British Judge Warns That State's New Powers Must Be Watched

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 November 1949, Page 5

British Judge Warns That State's New Powers Must Be Watched

LONDON, Nov. 4 'Reed. 6pm).—A warning that the Slate's new powers “must be watched” was given by Lord Justice Denning in a lecture at. London University. The most, significant feature of the | present time, he said, was the increasing powers of the country’s executives —“a complete departure from 'principles hitherto in force in England.” They were an inseparable part of modern society. No one would deny that England could not have I reached her present standard of life without them. rii° problem was to see they were nol abused.

I “These powers involve interference! I with private rights and interests, * he* .said, “and it is essential in a free ( {community to strike a just balance) I between private rights and the pub-; lie’s benefit. Power to enter a man’s 1 I house against his will is a power: {which must be wat-hed with care. It • 'affects that, personal freedom we value most—freedom ot our homes.” I New powers of entry and search had been ushered in by a new age. > “All this is a ' omplete departure I from principles hithertj in force ini i England,” he said. “What is to hap- 1

pen if Government officers abuse their {powers? Is there any remedy under (law? If there is none, our freedom (would be seriously impaired. But • there is a remedy and that may be 'one of the reasons why sc few abuses (have occurred. Judges of three cenjturies ago laid down principles that are just as applicable in these days.” I Now powers, properly exercised, led to a welfare State, and abused, to a I totalitarian State. I “It must be the duty of the courts Ito see that this will neve) be.”—Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent.