ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses actual restrictions on the liberty of the individual and concentrations of power within and outside the State which by their very existence pose a threat to liberty. Once the necessary economic and political decisions have been made the problem of restricting the growth of the Executive becomes primarily one of administrative techniques. In 1932 the Donoughmore Committee on Ministers' Powers recommended that both Houses should have a Standing Committee to consider and report on Bills conferring law-making powers and on legislation made pursuant to such powers. Powers to delegate should be scrutinized more closely before they become effective. The chapter is concerned primarily with powers vested in the Executive by planning and welfare legislation. A new institution is needed to fill the gap with power to initiate legislation and with fixed days assigned to it for debates on civil liberties.
