Oral Answers to Questions — Government Departments (Powers)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 October 1954.

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Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington 12:00, 25 October 1954

asked the Attorney-General if, in view of the evidence of bureaucratic controls and action by Government Departments without Parliamentary sanction, he will introduce legislation to enable all persons affected by such action to have the right of appeal to a traditional court of law on points of fact and of merit.

Photo of Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller , Northamptonshire South

No, Sir. The courts already have jurisdiction to try actions where it is alleged that a Government Department has acted in excess of the powers conferred upon it by Parliament.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

May I congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend on his appointment to his present office? In order to avoid the spread of the disease, now known as Crichelitis, will my right hon. and learned Friend take the necessary steps to see that aggrieved persons have appeal to an open and traditional court of English law, not only on points of law, but also on points of fact and merit?

Photo of Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller , Northamptonshire South

That appears to be the same question as the one on the Order Paper.