemnity, to legalize the fines or other penalties which have been imposed on individuals who have broken these regulations. In answer to the noble Lord's other question, I understand that it is the intention to pass this Bill before the House rises for the Recess.