§ 54. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Postmaster-General the cost of his present action against Mr. W. Larcombe, whose garage was burnt down and whom he sued for £100 damages to the telegraph lines that passed over his garage; and whether it is proposed to incur any further expenditure on a new trial?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThis case stands adjourned for legal argument in London, and in the circumstances I do not think it proper to make any statement. I am not at present in a position to state the costs.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that already he has had to pay more in costs than he is likely to get, and that, owing to the refusal to accept the majority verdict, this unfortunate man is going to be called upon to pay the costs of a further case?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe trial involves points of fact as well as points of law, and the points of law are still awaiting argument in London.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURY rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member has received the answer that this matter is still the subject of trial, and he cannot persist in questioning the Minister if the matter is still sub judice.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYOn a point of Order. What I wanted to raise was the question of raising on the Adjournment at an early date the policy of the Post Office in regard to these cases against unfortunate defendants?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat goes beyond the question on the Paper.