§ * GENERAL LAURIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government employees are exempt from the provisions of the law relative to the use of motor-cars; and, if they are so exempt, whether the individual employee will be held personally responsible for any injury he may cause to life or limb or property; or whether the head of the Department to which he belongs will assume all responsibility to meet any claims for such injury.
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE Foil THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. COCHRANE, Ayrshire, N.)I apprehend that the general rule that the Crown is not bound by the provisions of a statute unless named therein would not extend to exempt a Government employee from personal liability for damage caused by his own negligence. But any claim for compensation out of public funds in any such case could only be met as an act of grace and favour, and the decision would depend upon the circumstances of the particular case.
§ * GENERAL LAURIEIn the ease of such damage, who will he the person to be sued? Will it be the head of the Department?
§ * MR. COCHRANEI am afraid I can add nothing to my answer.