Vine v National Dock Labour Board [1957] AC 488

Court: House of Lords

Facts: The Dock Workers (Employment and Regulation Scheme) 1947 granted the local dock labour board the authority to suspend workers. During a dispute, the port manager suspended several workers without consulting the board, which did not investigate the matter or see the relevant report.

Issue: Could the power to suspend workers granted to the dock labour board be delegated to the port manager?

Held: The House of Lords found in favor of the plaintiffs. The court held that the power had been granted specifically to the dock labour board and could not be delegated to the port manager. The board could only consider recommendations made by the port manager.

Key Judicial Statements: It was established that public power granted to a body by statute cannot be delegated to another entity, particularly when such powers have a judicial nature.

💡 LevelUpLaw: the principle that statutory powers must be exercised by the designated authority and cannot be transferred to another party, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of delegated powers in administrative law.