§ 22. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints made by the Public Control Committee of the London County Council to the fact that people who buy coke in quantity in the London area often obtain short weight; that in many cases the sacks sold are 200 pounds short per ton; and whether, in view of the recommendation of the committee, he 340 will consider the introduction of legislation to provide that coke shall be sold by weight only and its sale be made in a manner similar to that of coal?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I have been asked to reply. My attention has been called to complaints of this kind, but, as at present advised, I am not prepared to introduce legislation in regard to this matter, which presents considerable difficulties. Meantime, I shall watch with interest the results of any local legislation dealing with the question.
§ Colonel DAYIs there any way the right hon. Gentleman can suggest people can be protected from having coke sold to them with water and other than the correct weight?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERProtection against having coke unduly watered would not be met by the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a fact that at gas works and places where they make coke the amount of water sprayed on the hot coke is known and the evaporation is known to a certain point of coolness? Why not be honest about the thing, and have it done?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERBecause the practice need not necessarily be constant. The proportion of water may vary.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERDo we understand the right hon. Gentleman thinks local legislation can be used to deal with the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere are, in fact, a number of provisions in local Acts of Parliament, and it will be very interesting to watch the experiment and see how far it is successful before we embark on national legislation.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a fact that the gas works are all right? It is after they have been distributed and gone elsewhere that it takes place.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I am not altogether aware of that. There is a good deal of conflict of evidence and conflict of practice.
Mr. SANDEMANIs it not a fact that atmospheric conditions will have a great deal to do with the amount of moisture?