§ 1. Mr. W. BAKERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to prevent the increased use of automatic 1204 counter scales having a prejudicial effect upon the public by facilitating short weight, he will appoint a Committee to examine the Weights and Measures Act with a view to improved safeguarding Regulations?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I have no evidence that the particular type of machine to which the question relates has the effect suggested. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the 23rd February. In the circumstances, I see no need for the appointment of a Committee of the kind proposed.
§ 3. Colonel DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade if it is intended to introduce a Bill embodying the proposals of the Food Council in regard to short weight or measure in the sale of foodstuffs and oral misrepresentations of weight or measure?
§ 12. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have considered the recommendations of the Food Council on short weight; and what action they propose to take?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Government have considered the Report of the Food Council, and accept generally the recommendations made in that Report. They propose to prepare and introduce legislation based thereon.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the legislation will be introduced?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I cannot say that.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that every facility will be given to his Bill, and that opinion on the Matter is pretty well unanimous?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman, but it necessarily depends on the facilities which he gives to other Bills what progress I can make with this one. I hope there will be complete unanimity in favour of it.