HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 cc1118-9
4. Mr. Oliver

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the position of civilians injured in road accidents by the negligent driving of United States service vehicles and the refusal of the commanding general of the American Forces in this country to submit the cases to the jurisdiction of the civil courts; and whether any steps are being taken to obtain a satisfactory settlement of this matter with the Government of the United States?

Mr. Law

These matters are at present under active discussion with the Government of the United States and the United States authorities.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this great general principle applies to accidents caused by Dominion troops in this country, and will he see that a proper investigation is carried out into the whole question?

Mr. Law

As the matter is at present under discussion with the United States Government, I do not think it would be wise to enter into it now.

Mr. Nicholson

Is it not an extremely unsatisfactory state of affairs when one's constituents are getting killed or injured and there is no recourse open to them in law?

Mr. Keeling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the American Army issue a document which purports to be an award by a tribunal, and that they thus act both as defendant and as judge?

Forward to