HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc929-30
87. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any information in connection with the case against the Minister of Transport at Chester Assizes on Tuesday last; what were the damages and costs given against the Minister; and what was the total cost of the case?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

Damages were claimed, against my right hon. Friend for alleged negligence and trespass by his servants and agents. The plaintiff alleged that she had suffered injury as a result of tripping over a survey peg placed on her land without her knowledge and consent, in connection with a scheme for the improvement of the trunk road near Wrexham. On certain points, particularly as regards the alleged trespass and the visibility of the peg, the evidence would have been conflicting, but on the advice of leading counsel the case was settled by the payment of £300 damages and the plaintiff's taxed costs. These costs have not yet been taxed and it is, therefore, not possible at present to state what is the total cost of the case.

Mr. Thorne

May I ask who will pay this cost?

Mr. Hudson

The payment will be made from the Road Fund.