§ 36. Sir B. Jannerasked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the judicial pronouncements in the cases of Gomberg v. Smith and Ellis v. Johnson; and if he will now take steps to implement in this respect the recommendation of the report of the 25 Lord Chancellor's Committee on the Law of Civil Liability for damage done by animals.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which my hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General gave him on 4th February.
§ Sir B. JannerSince that date, has the Solicitor-General's hon. and learned Friend reconsidered the matter in view of the decisions given in the courts in these two cases, where the judges strongly recommended a change in the law? Does not the Solicitor-General think that it is high time compensation was payable and that the law should see to it that injuries sustained in this way are regarded for purposes of compensation? Would the Solicitor-General support a Private Member's Bill to deal with this matter if it were introduced?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralMy attention has been directed to these two cases. I can only repeat what the Attorney-General said. I agree that the law is unsatisfactory. I can only also repeat that there is no chance of the Government introducing legislation. If and when a private Member introduces legislation the hon. Gentleman's views will be taken into account.