§ 16. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, although inspectors of weights and measures can take legal action against the seller of goods where it is proved that the weights themselves are false, they cannot take such legal action, except as common informers, where short weight in goods is given by the seller; and whether he will take steps to amend the law to give inspectors of weights and measures the necessary authority to take legal action in this connection, thereby protecting the public against short weight in the purchase of commodities?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)The hon. Member will find the legal position as to short weight fully set out in the Report of the Select Committee on Short Weight, 1914 (H.C. 537 359). As already stated, the Government propose to introduce shortly legislation with regard to the sale of tea and bread.