§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has considered the effect on the export of eggs and other perishable produce from Ireland to this country of a recent decision of the House of Lords (Lord Shaw dissenting) exonerating railway companies from all loss on damage when such produce is forwarded at owner's risk; and, seeing that the decision amounts to a premium on careless carrying, and must check Irish production by forcing producers either to consign such goods on commission for sale at prices which they cannot control or to pay higher freights, whether it is intended to relieve this situation by legislation or by Order or Regulation?
Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I assume that the case of the Great Western Railway Companyv. Wills is referred to. The decision in that case, however, did not have the effect which the hon. Gentleman supposes. It involved only the question of the proper interpretation to be put upon the terms of the consignment note, which, under the existing law, are not legally binding if unreasonable.