§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Master of the Rolls in the course of his judgment in the case Roadways Transport Development v. Attorney-General; and whether he proposes to introduce a Bill to amend the Army Act, 1881.
§ Sir E. GriggI have seen the statement referred to in the Question. The powers of emergency requisitioning conferred by Section 115 of the Army and Air Force Acts are not being exercised at present, as the concurrent powers available under the Defence Regulations are being used when necessary. In regard to the latter no ambiguity arises, as the case of the article which is being bought on the hire purchase system is expressly provided for62W in the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. In present circumstances, I do not think I should be justified in taking up the time of Parliament with an amendment of the Army and Air Force Acts in this respect. The matter is one which will require attention after the war.