§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of 179 Trade whether the carrying companies operating in Ireland compel the consignors of live stock to sign through consignment notes, in which the companies claim to deliver live stock in whatever condition they may happen to be, and at whatever time is convenient to the companies, thus relieving them from all liability, except where wilful neglect on the part of their servants can be proved; whether he is aware that a trial has taken place regarding the matter; and whether he will cause inquires to be made as to the terms and conditions of those consignment notes, with a view to bring the carrying companies under the operation of the Carriers Act in through rate transactions.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have referred this question to my right hon. friend the Chief Secretary, as President of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, and if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the subject for some future day my right hon. friend will be prepared to deal with it.