HC Deb 12 December 1955 vol 547 c810
23. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will regulate the price of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, so that the price per pound is displayed and overcharging made a statutory offence, particularly overcharging for fractional weights.

Mr. Amory

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No. Sir." As to the second part, overcharging, in the sense that customers are not given the full weight or measure for which they have asked and paid, is already an offence under the existing law.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the same report, which I have sent to him, it is stated that overcharging in regard to the extra weight is not an offence and that only overcharging in respect of underweight is an offence? It is stated that overcharging on additional weight over the pound is not an offence. Will he read the report again, and try to facilitate the work of the inspectors'?

Mr. Amory

I understand that if food is sold by weight and the food that is delivered is less than the weight, then that is an offence.