HC Deb 29 July 1910 vol 19 c2683W
Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGH

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the recent decision of Mr. Justice Channell in Hobbs v. Winchester Corporation (21st March, 1910), Which will render it practically impossible for local authorities to take proceedings for condemnation of diseased meat or unsound food as they make themselves liable for damages, even where the meat or food is condemned when the owner is not personally to blame; and will he take steps to introduce legislation to amend the Public Health Act, 1875, so as to make it clear that consequential damage cannot be recovered, as has been decided in Ireland in the case of Smith v. Belfast Corporation, a decision now shaken by the Winchester case?

Mr. BURNS

My attention has been called to the case referred to. The decision of Mr. Justice Channell was reversed in the Court of Appeal.