HC Deb 12 April 1911 vol 24 cc463-5
Mr. W. PEEL

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the approximate total amount of the costs already paid, and which will have to be paid, by the Treasury, in connection with the recently decided Swansea school case, setting out the costs of the hearing before the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal, and the House of Lords respectively; and whether, in view of the fact that a large amount of public money has been thrown away, he will in future take precautions against allowing or directing appeals which have no result except the incurring of fresh costs?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am informed that the approximate total costs of the Treasury will probably amount to £2,740. Of this amount £544 represents the costs of the proceedings before the Divisional Court, £902 represents the costs of the proceedings before the Court of Appeal, and £970 the costs of the proceedings before the House of Lords. The residue of the estimated total is accounted for by petty disbursements, which cannot at short notice be allocated to the various hearings, and printing expenses. I cannot accept the assumption underlying the second part of the question.

Mr. W. PEEL

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the appeal to the House of Lords from the Court of Appeal in the recent Swansea school case was brought under his direction and by his authority; whether, before such appeal was brought, the opinion of the Law Officers was obtained as to the probability of such appeal succeeding; and, if not, by whose direction or advice such appeal was brought?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The appeal from the Court of Appeal was brought under my direction and by my authority, and this step, like other steps in the course of the case, was taken after obtaining proper legal advice.

Mr. PEEL

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the second part of the question, whether the opinion of the Law Officers was obtained on the probability of such an appeal succeeding?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I said, "after obtaining proper legal advice."

Mr. PEEL

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman would kindly answer my definite question. Whether the advice of the Law Officers was taken before he recommended an appeal?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have given an answer to the question on the Paper, and I do not feel called to give a definite answer to a supplementary question.

Mr. PEEL

I give notice that, in consequence of the discourteous reply, I shall raise the question on the Motion for Adjournment.