§ Mr. WARDLE (on behalf of the hon. Member for Sunderland, Mr. Summerbell)asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Great Eastern Railway Company are now compelling blind people to sign a document freeing the company from all liability as to any injury or damage while travelling on the railway, and also to provide a guide to see them safely in and out of the train, and, failing the latter provision, the company may refuse them permission to travel; and, if so, what action, if any, it is proposed to take in regard to the matter?
Mr. TENNANTThe form of agreement which the company at present require blind passengers to sign only purports to relieve the company from liability for accidents arising from the passenger's defective sight. The requirement as to guides is as stated by the hon. Member. The Board of Trade have had this question under consideration for some time, and they have now informed the company that, in their opinion, blind passengers might reasonably be allowed to travel unaccompanied at their own risk.
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENIs it not the fact that by this agreement the company ask to be relieved of all liability for accidents to blind travellers?
Mr. TENNANTNo, I understand they only ask to be relieved in the case of accidents arising from the passenger's defective sight.
§ Mr. SNOWDENI think if the hon. Gentleman will refer to the agreement he will find it is not so.