HC Deb 03 March 1980 vol 980 c49W
Mr. Walter Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to prevent firms which undertake the private carriage of valuable goods from limiting their liability unreasonably in the case of loss or damage to those goods.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

No. As a result of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 a condition which limits the financial liability of a carrier is ineffective if it cannot be shown to be fair and reasonable. Where the liability is limited to a fixed sum the Act requires that regard shall in particular be had to the resources of the carrier and the extent to which it was open to him to cover himself by insurance.