§ MR. SETON-KARR (St. Helens)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is the fact that whereas general markets are compelled by law to provide proper weighing places for articles sold, no such weighing places are provided in cattle markets, and that consequently the weight of live cattle sold cannot be accurately ascertained, and is only arrived at by guess; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will take the necessary steps to remedy this defect, and enforce the provision in cattle markets of the necessary weighing machines?
§ MR. C. T. D. ACLAND (The SECRETARY to the BOARD) (Cornwall, Launceston)I am not aware that, up to the present time, any general demand has been felt, or at any rate expressed, for the provision of weighing houses, weighbridges, or machines for weighing live cattle, although by law provision is made by Local Authorities or Undertakers who regulate markets for weighing articles and commodities sold therein. It does not, however, rest with Her Majesty's Government to enforce the provision of necessary weighing machines for live stock as distinguished from dead meat. Representations should, therefore, be made to the Local Authorities where the means required are not forthcoming. There can be little doubt that the purchase of live stock by weight should be encouraged wherever the locality may be prepared to provide the cost of machines for the purpose.