HL Deb 03 July 1958 vol 210 cc527-8

3.9 p.m.

LORD SILKIN

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask the Chairman of Committees if the Joint Committee on Private Bill legislation promised by the Chairman on the 21st May last has yet been appointed.]

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (LORD MERTHYR)

My Lords, I have had very much in mind the opinion which clearly emerged from the debate on May 21, that a further inquiry was desirable into the principle enunciated by the Chairman of Ways and Means and myself on the subject of County Council Bills. I did not promise a Joint Select Committee because I had no power to do so. I said, and I say again to-day, that I strongly favour a full and early inquiry into the whole matter. Discussions are now going on as to the form and scope of the inquiry and I hope to put a Motion on the Order Paper before the Summer Recess.

LORD SILKIN

My Lords, may I ask whether the noble Lord is not aware that the whole House was under the impression that this Committee would he set up, and it was partly as a result of that fact that a number of noble Lords supported the noble Lord in his contention? While not wishing to make any specific point on whether what the noble Lord said was a promise, an assurance or an understanding, may I take it that he has quite definitely decided that such a Committee will be set up and that the announcement will be made before the Summer Recess?

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, with one small exception, I entirely accept what the noble Lord has just said. The exception is that he will appreciate that it is simply not in my power to set up a Joint Select Committee or promise that such a Committee shall be set up. It is quite apparent that the consent of both Houses is required for that. I can only repeat that, whilst I should like to have a joint Select Committee, it is not within my power to commit another place to that action.

LORD SILKIN

My Lords, in view of the fact that an inquiry into this matter is eminently desirable, and that the whole House thought so, if by any chance it should be found to be impossible to have a Joint Committee, would the noble Lord consider having a Committee of this House?

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, yes I should.