30 JANUARY 1948, Page 15

SIR,—In his paragraph relating to the spate of Statutory Rules'

and Orders, Janus makes no reference to'-a comparatively recent form of legislation which, in these days when the Government makes ever-increasing incursions into the social and economic life of the people, may become of immense importance. Lord Justice Scott recently referred to this as sub-delegated legislation, the chief form of which is " government by circular." Ministers issue circulars to local authorities on such diverse subjects as nursery schools, the requisitioning of houses, the issue of building licences and the preparation of county planning schemes, to mention only a few. Unlike the S.R. & 0., these circulars are not avail- able to the general public, and it would be interesting to learn the opinions of constitutional lawyers on this latest form of legislation.—I am, Sir,