MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the shipowners controlling the cross Channel transit of live stock compel consignors to sign consignment notes, which contract the carrying companies out of all liability, and whether the Government will take action to protect the shippers of live stock?
MR. LONGI believe that the statement contained in the Question of the hon. Member is correct in some cases; while it would also appear that on lines where full carriers' risks are accepted no greater care has been secured. I am most anxious to do what I can to improve the conditions of the traffic in question, but I am by no means clear that this result would be attained if I were to take action in the direction indicated.