HC Deb 22 December 1937 vol 330 cc1969-70
59. Mr. Cassells

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that railway companies in Great Britain, when issuing cheap day tickets, contract themselves out of common law liability for payment of damages to injured persons in the event of railway accidents where fault may attach to any of their employés, thereby causing much hardship to such injured persons; and what steps he is prepared to take to remedy this injustice?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. The matter is not one with regard to which I have any statutory powers, but, as indicated in my answer to a question asked by the hon. Member for Stirling and Falkirk (Mr. Westwood) on 3rd November, I am carefully considering whether there is any useful action that I can take.

Mr. Cassells

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared, in the circumstances outlined in the question, to make a recommendation to the British railway companies to terminate this obviously invidious practice?

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to use his influence with the Prime Minister to give facilities for a Bill that I introduced in order to make the companies liable?