§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Attorney-General what applications have been made to him, or his predecessors in office, for a fiat to allow the presentation of petitions of right in respect of claims to recover moneys illegally exacted by Government departments without the consent of Parliament during and subsequent to the War as a condition for the issue of licences or permits; when and by whom such applications were made and the subject matter of the transactions which were referred to in such applications, respectively; whether the fiat was granted in all such cases, and when, and so far as it appears that excessive delay took place the reason for such delay; and what applications were refused and upon what ground?
The ATTORNEY-GENERALI regret that it is not possible for me to furnish my hon. and learned Friend with the information asked for in the first and second parts of this question. I am informed1960W that to do so would necessitate a careful examination of every Petition during the period mentioned, which, would involve the expenditure of so much time and labour that I am certain my hon. and learned Friend would not consider it to be justified. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand it to be a long established rule of this House that the opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown are absolutely confidential and that neither Ministers nor the Law Officers themselves can be interrogated about them. Subject to this reservation, I shall be pleased to furnish my hon. and learned Friend with the information concerning any particular case, if I can properly do so.
§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, what additional claims have been made for the repayment of charges exacted during the War in respect of licences without the consent of Parliament since the issue of the return dated June, 1923, purporting to be a complete list of all claims to 1st August 1922; and whether he will distinguish between such claims as have been the subject of litigation, and indicate in respect of each if judgment has been obtained by the claimants, and when and where possible the stage of any pending litigation in respect of such claims?
Mr. ALEXANDERI have been asked to reply. A further Return giving the information desired will be laid on the Table of the House as soon as possible.
Mr. S. JONESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of the charges imposed by the Minister of Shipping in connection with the transfer of ships to a foreign flag during the continuance of his control; how many successful claims to a refund of these charges have been made; and is he willing to accept further claims for a refund on & similar basis?
Mr. ALEXANDERI have been asked to reply. The total amount received by the Shipping Controller in connection with the transfer of ships to foreign flags was £1,065,000. In one case judgment has been obtained for the refund of the sum of £34,920, but this judgment is at present under appeal. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.