60. Mr. PALMERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the judgment in the action of Admiral Sir Percy Scott against Messrs Vickers; whether the work done for the Government under the Admiral's patents was on what is known as time and line conditions; whether this means that the extra sums payable to Sir Percy Scott under the judgment of the High Court must ultimately come out of the pockets of the taxpayer; and what is the estimate of the sum which will fall on the British Exchequer?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- 1650 tive, and to the second part in the negative. It is not anticipated that any additional sums will be payable by the Admiralty by reason of the judgment referred to.
Mr. PALMERDoes my right hon. Friend mean that he does not know whether this will be on "time and line" conditions or not?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am informed by the Admiralty that they think the conditions are such that no part of it will fall upon them. If there be any doubt about it, I can assure my hon. Friend that the Treasury will look into it very carefully.