HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1173-4W
Mr. Gledhill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport on what date the Railways (Transport of Green Onions) Order (S.R. and O., 759, of 1943), which was signed on the 24th May and came into operation on the 28th May, was available to the public?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The Transport of Green Onions Direction, 1943, was on sale at the Stationery Office on 31st May.

Mr. Gledhill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the Railways (Transport of Potatoes) Direction No. 2 Order of 1943 was brought into operation on the day on which it was signed, and therefore before its contents could be known to those affected?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The Railways (Transport of Potatoes) Direction (No. 2) of 1943 revoked an earlier Direction which controlled the movement of seed potatoes during the recent winter season. This earlier Direction was complementary to an Order made by the Ministry of Food. As this Order lapsed on 30th April and the movement of seed potatoes had ended, the Direction to which my hon. Friend refers had no further significance and no public inconvenience could be caused by the fact that it became operative on the day it was signed.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

asked the Secretary of State for Air why no explanatory note was attached to the Air Navigation (Amendment) Order, 1943, in order that its purport might be ascertained without reference to the principal Order and the amendments which have been made by subsequent Orders?

Captain Balfour

No explanatory memorandum was issued because the Order in question was not made under powers conferred by the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts, but under the Air Navigation Act, 1920. While its purport would, I think, be clear to the limited class of persons whom it affects, I appreciate the desire of hon. Members to be able to ascertain easily the meaning of subordinate legislation of this kind. I shall endeavour to ensure for the future that Orders for which my Department is responsible are drafted in terms which give a clear indication of their effect. I must express my regret for any inconvenience which may have arisen in this particular instance.