- Are there more occurrences in the statute book of Parliament bestowing more power on government than there are of Parliament placing limits on government?
- How has this changed over the years?
I'm measuring this by looking at the frequency of terms appearing across primary legislation.
- may – gives a minister or secretary of state greater powers, for them to use at their own discretion.
- must or shall – limits a minister of secretary of state by reducing the amount of discretion they are allowed in exercising a power.