HC Deb 11 March 1881 vol 259 c805
MR. GREER

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, in consequence of the 3½ lb. weight being one of great convenience to many traders, being an aliquot part of the 7 lb. weight, and all other standard weights upwards, he will take into consideration the desirableness of legalising such weight in addition to present standard weights?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

Sir, there are two objections to the suggestion of the hon. Member. The first is that the multiplication of standards throws considerable expense on the local authorities; and the second is that the provision of a new standard weight so like to the existing 4 lb. weight would be the cause of inconvenience, and possibly of fraud. In these circumstances, I shall not be able to comply with the request unless there is a very general demand for such a weight. As a matter of fact, I have only had three applications for it during the last 12 months.