HC Deb 11 August 1920 vol 133 cc429-30W
Sir J. D. REES

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a case in which it was decided that a railway company is liable for the loss of property in the station which was handed over to a porter, as a private arrangement, and not deposited for a fee in the cloak-room provided for the purpose of safeguarding the property of passengers; and whether he will take steps to amend the law, which is unjust to railway proprietors, who are for the most part small investors, and cannot afford to pay the value of articles lost because the owner elects to run a risk rather than pay his twopence?

Mr. NEAL

In the case referred to the learned Judge decided on the facts that the property was in the control of the railway company as carriers, and that in accordance with the law, as it has been long laid down, the company were liable for its loss. No amendment of the law appears to be called for by the finding in this particular case.