§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that 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 inquiries to be made as to the terms and conditions of those consignment notes, with a view to bringing the carrying companies under the operation of the Carriers Act in through rate transactions.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe conditions embodied in such notes appear to be accurately stated in the first part of the Question. A trial has taken place but a final judgment has not, I believe, been given. The matter came before the Departmental Committee on Inland Transit of Animals, appointed in 1897, when the Committee expressed the opinion that the matter was one within the jurisdiction of the Board of Trade.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member puts himself out of court. He cannot reply to the answer.
§ MR. FIELDIs it not the fact then that when I put this question to the Board of Trade I was referred to the right hon. Gentleman, who now refers me back?
§ MR. WYNDHAMPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to communicate with the right hon. Gentleman.