HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc740-1
35 and 36. Sir J. Hobson

asked the Attorney-General (1) in what country it is intended by Her Majesty's Government that the Treasury Solicitor shall institute proceedings against the owners of the "Torrey Canyon";

(2) whether the proceedings to be instituted by the Treasury Solicitor against the owners of the "Torrey Canyon" will be for and on behalf of the Crown only, or whether they will be for or on behalf of any other persons and authorities; and who those will be.

The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)

Investigations are continuing as to the venue most appropriate for bringing proceedings. In addition to this country, the United States, Bermuda, and Liberia are being considered. It is intended that the action will be brought on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. If other actions are brought, whether by other public authorities or by private individuals, the Government will consider whether it will be possible for such actions to be consolidated with their own.

Sir J. Hobson

Is the learned Attorney-General saying that the Government have threatened proceedings without knowing where they can be brought? Is not the position that the only possibility of bringing proceedings in this country is if the only other ship of the owners comes within our territorial waters? Otherwise are not California and Bermuda the only countries in which we can sue?

The Attorney-General

As the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, there are complex problems of jurisdiction, liability and damages arising out of this disaster. The Treasury Solicitor is in communication with the solicitors acting for the owners, and proceedings will be brought where it would seem that the most satisfactory result can be obtained.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does my right hon. and learned Friend realise that if he applies the same skill to the other unprecedented problems arising from this wreck as he did to the earlier problems, he will earn the thanks of hundreds of hotel keepers and residents along the south coast?

The Attorney-General

I hope that potential defendants will take due note of that tribute.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Does the Attorney-General not recollect that the Prime Minister said, as reported in column 54 of HANSARD, that we had slapped in our writ right away"? Where was that done?

The Attorney-General

I did hear that elegant phrase from my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and I noticed that when he addressed it to the right hon. and learned Member for Warwick and Leamington (Sir J. Hobson) he said: To use a phrase which the right hon. and learned Gentleman will probably fault, we have slapped in our writ right away…"— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 4th April, 1967; Vol. 744, c. 54.] Obviously that observation has been faulted. Perhaps I should add that the proper steps are being taken with the shipowners' solicitors.