HC Deb 28 May 1924 vol 174 cc391-2
49. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Prime Minister when payment will be made to those affected by the decision in the case of Sutton v. Rex?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hartshorn)

I have been asked to reply. £1,220,000 has already been paid to men clearly affected by the decision. Further test actions are about to come before the Courts in respect of men not covered by the decision referred to; and with regard to these I must refer the Noble Lady to the reply given to the questions on the subject asked by the hon. Member for Dulwich and the right hon. Member for the Colchester Division of Essex on the 15th instant, a copy of which I will send her.

Mr. BETTERTON

As this is a very serious matter for these men, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite it?

Mr. HARTSHORN

I know there has been a very unfortunate delay in this matter, but I am pleased to say that Petitions of Right were presented yesterday and we expect them to be served within the course of the next few days. Replies will have to be furnished within 28 days. Immediately these replies have been furnished application will be made to the Court to expedite the hearing. There will be no delay that can possibly be avoided.

Major HORE-BELISHA

As this question relates to a judgment already delivered, what has the new Petition of Right to do with the men who are affected by that judgment?

Mr. G. SPENCER

Have technical objections been raised to the claims of a great many of the men who thought that they were covered by this decision?

Mr. HARTSHORN

This is a legal tangle which will have to be left to the lawyers.