HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1673-5

(1) The Minister may sue and be sued by the name of the Minister of Ways and Communications, and may for all purposes be described by that name and shall be responsible for the acts and defaults of the officers and servants of the Ministry and shall be liable to pay, and entitled to receive, costs in like manner as a private person.

Sir E. GEDDES

I beg to move, in. Sub-section (1), after the word "sued," to insert the words in respect of matters whether relating to contract, tort, or otherwise arising in connection with his office. This is merely put in in order to provide what has already been agreed in Committee, that the Minister shall be liable, and capable of being sued, in all matters relating to contract, tort, or otherwise.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In Subsection (1), after the word "servants," to insert the words and agents."—[Mr. Kiley.]

Sir E. POLLOCK

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), to leave out the words and shall be liable to pay, and entitled to receive, costs in like manner as a private person and to insert instead thereof the words in like manner and to the like extent as if they were his servants, and costs may be awarded to or against the Minister. This is a small Amendment to carry out and emphasise the full rights of the subject against the Minister.

Amendment agreed to.