§ 23. Mr. MACLEANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of complaints against traders of giving short weight and charging full prices for the articles sold; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation giving power to impose heavier penalties, issue instructions to shops inspectors to be more active, or appoint more inspectors to secure closer supervision?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have been asked to reply. This matter is now before the Food Council, and any recommendations they may make will receive full consideration.
§ Mr. MACLEANI should like to ask what the subject referred to in this particular question has to do with the Food Council? Were not the Food Council appointed to consider cases in which excessive prices are charged for food? This question deals with short weight.
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe points the hon. Member brings forward have come to the attention of the Government, and are being earnestly considered by them, and it has been considered desirable to place the whole question before the Food Council. The recommendations of the Food Council will, we hope, be forthcoming shortly.