§ Captain Hewitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the loss sustained by fish 93W merchants in Hull owing to delays in rail transport due to hot axle boxes; and if he will consult the British Transport Commission with a view to the abolition of the wilful misconduct clause in the carriage conditions, so that some amelioration may be given to the fish traders.
§ Mr. John HareI am informed by the British Transport Commission that only about 15 out of 50,000 wagons carrying fish from Hull to London were stopped by hot axle boxes during 1958. Where losses have been caused by late arrival due to delays on rail British Railways have paid claims. Carriage conditions and claims for loss are a matter between the Commission and the traders concerned, and I am informed that the whole question of delays to fish traffic was recently discussed at a meeting between representatives of the trade and senior officers of British Railways.