HC Deb 10 December 1941 vol 376 cc1510-1
23. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the unsatisfactory position arising under the Railway (Sheeting of Traffic) Order, whereby the responsibility for loss of perishable goods through railway companies not sheeting traffic falls upon the owner of the goods without a right to claim compensation under his War Risk Commodity Insurance policy, he will consider making an Order extending the definition of King's Enemy Risks contained in Article 4 of the War Risks (Commodity Insurance) (No. 2) Order. 1941, so as to cover such a loss and remedy this unsatisfactory position?

Colonel Llewellin

No, Sir. The terms of the War Risks Insurance Act, 1939, as amended by the War Damage Act, 1941, preclude such loss from being brought within the scope of the War Risks Commodity Insurance Scheme.

Mr. Culverwell

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that traders are being compelled by the Government in certain conditions to use inadequately covered wagons, and that the Government have exempted the railway companies from all liability for damage caused thereby? Is not that a gross injustice to the traders, who are thus involved in considerable losses, and could not something be done to enable them to insure themselves against these losses?

Colonel Llewellin

It is true that at one time we prohibited double sheets because of the shortage of tarpaulin, but the Sheeting of Traffic Order has now been annulled, and there is a far greater supply of tarpaulin than there was. I think that any damage which may have been suffered last winter will not be suffered this winter.

Mr. Culverwell

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend suggest that, as a result of the greater amount of tarpaulin available, there will be no loss? Does he shelter behind that hope? What I am asking is that if there is to be loss the Government should bear it and not the traders, who in this respect have to suffer through no fault of their own.

Colonel Llewellin

The goods are moved away from the ports, which may be extremely vulnerable target areas where goods might be destroyed. We have to get the ports cleared and we have to give directions that they shall be cleared. I am afraid we cannot give compensation to everybody who is given a direction by the Government in the national interest.