§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Prime Minister whether he will give the composition of the committee which is inquiring into civil liabilities in relation to the war and war-time legislation; what evidence is being taken; what type of evidence is required; whether offers of evidence are welcomed; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient time has elapsed to enable a correct estimate to be formed of the effect of war-time legislation?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI think that there is some misapprehension with reference to the committee to which my hon. Friend's question refers. The Home Policy Committee has committed to the departmental advisers of the Ministers composing the Home Policy Committee, acting together, the duty of collating such evidence as is available with respect to the effect of the war and war-time legislation on civil liabilities, and for that purpose of receiving information by way of interview or written communication2116W from those whom they consider best fitted to advise and inform them. I understand that from time to time as their task proceeds a report of these investigations will be made to the Home Policy Committee who will then have it in their power to consider whether legislation or other remedial action should be set on foot.
Any information and any class of opinion bearing upon the subject under discussion will be gladly received by the body to which I have referred. Until their investigation has proceeded a little further, it is not possible to say whether a correct estimate can be made of the effect of war-time legislation.
I will, if my hon. Friend desires, furnish him with the name and address of the official to whom communications on this matter should be made.