§ 31. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the inspectors of weights and measures in Scotland are under the jurisdiction of any of his Departments: if so, will he say whether they inspect in the markets of the various large corporations such as fish markets, meat 1129 markets, etc.; is he aware that grievances exist between buyers and sellers in some of these markets that weights sold are not delivered, and buyers are precluded from complaining because of fear of being penalised; and will he instruct his inspectors to take action in such matters?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Inspectors of weights and measures in Scotland are not under the jurisdiction of the Government, but are appointed and controlled by the local authorities. Section 277 of the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act, 1892, confers on the Commissioners constituted under that Act power to regulate the weighing of goods and carts, etc., in markets. It is part of the duties of inspectors of weights and measures to inspect the weights and measures in markets, and they can deal with such breaches of the Weights and Measures Acts as may be brought under their notice by the public. I have no information as to the existence of grievances such as indicated by the hon. Member, or whether the matters complained of do in effect constitute a breach of these Acts.
§ Mr. WATTAm I to understand that these inspectors are under the jurisdiction of the Corporation! Do they inspect the weights and measures in the Corporation's markets?
§ Mr. WARDLEThey are under the local authority. Whether they are actually engaged in inspecting the weights and measures in places under the Corporation's control I do not know.