Brexit: Statutory Instruments

Debate between Lord Lang of Monkton and Lord Callanan

Thursday 10th January 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

I thank the noble Lord for drawing that to my attention. I have more regard for his scrutiny powers than he himself does. I am sure he will give the matter his full consideration. These are essential pieces of legislation. We will need to introduce them before exit day.

[Lord Lang of Monkton (Con)]

My Lords, can my noble friend tell the House what proportion of these statutory instruments contain Henry VIII powers? Does he agree that any growth in the number of Henry VIII powers creates a dangerous power imbalance between the Executive and Parliament and therefore should be resisted?

[Lord Callanan]

We are endeavouring to keep the number containing Henry VIII powers to a minimum. I will write to the noble Lord with the detailed numbers.