Odium v. Stratton (Defendant's Indemnity)

HC Deb 14 October 1946 vol 427 cc114-5W

78. Mr. N. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent his Department indemnified the defendant against costs and damages in the case of Odium v. Stratton.

Mr. T. Williams

The indemnity given to the defendant in this case was in respect of damages and costs. The damages amounted to £500, which have been paid. The plaintiff's solicitors have not yet delivered their bill of costs so the amount cannot be stated, but the bill will be subject to taxation by a taxing master in the usual way.

140. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Attorney-General the cost to the taxpayer of the guarantee in respect of cost and damages given by his Department to the farmer whose case was tried on 29th July before Mr. Justice Atkinson.

Mr. T. Williams

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 10th October.