§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of annoyance arising from the deceptive practice of some fruit vendors pricing their goods per half pound weight but in such manner as to make the word "Half" so faint, abbreviated or obscure as to be hardly detectable, he will take action to ensure that all such indications of price are relative to pounds and the inscription is made distinct and plain.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir. I have no powers at present under which I could act. I am however considering whether I should include powers to deal with this practice in any Bill to amend the Weights and Measures Legislation on which, as I announced on 11th November, 1952, in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Sir H. Webbe), consultations are taking place.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say exactly when legislation is likely to be introduced to deal with this malpractice, which is widespread and which causes a great deal of annoyance?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have already given an answer on that subject. The legislation is fairly large and complex. I cannot give any pledge as to the date of its introduction.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonAs this abuse leads to considerable hardship, especially in the case of old people or those who cannot see very well, would the Minister try to expedite the matter if only by dealing with this abuse and not dealing with weights and measures generally?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am giving consideration to the matter. I will discuss it with local authorities and others who have considerable experience of this matter.