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Used because:
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Saves limited time in Parliament;
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Allow rapid change;
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MPs lack detailed or technical knowledge. E.g. Specific details in
Abortion Act, Road Traffic detail
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Quick response to new developments, e.g. Foot and Mouth outbreaks.
The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act allows the
quick addition of new prohibited groups.
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Enables minor changes to statutes, e.g. Variations in sentences,
approval of motor vehicle changes.
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Judicial review may be sought, by parties with
locus standi, (i.e.
Persons sufficiently affected by the legislation), so time is not
wasted by Parliament considering them all.
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Model bylaws available from Whitehall.
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Withdrawal or amendment easy.
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Using delegated Legislation
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implies that Parliament has insufficient time to scrutinise it.
Parliament is not reviewing legislation properly.
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Sub-delegation of powers a further problem (although not for EU
statutory instruments), which causes complexity and confusion.
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Sheer volume causes complexity - it is impossible for anyone to keep
abreast of all delegated legislation.
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Lack of publicity, not known about by the public (and often
lawyers).
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It is undemocratic as most regulations are made by civil servant or
other unelected people, except for local authority bylaws made by
elected councillors
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Henry VIII clauses can give power to delegated legislation or amend
or repeal Acts of Parliament
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