HC Deb 01 August 1935 vol 304 cc2851-2
54. Mr. THORNE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give any information in regard to the claim of £916 against the Birmingham Corporation relative to the moving of telegraph lines; what action he now intends taking in the matter; and whether negotiations were entered into to settle the matter out of court?

The ASSISTANT - POSTMASTER GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

The claim against the Birmingham Corporation was the subject of a friendly test case for the settlement of an important question of interpretation of the Telegraph Acts. The matter concerns not only Birmingham, but highway and town planning authorities generally; and it was essential to obtain an authoritative decision by the Courts. The question whether any further action should be taken is now under consideration.

Mr. THORNE

Is this a case to test a principle of law?

Period. Quantity of Coal exported from the Bristol Channel Ports to
France. Italy. Germany. Spain.
Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
1931 … … 5,567,827 3,035,811 44,201 806,307
1932 … … 5,285,541 2,331,798 32,823 733,197
1933 … … 5,138,031 2,112,901 34,612 712,718
1934 … … 4,763,414 2,182,706 35,967 852,814
1935 (January-June) 2,192,354 1,100,383 35,630 459,352
Sir E. BENNETT

Yes, Sir. A legal decision was necessary in this case.