101 F. Supp. 529 | S.D.N.Y. | 1951
On December 27, 1950, summary judgment was granted in favor of the United States on its claim for excessive profits earned by defendants, under the Renegotiation Act as amended, 50 U.S.C.A.Appendix, § 1191. D.C., 96 F.Supp. 22. The entry of an order directing docketing of judgment in the sum found due is now opposed by defendants on the ground that it includes interest at six percent per annum, which rate defendants contend is excessive.
The Act does not provide the rate of interest payable and its allowance and rate are discretionary. United States v. Bonnell, 9 Cir., 180 F.2d 145. The purpose of the Renegotiation Act is to preserve for the Government funds which belong to it and are lield by contractors. The desirability of prompt repayment is obvious. This is effectively insured by allowing the maximum rate of interest on the excessive profits
In the three cases considered by the Supreme Court in Lichter v. United States, 1948, 334 U.S. 742, 68 S.Ct. 1294, 92 L.Ed. 1694, interest was computed and allowed at the rate of six percent per annum. These determinations were affirmed without comment as to the rate of interest.
Interest is, of course, compensa,tory and intended to be neither punitive nor coercive. Six percent is the rate fixed in New York by local law. There are no facts present here which might indicate the fixing of a lower rate of interest.
An order may be submitted providing for entry of judgment with interest at six percent.