§ 63. Mr. Storeyasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the Porter Committee's recommendation that the Court of Appeal should be given a wider discretion to vary the amount of damages awarded by a jury in an action for defamation, he will institute an inquiry into the whole law affecting damages with a view to its amendment.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI assume that in referring to the whole law affecting damages, my hon. Friend has in mind the law relating to the powers of the Court of Appeal in regard to damages awarded by a jury, not only in actions for defamation but in all other cases as well. This matter falls within the terms of reference of the Committee on Supreme Court Practice and Procedure, of which the Master of the Rolls is chairman, and I understand that it is being carefully considered by that Committee.