§ 21. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement on the report of the Committee on Weights and Measures Legislation; and what action he is proposing to take arising out of it which will extend the prohibition of the giving of short weight and measure in retail sales as contained in the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, to wholesale dealings, particularly in fruit and vegetables.
§ Mr. H. StraussAs my right hon. Friend explained in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Sir H. Webbe) on 11th November last, consultations are taking place with the various interests concerned on the many recommendations contained in the report. Those relating to wholesale dealings in fruit and vegetables will be started soon.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the great urgency of this matter and of the widespread complaint by retailers that certain wholesalers, particularly those importing from France, Spain and Italy, are complaining bitterly of short measure? In view of the urgency of the matter will he take steps to make sure that short measure, wherever it comes from, will be treated as an offence?
§ Mr. StraussI am aware of the interest to which this matter is giving rise, and I think the hon. Gentleman will agree as to the complexity of this subject and as to its controversial nature. I think I had better not say anything about the merits while these discussions are proceeding.