Oral Answers to Questions — Transport. – in the House of Commons at on 8 March 1939.
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the many representations which have been forwarded to him by persons using British railways who are assumed to have entered into a contract under which they have no legal right to claim against the railway companies for compensation for loss, damage, injury, or delay, whatever the reasons, he will consider introducing legislation that will prevent the railway companies from contracting out of their liabilities to the general travelling public in this way?
Mr Edward Burgin
, Luton
No such representations have reached me recently. I see no need for legislation. I am satisfied with the undertakings given by the main line railway companies which were communicated by me to the House in answer to questions as long ago as 13th April, 1938.
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
Will the Minister further communicate with the four main line railway companies in order to have this matter made quite clear?
Mr Cecil Poole
, Lichfield
Is it not a fact that the main line railway companies already meet compensation claims for loss, damage, injury and delay?
Mr Edward Burgin
, Luton
As I have said I am satisfied with the undertakings, all of which will be found in the Official Report of 13th April, 1938.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
