§ 41. Mr. BUCHANANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that coal delivered in wagons at Gushetfaulds Station, Glasgow, to coal dealers are frequently short by many cwts. in the weight for which they have to pay: and whether he proposes to take any steps to see that the coal is delivered at the proper weight?
The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)I have been asked to reply. The complaints received by the Board of Trade do not indicate that the trouble is widespread, nor is it easily ascertainable how the shortage has been caused. The cost of prevention would be so heavy and so general that I do not think it would be advisable to take action to meet those comparatively few cases for which compensation cannot be recovered.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that these comparatively poor people who have to buy their coal are not defrauded when they pay for it; and is it not possible for inspectors of some kind to be sent up there to stop the practice?
§ Mr. GUYWill there not be an opportunity for dealing with this point in the Weights and Measures Bill?
§ Mr. BUCHANANI wag talking to the Minister and not to the hon. Gentleman. 2292 Is it not possible for the Department to see that an inspector is present to ensure that the proper weighing is carried out?
Captain CROOKSHANKI will convey the request to my hon. Friend. The number of cases that have been brought to our notice is extremely small.