MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to amend the law with respect to the liability of carrying companies to compensate the owners of live stock for injuries inflicted during transit and losses accruing from unwarrantable delay; and whether the proposed Board of Arbitration shall have the power to assess and levy the amount of damage caused by bruises, or deterioration arising from the want of proper accommodation or from the negligence of such companies or their officials?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI am advised that, under the Act of 1854, every Railway Company is liable for loss or injury to horses and cattle occasioned by neglect or default. A company must also deliver within a reasonable time. I do not know to what proposed Board of Arbitration the hon. Member refers.
MR. FIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that we can never get a decision as to what a reasonable time is?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThat is a question for the Courts to decide, having regard to the facts of each particular case.