HC Deb 14 February 1927 vol 202 c558
66. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that soap sold in nominal one-pound bars is frequently short in weight; and whether he proposes to take steps to deal with this matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

I am aware that soap is often sold in wrappers or containers hearing no indication of the weight of the eon-tents; but I am not aware that where any representation of weight is made, short weight is commonly given; nor have I evidence of any general demand that the sale of soap by weight should be made compulsory.

Mr. BAKER

Is there any good reason why food retailers alone should be liable to punishment for short weight?

Sir B. CHADWICK

There does not seem to be any general demand, as far as I have been able to learn, for legislation in the matter of soap.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to look into the statements that have recently been made by the Incorporated Society of Inspectors of Weights and Measures with regard to this commodity?