Eisen v. M. M'Cabe, Ltd [1920] ScotLR 126 (29 November 1920)

Eisen v. M. M'Cabe, Ltd [1920] ScotLR 126 (29 November 1920)

A contract of sale of timber, even if conditional on the buyer obtaining a permit, is struck at and rendered illegal by the Timber Control Order 1918 if the buyer does not hold a permit at the time of contract. No action for damages can be maintained on such a contract.

Citation
[1920] ScotLR 126
Parties
Pursuer: Lewis Eisen; Defender: M. M'Cabe, Limited
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
29 November 1920
Procedural Posture
Civil / Appeal (reclaiming Motion) From Lord Ordinary to Inner House, First Division
Outcome
action dismissed
Legal Topics
Illegality of Contract, Public Policy, War Time Emergency Legislation, Conditional Contracts, Statutory Interpretation

Case Brief

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Parties

Lewis Eisen

Pursuer

M. M'Cabe, Limited

Defender

Procedural Posture

Civil / Appeal (reclaiming Motion) From Lord Ordinary to Inner House, First Division

  1. 1 Whether a contract of sale of timber, conditional on the buyer obtaining a permit, is illegal under the Timber Control Order 1918 if the buyer did not hold a permit at the time of contract.
  2. 2 Whether damages are recoverable for breach of such a contract.

Ratio Decidendi

A contract of sale of timber, even if conditional on the buyer obtaining a permit, is struck at and rendered illegal by the Timber Control Order 1918 if the buyer does not hold a permit at the time of contract. No action for damages can be maintained on such a contract.

Court Disposition

action dismissed

Orders

  • Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary recalled
  • Action dismissed