§ Mr. CannTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to emphasise the need for clarity and explicitness by authorities submitting documents to public inquiries. [34612]
§ Mr. StreeterA press notice was issued on 26 February 1996 inviting comments on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning the conduct of inquiries set up by Ministers to investigate matters of public concern. Following the consultation period, the Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on all of the issues raised.
§ Mr. CannTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to ensure that non-statutory public inquiries set up by local or central government qualify for subpoena powers under Supreme Court Rules Order 38 Rule 19(1). [34613]
§ Mr. StreeterThe question of subpoena powers for such inquiries arose during our consultation on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning inquiry450W procedures. The Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on the issues raised, which the Lord Chancellor will consider once received.