HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2643-4
9. Mr. Westwood

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations which have been made by the County Councils Associations of Scotland and England in regard to the need for an inquiry into weights and measures legislation, suggesting many lines of amendment and extension of existing legislation which would afford better protection for the public, and that these suggestions cannot be met by amendment or extension of the regulations made under the Weights and Measures Acts; and is he now in a position to say whether he is prepared to introduce the necessary amending legislation?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

As I have already explained to the hon. Member, the examination of the regulations is being put in hand and I hope that this examination, which must necessarily take some time, will show that it is possible, by amendment of the regulations, to meet in considerable part the representations by the County Councils' Associations. The question whether a committee of inquiry or legislation is desirable will be considered when the review of existing regulations has been completed.

Mr. Westwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the County Councils' Associations and their technical advisers definitely challenge the statement that it is possible to deal with the proposals which they have submitted for the consideration of his Department by means of amendments, that only two things can be dealt with by amendment, and that all the other proposals must be of necessity require legislation?

Mr. Stanley

It is in order to see whether that view is correct that I am examining these regulations.

Mr. Westwood

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an indication as to when the inquiry will be completed, as there is doubt on the part of some authorities as to whether amendment of the regulations would be effective from the point of view of the safety of the public, which could be provided for by new legislation?

Mr. Stanley

I think we shall deal with it more speedily and effectively in the way I have suggested.