HC Deb 26 August 1895 vol 36 cc800-1
MR. J. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that numerous cases have occurred in which auctioneers have been found to so neglect the balancing of the cattle weighing machines erected within their public auction marts that such machines have shown errors during the course of a sale of from 50 to 60 lbs.; and whether he will take steps to secure that these auctioneers shall comply with the provisions of the Weighing of Cattle Acts?

* THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. WATER LONG,) Liverpool, West Derby

Representations have from time to time been made as to the failure of auctioneers to maintain their weighing machines in proper order. These representations have been brought to the notice of the Local Authorities under the Weights and Measures Acts, who have the same powers with regard to the inspection and verification of such machines as they possess in the case of other weights and measures. I should be glad to give attention to any specific complaints or difficulties arising under the Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Acts which may be brought under my notice.