§ MR. CLANCYOn behalf of the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Railway Commissioners can prevent the Railway Companies issuing consignment notes which contract them out of all liability for delay, damage, or destruction; and whether he will inquire into those points with reference to Irish railways?
§ MR. BRYCEI am not aware that the Railway Commissioners have any jurisdiction in this matter. The question of the reasonableness of conditions is one for the ordinary Courts of Law, and 447 they are fully competent to deal with any ease in which this point arises. I do not, therefore, see, as at present advised, that an inquiry by the Board of Trade would serve any useful purpose.