HC Deb 28 November 1955 vol 546 cc170-1W
Mr. Doughty

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the terms of Section 7 (1) of the Law Reform (Limitation of Actions, etc.) Act, 1954, and the practice of the Crown not to rely on the one-year limitation period provided by the Public Authorities Protection Act, 1893, as amended by the Limitations Act, 1939, unless the delay has caused real prejudice to the Department concerned, he will state the policy which Government Departments now propose to follow.

The Attorney-General

In the case of claims in respect of personal injury or death where the cause of action arose after 4th June, 1953, Government Departments will adhere to the three-year limitation period laid down by the Act of 1954. Where the cause of action arose before that date and the claim is still pending Government Departments will not rely upon their rights under the Pubic Authorities Protection Act, 1893, as amended, until three years have elapsed from the date on which the cause of action arose.

I am asked by the Lord Advocate to say that the same practice will be followed in Scotland.