§ Mr. R. A. Butlerasked the Prime Minister what other Acts relating to the present emergency, in addition to the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act. 1939, will be brought to an end; and at what dates the relevant Order in Council will be introduced.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. There is a considerable number of temporary Acts, passed for emergency purposes. Most are not of a restrictive character but merely adapted statutory requirements to meet the exigencies of abnormal conditions. The duration of some of the Acts is linked with the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939 and of these Acts most are being given an extended duration by the Emergency Laws (Transitional Provisions) Bill. Others, which are not linked with the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, can be brought to an end by Order in Council, which will be made in each case when the particular circumstances which the Act was designed to meet come to an end. It is not possible, at this stage, to foresee the exact dates, but the position is kept under review and the various statutory provisions will be brought to an end as soon as they can be dispensed with.