HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 c1755
69. Mr. Arthur Duckworth

asked the Minister of Food what complaints he has received of shopkeepers receiving short weight or measure in wholesale markets; and whether he will take steps to provide shopkeepers with the same protection against short weight or measure that is enjoyed by the purchasing public.

Colonel Llewellin

The same protection against short weight is enjoyed by the retailer as by the purchasing public. When complaints are received from retailers investigations are made by my enforcement officers with a view to possible action under the Maximum Prices Orders.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Have there been any prosecutions of people at Covent Garden and Spitalfields Market, in cases where tomato distributors have been distributing boxes of tomatoes weighing 11 or 11½ lbs. instead of the 12 lbs., which they are supposed to weigh?

Colonel Llewellin

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question on the Paper.

Mr. Walkden

But it happens every week.