HC Deb 29 November 1927 vol 211 cc234-5
10. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of his suggestion to local authorities that until there are adequate facilities for milk distributors, to provide themselves with bottles or measuring instruments, duly stamped, no action should be taken under the Weights and Measures Acts in respect of the continued use of unstamped bottles, he will state how many milk bottling-and-measuring machines have been approved by the Standards Department for stamping; and how many are under consideration at the present time?

Captain HACKING

Fourteen patterns of machines for measuring and bottling milk have, so far, been approved. Four other patterns are awaiting examination.

Mr. ALEXANDER

In view of the fact that a large number of traders are already provided with the necessary machinery, is there any reason why we should not operate the Act at once?

Captain HACKING

There are many reasons. The first is that a certain number of inspectors would be required to carry out the work and see that there were no evasions. A second reason is that this portion of the Act does not come into operation until 1st January.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a Circular has been issued by the Board of Trade on this matter and that a large number of traders already have the machinery and are giving the net measure. Ought they to be placed in an unfair position in competition with those who are not doing so?

Captain HACKING

It is rather unreasonable to expect 50,000,000 bottles to be marked by 1st January.