asked the Lord President of the Council whether he has observed the difference in methods of amending Orders in the recent cases, namely, 1943, NQ. 653 and 1943, No. 616; that in the former case the Minister of Food has adopted the method of amendment by reference and in the latter case the Minister of Supply has adopted the method of restating the Order in amended form; and whether the latter will be regularly followed?

I have been asked to reply. Order No. 653 of 1943 alters a permitted charge from 3s. to Is. To revoke and re-enact an Order extending over 36 pages to make this amendment would appear to be a course open to criticism, but where the nature of an amend- ment is such that a revocation and reenactment are necessary for a proper understanding of the amendment this course is followed and, I can assure my hon. Friend, will continue to be the regular practice of my Department.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary draw the attention of the Lord President of the Council to the desirability of reducing as much as possible in delegated legislation the evils and inconveniences of legislation by reference?