HL Deb 01 February 1996 vol 568 c118WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes, if any, have been made in governmental and parliamentary practice and procedure in the light of the decision in Pepper v. Hart, enabling the courts to have regard to statements made in Parliament when interpreting the meaning of ambiguous statutory provisions.

The Lord Privy Seal (Viscount Cranborne)

So far as government practice is concerned, departments have been reminded of the importance of statements made by Ministers during the passage of legislation providing a clear and unambiguous guide to the aim of the legislation. A number of other practical steps for the avoidance or correction of mistakes have been recommended in guidance. If it proves necessary to correct for the official record any inadvertent ambiguity or error in such a statement, that is done as promptly as possible at an appropriate point during the further consideration of the Bill. Changes in parliamentary practice and procedure are matters for each House.