§ MR. DODD (Essex, Maldon)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House to what extent Railway Companies issue cheap workmen's tickets on the terms that if they are killed or injured on the line the Company is not to be responsible or liable; and, if not, whether the Home Office will procure the information in the form proposed by the Return asked for, or in some similar form?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BURT,) MorpethThe Board of Trade have not the information to enable them to answer my hon. and learned Friend's question, and they feel that it is unreasonable that they should press the Railway Companies for a Return. The tickets would appear to be in the nature of contracts between the Companies and passengers in return for facilities specially conceded, and they are quite distinct from any matter in regard to which the Board of Trade have administrative functions in connection with Railway Companies. I am, of course, unable to answer for the Home Office.
§ MR. DODDAm I to understand that the Board of Trade declines or is unable to procure the necessary information?
§ MR. BURTThey think it would not be reasonable to press the Railway Companies to make such a Return.
§ MR. DODDUnder these circumstances, I shall take an opportunity of calling the attention of the House to the matter.