5. c. 7) was an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom, now repealed, which set out the powers and functions of certain Tribunals of Inquiry along with the procedures for the taking of evidence.

For a tribunal to be established under the Act, the matter in question would need to be one of urgent public significance; and would need to be authorised by the Secretary of State.

[4] The papers, which were alleged[note 1] to have been destroyed, related to the outcome of certain investigations regarding the entitlement of contractors, and involved sums in the many millions.

[6][7] During a House of Commons debate of 22 February 1921, Captain Loseby claimed that there were sworn affidavits from those who witnessed the order to destroy being given.

It naturally followed that the question should be posed as to whether it would be necessary to have an act of Parliament in place in order for the proposed Committee to be able to hear evidence on oath.