§ 23. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has 2501 been drawn to the decision of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday last in the case of T. J. Brocklebank Limited v. The King, and the observations of Lord Justice Scrutton that the claimants, who in his view had suffered a wrong at law, should be deprived of their remedy by a misunderstanding of the obscure language of the Indemnity Act, and that he expressed his regret that the Government in such circumstances should keep money illegally obtained; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Webb)I have been asked to reply. My attention has been drawn to the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case referred to and to the observations made by Lord Justice Scrutton. Having regard to the circumstances in which payments in this and similar cases were made, and to the decision of this House expressed by its passing the War Charges (Validity) Bill, I do not propose to take any action.
§ Sir K. WOODAre these not rather serious observations by a very distinguished Judge and ought not something to be done when Judges make comments of this kind?
§ Mr. WEBBI can only say that full consideration has been given to the observations made by the learned Judge, but this House has come to another decision.