Hansard can only be made reference to in very limited circumstances following the strict guidelines set down in Pepper v Hart. The court must be persuaded that such a reference is justified. Nonetheless, it may consider extracts from Hansard de bene esse. Such arguments have, however, generally fallen from favour.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pepper v Hart established that reference to Hansard (the official report of all debates in Parliament) is permissible under certain conditions, such as when legislation is ambiguous or obscure, and the material from Hansard would genuinely assist in clarifying the legislative intent. However, this is indeed subject to strict guidelines and is generally considered a last resort, reflecting the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and the separation of powers.

Hansard Can Only Be Made Reference to in Very Limited