HL Deb 23 January 1964 vol 254 cc1026-7
BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to be in a position to make a statement on the question of whether or not shipowners should be able to contract out of, or reduce, their Common Law liability to passengers; and whether any such statement could be expedited, if necessary, in view of the summer tourist trade by sea.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD DILHORNE)

My Lords, the Government are giving very careful consideration to the matters raised by the noble Baroness in her Question. If, however, it should be decided that a shipowner ought not to be able to contract out of his Common Law liability to passengers, legislation would be necessary to give effect to this, and I cannot hold out any hope of such legislation during the present Session.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, while thanking the Lord Chancellor for that reply, may I ask whether he is able to answer the first part of my Question, which is when the Government expect to be in a position to make a statement on the position and not on the legislation necessary?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I thought I had answered the first part of the Question. Her Majesty's Government expect to be in a position to make a statement on the subject when consideration had been concluded.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, with due respect as a non-legal person, may I say to the Lord Chancellor that that seems to be unduly complicated. I had not understood it and I do not really understand it now?

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, could the noble and learned Lord say what prevents the enactment of a short measure which would give passengers the same protection as owners of goods have under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1924?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, as I explained last time when I answered questions on this subject, the position with regard to passengers and goods is somewhat different.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, could the noble and learned Lord tell us why it is so different and why it would take such a long time?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, it would not really suit so well if the noble Lady had only the same rights in respect of herself as she might have in respect of her baggage.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

But, my Lords, the noble Lady, being of an inquiring nature, would like to know why?