§ 4. Mr. LOUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain railway companies are issuing new instructions requiring that goods, such as tea in packets, shall only be forwarded in chests lined with lead or other metal and that they will only agree to receive such articles packed in the usual way at owner's risk; and whether, having regard to the impossibility, owing to war conditions, of obtaining permits for lead or metal and the carelessness with which these goods are often handled and stored in transit, he will undertake that the custom with regard to this matter which existed before the railways were controlled by the Government will be maintained?
Sir A. STANLEYI am aware that the railway companies have given notice that, in view of the unavoidable loss arising from the conveyance of loose tea in packages which are not lined with lead or other metal or securely covered with canvas, they cannot accept liability for any loss or damage which may directly arise from the neglect of these precautions. I am in communication with the companies on the matter, and will let the right hon. Gentleman know the result.