STATUTORY LAW REVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Health and Law whether Government would consider introducing legislation for the establishment of a Statutory Law Revision Advisory Committee to include members from the Bench, the Bar, the Chambers of Commerce, Trade Unions and women's organisations.

Mr K. M. Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, while the Government accepts the need for the establishment of a Law Revision Committee from time to time, it is felt that it would be wrong to establish a permanent Statutory Committee with its powers set out and circumscribed by legislation. It is, however, proposed to seek the views of the Judges and the Bar Committee to explore the possibility of setting up from time to time Law Revision Committees to deal with particular aspects of the law which need revision.

Mr David Marshall: I appreciate the indications given by the Minister. But would he not consider that a permanent committee which has to meet and has this responsibility of regularly meeting and considering the need for revision would far better meet the requirements of fast-changing circumstances than ad hoc committees from time to time?

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have traced the history of Law Revision Committees elsewhere and we have found in all the Commonwealth countries that they are never appointed on a permanent statutory basis and given well defined powers. As the need arises, these Statutory Revision Committees are appointed. If the Member for Anson has any ideas on the subject, and if he were to write in to us making suggestions, we would consider the setting up of a Law Revision Committee to look into those aspects of the law which require amendment or revision. These are essentially technical committees, Mr Speaker, Sir, If the Member for Anson feels very strongly that there should be amendments to particular laws, there is nothing to prevent him from introducing a Private Member's Bill.