§ 3.2 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To draw the attention of Her Majesty's Government to the statement by Mr. Justice Roxburgh in the Chancery Division on 23rd June that the action before him—in which both parties were legally aided and in which he approved a settlement which "had ended days and nights of wasted time and money"—was one in which neither party could gain anything, but that it was inevitable that the taxpayer would lose more and more each day, and that, as it seemed to him, a problem calling for attention was whether there ought not to be devised machinery where under some body of persons should have the right to bring pressure to bear to stop actions which were going to be barren of any worthwhile results; and to ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the interests of the taxpayer, they will consider the advisability of devising legislative or other machinery which could stop actions of the aforesaid nature.]
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD SIMONDS)My Lords, my attention has already been called to the case to which the noble Viscount's Question refers. The Law Society are, at my request, considering among other things, the situation which arises in such cases, and their report is nearly completed. I should prefer not to make any definite statement on that matter until I have considered that report.