§ 51. Mr. Thorneycroftasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will include in any scheme for the compensation for death or injury sustained by members of Civil Defence organisations, or for their dependants, a provision entitling any person aggrieved by a decision of the Treasury to seek his remedies under such scheme, in a county court?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, Sir. I do not think that such a provision would be appropriate, even if it were within the terms of the Clause, which I am advised is more than doubtful.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a growing body of opinion which dislikes this system whereby Ministers set themselves up as judges in their own courts, and will he either reconsider the matter or give a reasonable explanation for refusing this request?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe request in the question related to a specified tribunal. I said in reply to a previous question that persons who may be aggrieved by the 1481 decision of the Treasury could have recourse to the courts. I think the matter is better left there until the draft scheme is available and can be discussed.
§ Mr. SilvermanCan the right hon. Gentleman say what recourse an aggrieved person can possibly have to the courts when the Act under which the regulations are made expressly excludes any litigation in the courts for these matters?
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.