§ 37. Mr. THORNEasked the Postmaster-General if he can state the reasons why action is being taken against the Municipal Tramways and Transport Association for damages; and whether there is any possibility of the case being settled out of court?
§ Sir K. WOODI assume that the hon. Member refers to claims which have been made from time to time, under the Telegraph and other Acts, against a, number of individual tramway undertakings in respect of electrolytic damage caused to Post Office cables by leakage of tramway current. While such claims have been regularly settled by some undertakings, others have for some time past consistently disclaimed liability, and a large sum is now outstanding from them. The question what action should be taken is still under consideration.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, if the Tramways Association wins, it means an obligation on the taxpayer, and, if he wins, it means an obligation on the ratepayer?