HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc1044-5
13. Mr. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some retail coal merchants are still delivering domestic coal without any kind of invoice and without carrying scales on which bags of coal might be checked by the consumer; and if he will take additional steps to safeguard householders against unfair trading practices in this matter.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Under the Weights and Measures Acts, the enforcement of which rests with local authorities, weight tickets are required in the case of coal only when sales exceed 2 cwts. These Acts do not require coal vehicles to carry scales, but local authorities may prescribe this by by-law.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the attention of the Minister been drawn to a report published by the Middlesex County Council a month or two ago, showing that its inspectors had examined about 9,000 bags of coal and that in one in four there was short-weight? When will the Minister, in conjunction with the local authorities, take active steps to show the tiniest flicker of interest in the interests of the consumer?

Mr. Thorneycroft

My thoughts were more with Fife than Middlesex, but I am grateful for the information, and as the hon. Gentleman has a Question down about what is happening in Fife, I will reserve my fire for that one.

Mr. Hamilton

I will ask that Question now.

14. Mr. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has concerning the nature of the checks made on coal deliveries by the inspectors of weights and measures in Scotland; and whether he is satisfied that such checks are adequate to safeguard the interests of the domestic consumer.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am informed that 25,695 bags and 659 loads of coal were checked by inspectors of weights and measures in Scotland during the course of 12 months. I have no reason to believe that they checked too few.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that I am not so much interested in how many were checked as in how many there was short-weight? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many prosecutions took place as a result of those inspections, and the nature of the fines imposed?

Mr. Thorneycroft

There were 1,992 bags and 48 loads of coal which did not contain the correct weight. There were 49 successful prosecutions about those, and there were also 36 successful prosecutions under by-laws for other related offences, such as not carrying weighing machines. I do not think I know the extent of the fines.