HC Deb 25 July 1946 vol 426 cc352-3

Lords Amendment: In page 29, line 12, at end, insert: and on any such reference or appeal the court may order the Minister to pay the costs of any other person, whether or not the decision is in his favour and whether or not the Minister appears on the reference or appeal.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment is accepted for the reason that, if cases go to the court—and it may be the case that there will be test cases—it will be within the power of the court to award costs against the Minister. I am sure the House will accept it.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower (Penrith and Cockermouth)

I should like to ask the Minister whether this would also apply to cases which are not test cases.

Mr. Griffiths

It will be for the court to determine whether the award can be made.

Question put, and agreed to.—[Special Entry.]